Stillwater Fire Tower

I feel like I'm playing catch up when it comes to hiking and traveling. I moved to New York during the winter, so the snow limited my ability to go out. Then, once the snow was gone, quarantine happened. Now, I'm able to go to parks and hike some trails. Let me tell you, I've missed it so much. 

I drove a couple miles from home and into the mountains. I ended up in the forest with no cell signal. Who doesn't love that? I do. I love being able to disconnect from the world for a little bit and just lose myself in nature. 

The drive took me down a road that quickly changed from pavement to dirt. Parking was a little lot on the side of the road, with 3 spots. 

The trail itself was beautiful and ran deep into the forest. There was a couple small foot bridges that went over a little stream that ran along the trail.

 It had a slight incline, but wasn't anything too difficult. At the end of the trail there is a clearing where the fire tower stands. There's even a little picnic table where you can have a picnic or just enjoy nature. 

Climbing the tower was an experience. I'm slightly afraid of heights and the wind was gusting but the tower isn't super high, so it doesn't take long to get to the top. 

The view from inside the tower was absolutely stunning. There are windows in the tower that you can open up to get pictures. 

Inside there is a map that has a little metal rod that you can spin around. The road points to specific locations on the map, which you can see from the tower. 

The hike was roughly 2 miles there and back. I highly recommend wearing bug spray. The mosquitoes were crazy.  

As always, whatever trash you bring with you, take with you when you leave.

Would you climb the tower to see this amazing view ?

Pixley Falls New York

With New York slowly opening up after the quarantine, it was time to get out of the house and into the woods. It's been far too long since I've been able to hike. I've missed it. 

I decided to go to Pixley Falls. 

The main falls

It's a 1.2 mile hike located near Booneville, NY, although if you want to just see the main falls, it's shorter. I decided to just do the entire trail. 

The main falls were gorgeous. There is a nice little picnic table near the base of the falls for you to sit and have lunch. There was quite a few people at the falls, so we decided to continue on through the trail. 

It was quiet and peaceful and not crowded at all. Birds and chipmunks were running around beside us. The trail isn't the best marked, but it's easy to figure out where to go. 

All along the trail, there are multiple smaller waterfalls. It's definitely worth the hike. The trail was a little muddy in places, but was fairly easy to do.

You're even able to be on top of the falls, if you so choose. Just be careful because the rocks can be slick. 

Overlooking the main falls

I highly recommend this hike if you want something short, not to difficult and full of beautiful scenery.

As always, respect the area. Don't go off the trail or bother nature. And please, take out any trash that you bring in.

What's your favorite waterfall hike?