A large wasp nest has forced the temporary closure of a well-known fire tower in the Eastern Adirondacks.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation issued a notice on Thursday, July 31, that the Belfry Mountain Fire Tower in the Hammond Pond Wild Forest is temporarily closed until further notice due to the presence of a large, active wasp nest.
The tower is normally open to the public and offers stunning views of the Champlain Valley and Adirondack High Peaks.
The Belfry Mountain Fire Tower is known as one of the easiest fire towers to access in the Adirondacks and it’s excellent for any age or skill level.
The hike up and down is 0.7 miles round trip on an access road with little elevation change.
Hammond Pond Wild Forest consists of 45,500 acres in the eastern Adirondacks. Paradox Lake, Eagle Lake, Hammond Pond, Moose Mountain Pond, and many other ponds are located within or border the area. Portions of the East Branch Ausable River, the Schroon River, and the Boquet River — including Split Rock Falls — are also located within or along the wild forest.
