The firetower on Cathedral Rock used to be on Tooley Pond Mountain, but was moved here by Ranger School Students in the mid 1900s. A NYS Ranger monument is located on a large erratic at the summit; the tower is right behind. The views from the tower of the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest are fantastic.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 250 feet
• Elevation: 1,725 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and road walks

Hiking Cathedral Rock

From the parking area, locate the gravel, gated road and hike down this. Continue for a couple hundred feet to Latham trail on the right. ESF has marked the trail with black-and-white diamond shaped markers. Four times the Latham Trail will cross gravel roads; be sure to stay on the maintained footpath. This trail will pass through the campus forest and cross a few back roads that are used by the campus. Eventually the trail will come to a foot trail as it crosses the final road. From here the trail approaches steep cliffs and swings around to the top of them to the left. Above here there are steep drop–offs. You will climb up a few stairs to another small cliff and swing back around to a small pavilion. Soon after the pavilion there is Tower Road which you will lead you to the tower.

Cathedral Rock in the winter

This is a great introduction to snowshoeing hike. Most of the gravel roads on property are unplowed, making them nice to ski or snowshoe. However, the final switchback should be avoided in winter on cross-country skis. At the fourth road intersection, turn left and follow the road uphill for 0.2 miles. Then, take a right to find yourself on Tower Road, which leads right to the tower. Although a fairly short trail, still make sure to be prepared for all winter conditions, and take off your traction devices before heading up the firetower.

Discover more trails near Tupper Lake

Looking to find some more trails to hike near Tupper Lake? With endless mountains, lakes, and waterfalls to visit in the Adirondacks, there are always more trails to discover!

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 3 and Route 30 in the Village of Tupper Lake, follow Route 3 toward Cranberry Lake. Follow Route 3 for 33.4 miles to CR61 (Wanakena Road) on the left. Follow here and make a left onto Ranger School Road. Follow this road down to Arboretum Road which brings you behind the Ranger School. Take the first left back to a large parking area by a field.