DEC Announces Completion of 60-foot Bridge in Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the reopening of the Moose Pond Club Road Bridge in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest, Essex County. The bridge replacement allows for public access on Moose Pond Club Road, which leads to several primitive campsites and the trail to the Vanderwhacker Mountain Fire Tower.

Moose Pond Club Road was closed in August 2021 after DEC determined the 28-foot-long bridge spanning Vanderwhacker Brook was unsafe for vehicle use. During this closure, visitors were able to access the Vanderwhacker Mountain trailhead via parking off of Route 28N. This alternate parking location off Rt. 28N added six miles round trip to the fire tower hike. The original bridge was redesigned and replaced with a 60-foot-long bridge to help mitigate impacts from flooding and meet current stream crossing guidelines for enhanced climate resiliency and long-term sustainability. The $500,000 bridge project was funded through NY Works.

Moose Pond Club Road Recreational Access: There are six designated primitive campsites located along Moose Pond Club Road, including the Vanderwhacker Mountain Tent Site, which is located a short distance from the Tower Tail. The Tower Trail extends 2.5 miles and ascends 1,650 feet from the Tower Trailhead to the summit of Vanderwhacker Mountain (3,386 feet). The Vanderwhacker Mountain Fire Tower is located on the summit. The summit is thick with tall firs and birches, so the only views are from the cab of the fire tower. The 360° view includes the High Peaks to the north, the Boreas River valley to the east and the spectacular scenery of the Adirondacks spreads out for many miles in every direction.

Visit the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest webpage for more information.