Trip North - Hadley Moutain Fire Tower Hike

Gary's daughter is up from Colorado visiting and invites me to hike up to Hadley Mountain Fire Tower.  Haven't done a challenging hike in a while so I say yes!

We get there at 6;45 a.m. 

Only 1 other car in the lot but another pulls in shortly after us.

Donna signs us in

It is 1.8 miles one way and ascends 1525'

I spot this red spotted newt and scooch him over by a big rock 

so he doesn't get stepped on.

Here's a rock formation that looks like a giant sea turtle

A chipmunk hanging out

Are we there yet?

We are not slugs, but we pass one

I think we might be getting close

an opening with a view

It;s got to be just around the next bend

and there it is!

Made it!

Made it to the top so might as well keep going another 100 ft.

Hello down there!

Unfortunately the observation deck is locked

We had some company

Back down with a short side trail to the Fire Tower Homestead

Gary's grandfather, Peter Burnham, lived here when he was a Ranger, 

As we descended there were dozens of people coming up.  We finally make it down to the Parking Lot. 

and it is packed

as is the road in  both directions.  Glad we got an early start!

A great hike.  We finished at 10:15 - 3.5 hours, including 45 minutes at the top.  Not bad!