Rock Rift Fire Tower
US 1183, NY 41
March 2016 photo
Lookout Details
| Registry Numbers | US 1183, NY 41 (view other lookouts in United States, New York) |
| Date Registered | January 26, 2017 |
| Nominated by | Laurie Rankin |
| Location | Delaware County, New York |
| Coordinates |
N 42° 06.234' W 075° 13.604' (view using Google Maps) N 42° 06' 14" W 075° 13' 36" N 42.103900° W 075.226733° |
| Elevation | 2,376 ft (724 m) |
| Built | 1934 |
| Administered by | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
Description
Rock Rift tower is a 72' 9" International Derrick E-4898 steel tower provided to the State of New York by the US Forest Service and erected by the CCC's in 1934. It is actually located on Tower Mt. Summit elevation is 2382' It remained in service until 1989.
Map
Change Basemap
Visit Reports
April 29, 2017: Jack Kelley
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | Yes |
| Shutters OK? | Not Applicable |
| Condition of wood OK? | No |
| Stairs OK? | No |
| Glass intact? | No |
| Good condition? | No |
| Comments: | This tower stands proudly over the Cannonsville Reservoir, and must've had an amazing view when it was active. Closed to the public for many years and only reopened a few years ago, there is not much vandalism visible from the ground. The bottom stairs have been removed to prevent injury. Leaning against a tower leg the remnants of the fire finder stand can be seen, and about 30 feet from the front on the tower remains of the observer's cabin can be found. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | No |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | No |
| Directions to tower signed? | Yes |
| Comments? | There is a sign at the trailhead that reads "Trail to Rock Rift fire tower." |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | No |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | No |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | Unsure |
March 19, 2016: Laurie Rankin
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | Yes |
| Shutters OK? | Not Applicable |
| Condition of wood OK? | No |
| Stairs OK? | No |
| Glass intact? | No |
| Good condition? | No |
| Comments: | Rock Rift fire tower was in transition from State of NYDEC ownership to Town of Tompkins ownership at the time of this visit. For safety purposes, the bottom set of stairs has been removed. The overall steel structure needs to be painted. All lumber needs to be replaced. It is likely a new roof and new cab walls will need to done as bullet holes riddle the current ones. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | No |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | No |
| Directions to tower signed? | Yes |
| Comments? | Three trailheads and trails serve the fire tower. All are well marked. |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | No |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | Yes |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? |
Yes
As soon as the property transfer is complete a volunteer group will be assisting the Town of Tompkins with restoring the fire tower. The end goal is to have a volunteer interpreter in place. This group will include the FFLA.
|