Cross River Mountain Fire Tower
US 1825, NY 58
Lookout Details
| Registry Numbers | US 1825, NY 58 (view other lookouts in United States, New York) |
| Date Registered | May 27, 2026 |
| Nominated by | Robert Cummings |
| Location |
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Westchester County, New York |
| Coordinates |
N 41° 14.702' W 073° 34.400' (view using Google Maps) N 41° 14' 42" W 073° 34' 24" N 41.245041° W 073.573331° |
| Elevation | 870 ft (265 m) |
| Built | 1926 |
| Administered by | Westchester County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation |
Description
Original 1926, taken down 1980, restoration in 2026. The beautiful and historic fire tower was erected in 1926 and was used by the community until the 1970’s. The County Parks operated the tower until the 1930’s when the NYS Conservation Department began its operations. The tower, the only one of its kind in Westchester County, was a critical asset to the community as it served as a monitoring station for forest fires. According to a Westchester County government report from 1975 indicates that about 500 fires were reported from the tower between 1966 and 1968, with tower observers working with aerial support to pinpoint their locations. The tower was decommissioned by the DEC in 1971 and was taken down without county approval around 1982.
The tower stood at the highest point of Cross River Mountain. The tower stood a staggering 960 feet above sea level. It had a spectacular 360 degree view with a visibility of 50-100 miles depending on the weather. From the tower Long Island, New York City, the Hudson River, the Catskill and the Appalachian Mountains can be observed. Over 100,000 people per year visit the reservation, the addition of the restored fire tower would increase tourism in the area as a much sought after destination.
The tower stood at the highest point of Cross River Mountain. The tower stood a staggering 960 feet above sea level. It had a spectacular 360 degree view with a visibility of 50-100 miles depending on the weather. From the tower Long Island, New York City, the Hudson River, the Catskill and the Appalachian Mountains can be observed. Over 100,000 people per year visit the reservation, the addition of the restored fire tower would increase tourism in the area as a much sought after destination.
Restoration of the historic landmark will give the community and surrounding tri-state area a symbol for our shared history. As a focal point of the reservation, the tower would aid in drawing concern and support for the future of the reservation and all that it offers. Picture - Fire tower restoration in progress May 2026
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