See the stars on October 3 at Berry Hill Fire Tower. (Photo from FFLA)

McDONOUGH - On Friday night, October 3, the New York State Forest Fire Lookout Association (FFLA) and the Berry Hill Volunteer Stewards will host an astronomy night at the Berry Hill Fire Tower, which is usually closed after dark.

One of the highest points in Chenango County, Berry Hill Fire Tower stands at an elevation of 1960 feet. The tower is near the McDonough State Forest and Bowman Lake State Park. It is the only fire tower open for recreation on public lands in Central New York.

The moon will not be visible on Friday. It should be dark enough for sky viewing by about 7:30 p.m. A telescope, laser pointer, binoculars, and an amateur astronomer will be on hand to aid skywatchers. If it rains, the event will rescheduled for Saturday, October 4.

Arrive at about 6:30 p.m. for what organizers hope will be a magnificent sunset.

Refreshments will be served and the fire tower volunteers will give tours of the cabin and fire tower prior to the astronomy presentation.

If you are interested in becoming a fire tower steward, please reach out to lauriejrankin@gmail.com.

Thank you to the volunteer-based initiatives and funding support, many of New York's fire towers, including the one in Chenango County, have been revived.

In 2021, the Berry Hill Fire Tower reopened to the public after extensive renovations, supported by $125,000 from NY Public Works. Improvements include a new driveway, parking area, and picnic spot.

The Berry Hill Fire Tower is about 15 minutes outside of Norwich. 373 North Tower Road Norwich, just off County Route 10. Take County Route 10A out of Norwich (off West Main St. ) for 5.1 miles. Then continue on County Route 10 for 3.5 miles. In .3 miles turn onto N. Tower Rd and the trailhead parking. If the parking is full, please park on the shoulder of N. Tower Rd. 

- Berry Hill Fire Tower Volunteer Stewards