High Peaks Wilderness Heart Lake Fire Tower Road

The old fire tower road to Heart Lake cuts through some of the most rugged terrain in the High Peaks Wilderness, following the route maintenance crews used to supply the now-abandoned Mount Jo Fire Tower. The trail starts at the Adirondack Loj parking area and climbs through dense hardwood forest before opening to rocky sections that test ground clearance and traction. At mile 3.2, you’ll hit the notorious “Staircase” — a series of granite ledges that separate drivers from passengers real quick.

This is moderate technical driving that demands high-clearance 4WD and skid plates. Summer months offer the best conditions, though mud season turns sections into axle-deep soup. No permits required, but parking fills by sunrise during peak season. The payoff is worth the bruising — 360-degree views of the High Peaks from the old tower foundation, plus dispersed camping opportunities along Heart Lake’s shoreline for those willing to pack it in.