Bit of (possibly) news for those visiting fire towers in southern New England: despite what the Fire Lookouts webpage says, the tower on High School Hill in Tiverton, RI has been removed (to make way for improved athletic fields and a new elementary school). The old tower on Talcott Mountain in Bloomfield, CT is also gone, and according to the locals hasn't stood in over twenty years, but at least the footings can still be observed just north of the Pinnacle outlook on the Metacomet Trail in Penwood State Park. But, speaking of CT towers, the Ratlum tower still stands. Actually, it's a relatively new tower, which is why it's not on the topos. It's tucked away and can't been seen from the road, which is why none of the locals I spoke to knew about it. It's located on what's clearly the highpoint of Ratlum Mountain, but since it's on very private property visitors are not welcome. For those in the area who need a their fix of quality views, a better option is the Heublein tower, in Talcott Mountain State Park in Simsbury, which not only has much better views, but is also very open to the public and doesn't even charge admission (although donations are strongly encouraged). Check their website for hours.
Southern New England Fire Towers
- Thread starter Nate
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Tom Rankin
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Good stuff! We just visited a 'new' fire tower today in SE NY that was imported up from the Carolinas. It has 109 steps, making it possibly the highest in the state. I've gotta go back with a tape measure! 
An observation/old firetower that's not listed on the Fire Lookout website stands in Sessions WMA on Route 69 in Burlington, CT. The tower is marked on the big map in the parking lot, and is about a two-mile walk from the car. Unfortunately, it isn't much taller than the trees around it, so the best time to visit is during chillier months when the leaves are down.
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