The fire tower on Cathedral Rock was originally on Tooley Pond Mountain.  It was removed in 1970 and brought to the Wanakena Ranger School Campus.  It was slowly rebuilt on the 1700 foot summit of Cathedral Rock.  This fire tower is part of the ADK Fire Tower Challenge and is located on ESF property near Cranberry Lake off NY 3.

There is a parking area at a gated road off NY 3, however the best way to hike to the summit is via the well built, well marked and maintained white blazed Latham Trail.  The Latham Trail is located off Ranger School Road.  There are numerous dirt roads and other trails in the area.

This short 1+ mile hike to the summit has an overall elevation gain of only 200 feet.  It's a hike the whole family can do and see a real fire tower.  There are fantastic views from the tower.

Directions to Trailhead - About 8 miles West of Cranberry Lake on NY 3, take the road to Wanakena (large sign at junction "The Ranger School"). After 1.2 miles take the road to your left, it's posted "Ranger School 1.2 miles", and drive to its end and the Ranger School entrance.

Drive straight into the campus on the left road (your going north) and go to the NW corner (at your left) and a large parking lot next to a sports field. Park here. At the entrance to the parking there is a gated gravel road on your right, hike past this gate for about 200 feet. The trailhead is on your right, signed "Latham Trail to Fire Tower".