Friends of St. Regis Mountain Fire Tower

05/26/2026

Did you know that each Adirondack fire tower was equipped with a circular, panoramic map of the surrounding terrain which was essential in pinpointing the location of a whisp of smoke in the distance?

The panoramic maps were depictions of the terrain seen from an oblique elevated angle and provided a 360° view of the tower's landscape out to a distance of twenty miles. This map is from 1920 and shows the view from the Saint Regis Mountain fire observation tower in Santa Clara, Franklin County.

Image: New York State Archives

05/22/2026

A couple of years ago the Friends group acquired a museum quality display case from Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake. Volunteers renovated the case and placed it in the Main Room of the Paul Smith's College VIC. Inside the case are historic artifacts and memorabilia used by Observers on St. Regis Mountain and other fire towers. Rounding out the display are posters, replica panoramic panels, a trail sign and the original map table. All of this is an ever changing “work in progress.”
The Paul Smith's College VIC is a strong partner with the Friends of St. Regis Mountain Fire Tower. Stop by the VIC to check out the display and the view of Heron Marsh with the fire tower in the background. While you are there, pick up a free 2” St. Regis sticker or purchase larger stickers, hats and patches in the VIC store, proceeds benefit both organizations.
During your visit to the VIC give yourself some time to take a walk or a hike on one of their beautiful trails. You’ll be glad you did.
Your support helped make this display a reality. Thank you.
http://www.friendsofstregis.org/Donate-2/

05/12/2026

Come out to the Paul Smith's College VIC on Friday, June 5th to hear some great music.
While you are there be sure to check out the St. Regis Mountain Fire Tower display. Members from our group will be on hand to chat, be sure to stop by and pick up a free sticker.

The Susquehanna String Band is coming back to the North Country !! We will be doing a concert at the VIC in Paul Smiths on Friday June 5th at 7:00 pm. Pass on the word, we are so excited to be performing at one of our favorite venues in the North Country. If you are in the area we would LOVE to see you. For tickets and more information contact The Paul Smiths VIC at 518-327-6241. Hope to see you there !

05/11/2026

The Friends of St. Regis Mt. Fire Tower recently held their Annual Board Meeting at the Paul Smith's College VIC. It will be a busy summer with three projects planned for the tower. We will finish installing new safety fencing on the stairs and landings, plus putting a new coat of paint on the tower cab. The temporary south and east view panoramic panels will be replaced with high quality permanent panels that will withstand the harsh summit conditions for many years.
We are excited to announce that in coordination with the VIC and the NYS DEC there will be a Summit Steward on the mountain five days a week throughout the summer.
We will be continuing to enhance the historic display about the tower in the VIC Main Lodge. We will also be working with VIC staff and local artists to produce an outdoor panoramic panel on the VIC deck which will interpret the view of Heron Marsh with St. Regis Mountain in the background.
We will again be part of the Annual Lighting of Fire Towers, held throughout NYS on Saturday, September 5th. Later this summer, watch for details about this and the dinner held at Hohmeyer's Lake Clear Lodge & Resort in conjunction with the lighting.
We are proud to partner with the Paul Smith's College VIC and Hohmeyer's Lake Clear Lodge & Resort to promote our efforts on St. Regis Mountain.
Check out our website for ways to be part of the action or to make a contribution to our work.
We hope to see you out there and to give you a sticker when we do.
http://www.friendsofstregis.org/

03/07/2026

Veteran making Paul Smith's College strong since 1946.

AJ Beaudoin, director of Battlefish Academy and a veteran, discovered fly-fishing while studying at Paul Smith's College. What began as time on an Adirondack river became something deeper: purpose, patience, perception — and a path forward.

Today, he leads Battlefish Academy as it equips veterans to step confidently into in-demand professions — building skills, businesses, and lasting connections along the way. The result is more than employment; it’s renewed purpose, practical opportunity, and a community that understands service.

Read AJ’s story and see Battlefish Academy’s impact at the link in the comments.

12/31/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ZBnfsqgf4/

12/10/2025

A big shout out to everyone who has supported us. We are overwhelmed by your generosity and interest in our efforts to restore and preserve the fire tower.
If you are looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer, check out our patches, hats and stickers. You can get them directly from us or pick them up at the Paul Smith's College VIC and support both our organizations.
http://www.friendsofstregis.org/Donate-2/
Thanks for another great year.

10/20/2025

Thanks for the shout out Bill

Discover one of the Adirondacks' most rewarding hikes on St. Regis Mountain in Santa Clara, NY. This 7-mile round trip challenging trail features a historic 1918 fire tower offering panoramic summit views through mature pine, hemlock, and birch forests with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

10/15/2025

Finley