Most New Hampshire fire towers are built with a metal frame, wooden stairs, and a wooden observation deck. I think that’s why the stone observation tower on Mount Prospect in Lancaster piqued my interest. But getting there and back meant 4-hours in the car for a hike that’s only about 3 miles! The payoff didn’t seem worth it, so I prioritized Fire Towers closer to home to complete the New Hampshire Fire Tower Quest.
One chilly November day, I was feeling particularly lazy and I decided a tour of the North Country and a short hike wouldn’t be the worst way to spend my time. Plus, I could write this post for more WordPress practice (photo carousels – yay!) and knock another fire tower off my to-do list!
Because this was a sort of impromptu adventure, and because I was thinking about hitting Chutters candy counter more than hiking to the fire tower, I got a late start and arrived at the entrance to Weeks State Park Road around 2 pm. Sunset is around 4:30 pm this time of year and so I needed to get moving.
With my dog leading the way, we started up the road, opting to take it all the way up to the tower instead of one of the many trails that crisscross the park. The grade is mild and would be a pleasant, easy, walk for families with small children. The only hazard we faced on this day was the occasional patch of black ice. If you plan to visit in the winter, I’d recommend bringing your microspikes just in case.
It’s fair to say I completely underestimated how spectacular the views from the auto road would be! All the leaves had fallen off the trees and the views were endless. From the East Overlook, the Presidential Range stood, stately and snow-covered, and if I squinted just right, I could make out the Mount Washington Observatory.
The road turns sharply up toward the summer home of John Wingate Weeks, which is now a museum, and the stone fire tower. From the flyers posted at the start of the road, I learned that John Wingate Weeks (1860-1926) was a Lancaster native, US Congressman, and US Senator. Present day New Hampshire, and the wider country, might be a different place altogether if it weren’t for John Weeks. Observing the severe negative impacts of timber harvesting, Weeks crafted a law that “has protected over 20 million acres of forests, created over 52 national forests, and is still enabling law. The White Mountain National Forest was among the first to be protected.” (2021 Pamphlet. NHSTATEPARKS.ORG) While neither the tower nor museum were open during my visit, I enjoyed walking around the grounds taking photos.
You might think I’m a bit crazy to travel so far when the place wasn’t even open, but I’m happy I made the drive! Weeks State Park is a really unique site with easy access and the added bonus of being dog friendly. I plan to return when the museum is open and make a weekend trip out of it so that I can hike to all of the northernmost New Hampshire fire towers. Once I do, I’ll write all about it!
- Difficulty - EASY
- Distance - 3 Miles Round Trip
- Plenty of Parking
- NH Fire Tower Quest
- Leashed Dogs Allowed
- Check if Facilities are Open
