Atop Morrow Mountain stands a silent sentinel. A communication tower piercing the sky. This is Morrow Mountain State Forest. A primitive place of 1290 acres. It’s the highest point in Madison County. Reaching a lofty 2142 feet.
Morrow Mountain State Forest isn’t your typical park. It’s wild. Untamed. It boasts only a snowmobile trail. This trail follows the Public Forest Access Road. It winds from northwest to southeast. There are no formal hiking trails. However hiking is permitted. This is unless signs indicate otherwise.
Once a 67-foot-6-inch steel fire lookout tower stood here. Built in 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It served its purpose until 1970. Aerial fire detection made it obsolete. It was later dismantled and purchased. A New Hartford resident planned to rebuild it. He intended to rebuild it at a camp in Oppenheim.
The forest is alive with the colors of autumn. Sugar maple trees dominate. Their leaves ablaze in reds and yellows. Legend speaks of spirit hunters. They supposedly slew the Great Bear constellation. The bear’s blood stained the leaves red. The fat splattered from their cooking kettle turning others yellow. Visit in October for breathtaking views.
Morrow Mountain State Forest is free to explore. It’s open year-round. Find solace in its simplicity. Discover the quiet beauty of this unique New York landscape. The memory of a towering fire tower. The vibrant hues of autumn leaves. It is all part of Morrow Mountain’s enduring legacy.