Dickinson Hill Fire Tower restoration project complete

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GRAFTON, N.Y. (NEWS10)– A restoration project on the last remaining fire tower in Rensselaer County is complete. The work included repairing all the tower steps and the entire cab and platform decking on the Dickinson Hill Fire Tower at Grafton Lakes State Park.

The tower was built in 1924 and was used to scan the horizon for the first signs of wildfire. The tower remained in service until 1972 before being restored and reopened in 2012 as a recreational destination.

The tower made the National Register of Historic Places in 2011 and is now a popular for hiking.

“Fire towers like Dickinson Hill connect us to New York’s conservation roots while offering some of the best views in the state,” Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York Paul Steely White said. “It’s inspiring to see these historic sites gaining new life, and we’re proud to help the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park keep this incredible landmark thriving.”

The restoration project was designed to preserve the structure. In addition to replacing steps and repairing the cab and platform decking, new safety wire around the structure was placed, and the tower was repainted. Additionally, new interpretive panels detailing the tower’s history and an updated map to provide trail and amenities around the park.

“I began my management career at Grafton when the fire tower was handed over to NYS Parks in 2012,” said Grafton Lakes Park Manager Melissa Miller. “Now 13 years later, I’m excited and humbled people are still dedicated to preserving, interpreting and celebrating this iconic structure.”

The fire tower preservation work was funded in part by a $9,256 grant from the state Parks and Trails department.

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Cassie Abel

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