Mohawk Trail State Forest Fire Tower Road
CCC fire tower climb through Berkshire wilderness
The fire tower road in Mohawk Trail State Forest climbs 1,200 feet through dense mixed hardwood forest to reach the active Todd Mountain Fire Tower at 1,982 feet. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this narrow dirt track switchbacks up the mountain’s north face, passing stone foundations from old logging camps and crossing several seasonal streams that can wash out sections during spring melt.
Moderate difficulty requiring high-clearance 4WD, especially in wet conditions when the clay-based soil turns slippery. The road is typically open May through October, though early season can be muddy from snowmelt. No permits required. The payoff is panoramic views from the tower platform stretching from Mount Monadnock to the Green Mountains, plus excellent dispersed camping opportunities in the surrounding 1,700-acre forest.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 3.2 mi / 5.1 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1982 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Charlemont, MA |
| Land manager | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.