This 1918 fire tower sits at 3,155 feet on Cataract Mountain in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. The 20-foot steel tower is one of the oldest operational lookouts in the region, offering panoramic views across the Pemigewasset Wilderness toward Mount Washington and the Presidential Range. The cabin at the base houses seasonal fire detection equipment, and visitors can climb the tower during daylight hours.
Access via a moderate 1.8-mile hike from the Sawyer Pond Trail parking area off Route 302. The trail gains about 800 feet of elevation through mixed hardwood forest. Best visited May through October when the access road is clear. No facilities at the summit — pack water and expect rocky, exposed conditions at the tower.
1918 steel tower above the Pemigewasset Wilderness
Place Details
| Type | Fire Lookout |
|---|---|
| Street address | Main Street, Bethlehem, New Hampshire 03574 Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 3155 ft |
| Nearest town | Bethlehem, New Hampshire |
| Miles from pavement | 1.8 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 0 nights |
| Best season | May-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |