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Pine Plains (Dutchess County)

Why we love it

The staircase on Stissing Mountain’s fire tower seems to be never-ending — you wind your way up, up and up again. That’s because while most of the region’s towers top off around 60 feet, this one lords over them — reaching 90 feet, high above the treetops. That extra height affords some amazing views of Thompson Pond, surrounding fields and distant mountains. The 3-mile round-trip hike is steep in spots, but for those motivated to clamber up the 1,400-foot mountain and brave enough to climb the tower, the panoramic payoff makes it all worthwhile.

More to explore

A trail just around the corner from the Stissing Mountain trailhead circles Thompson Pond, formed by a glacier more than 10,000 years ago. Nearby Pine Plains also offers shopping and dining options.

Highlights

• Moderate to strenuous hike through beautiful woodland scenery
• 90-foot fire tower with outstanding views

Directions, hours, etc.: https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/stissing-mountain/