Dickinson Hill Fire Tower(Grafton Lakes State Park-Rensselaer County)

Headed up to into the Rensselaer County hills this afternoon to hike the Dickinson Hill Fire Tower at Grafton Lake State Park.  Bluebird skies and comfortable temps in the upper 20's greeted me as I arrived at the trailhead along Long Pond Road, elevation just under 1600 feet.  The drive in on Long Pond Road was okay, but a bit icy in spots.  I can certainly see this becoming more of a mud issue as our temperatures become much more spring like in the upcoming days.

The hike is really a nice and easy walk east along an old, abandoned town road that eventually leaves the State Park as it slowly climbs.  There are very few inclines at all, and the trail was nicely packed down by snowmobiles meaning spikes would suffice.

Informative signage regarding fire towers in the state can be found in various spots along the trail.

Located at the 1768 foot summit of Dickinson Hill, and constructed back in 1924, the 68 foot fire tower sits in a small clearing and is open to the public.

From the cab of the fire tower there are 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape.  The view north, here, takes in much of Washington County with the distant southern Adirondacks on the far horizon.

To the south and east, the Taconic ridgeline forms a vitual wall behind a State Police communications tower.

A unique view to the northeast into southern Vermont.

Clouds were unfortunately quickly rolling in as I attempted to capture the view to the SW.  Under clear conditions, the Catskills can easily be picked out on the horizon, but they were obscured today.

After enjoying the fire tower views, I headed back down, slowly losing elevation.  Near the park boundary I saw handsome old stone walls, mostly hidden beneath a still deep snow pack.

I really took my time on the return hike, enjoying a quiet stroll through the sun splashed woods.

Once back down to the car, I decided to continue down the short distance to Long Pond, which was still completely frozen over.  There was even one solitary ice fisherman out in the middle of the water.

Hiked about 3 miles RT, with over 400 feet of ascent(including the trip to Long Pond).  A very quiet and peaceful hike, as I only saw one other couple coming up the trail as I was heading down.