Olson Firetower – 100 Foot Tower

Back in the 1963, the Forest Service ran into a problem with their 60-foot Backbone Mountain Firetower, constructed in 1922 by State of West Virginia.The trees had grown too tall around the tower, and it was decided to scrap the 40-year old tower and replace it with a 100 foot Aermotor tower, with the ability to climb to the roof of the tower via a ladder for even better views (!!) Aermotor offered towers up to 175 feet.

The Forest Service bought a 100 foot tower, name Olson Firetower, to put on the mountain, which is still an impressive height as the tallest fire-tower in New York State is only 70 foot (Wakely Mountain). It's a good climb for sure at 30 feet higher then Wakely and is 133 steps to the cabin.

The circa-1963 Olson Tower is named after Ernst B. Olson in recognition of 28 years of fire control and conservation program service to Monongahela National Forest.

Taken on Thursday October 26, 2023 at Olson Firetower.

Truck Camping

In the morning, having my cup of coffee and getting ready to face the day's adventures. I need to get a table, so I don't have so much clutter on my tailgate -- there are no picnic tables at Stoney Pond.

Taken on Sunday November 7, 2010 at Stoney Pond State Forest.

Warmest Halloween on Record

Warmest Halloween
on Record πŸŽƒ
Year High
2024 79
2019 75
1946 73
1942 71
1965 70
2006 70
1950 69
2009 68
2003 67
1974 66
1999 66
1945 65
1948 65
1982 65
1989 65
Andy Arthur, 10.31.24
NWS Albany