Belfry Mountain is a short hike to a small mountain with firetower with a big view in the Town of Moriah in the Champlain Valley
Belfry Mountain
0.45 miles (0.9 miles round-trip)
Hammond Pond Wild Forest
Moriah, Essex County
Hiking, Snowshoeing
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Hike Up Belfry Mountain
Belfry Mountain is a short 0.45-mile trail on a gravel road that leads to a firetower with terrific views of the Essex County foothills and Champlain Valley. The trail is located in the Town of Moriah in Essex County, outside of the hamlet of Witherbee. It’s located in the Hammond Pond Wild Forest area.
The trail is accessed from a trailhead on County Route 7C, south of Fisher Hill Road. Parking is available along the road on the opposite side from the trailhead that is marked by a sign and blocked by a large gate. The trail itself is less than half a mile and is a very easy climb. The firetower at the top provides grand views and looks out over nearby towns and far-off mountains, including views of the High Peaks.
The trail begins just past a gate, which barricades the road from motor vehicles. The trail, for the most part, is along a road, which leads nearly all the way to the firetower. Along the road, grasses and flowers abound, as well as a few raspberry bushes that provide small snacks along the trail in season.
The Summit of Belfry Mountain
After less than half a mile, the trail reaches its end, passing by a small overlook and leading directly up to the firetower. A picnic table placed at the base of the fire tower provides a resting place. The view from the tower is beautiful and reaches out in all directions, providing a panoramic vieBelfry w that includes nearby towns and distant mountains.
The return trip is similarly short and simple, and in less than twenty minutes, most hikers will be back at the parking area and heading out. This hike is accessible for all hikers of all ages and ability levels and has a huge reward of a view with relatively little effort.
Click here for a map and directions to Belfry Mountain.
When You Hike Make Sure to Practice “Leave No Trace” to be Prepared and to Protect the Forest Preserve
Please follow “carry in, carry out” rules for all trash and follow other Leave No Trace principles when hiking in the public Forest Preserve and other wild areas. The seven Leave No Trace principles are: 1) Plan ahead and prepare; 2) Stay on hiking trails and camp at designated areas; 3) Dispose of human waste and trash properly; 4) Leave what you find; 5) Minimize campfires; 6) Respect wildlife; 7) Respect other hikers.
Educated hikers do not damage the environment.
Prepared hikers do not need search and rescue unless injured.
Winter Use: Belfry Mountain is a popular mountain for snowshoeing in the winter.
