Mt. Wilcox - Monterey Fire Tower
WillhiteWeb.com
Status: Standing Lookout
Elevation: 2,106 feet,
Prominence: 743 feet
State: Massachusetts
County: Berkshire
AT Access: A one-way older alternate AT route, some roadwalking.
In 1934, the Civilian Conservation Corps from CCC Camp S-66, based in Windsor erected a 60-foot Aermotor MC-39 tower with a 7x7 wooden cab, purchased with ECW funds. First date of operation was Apr 1, 1934. It was the first tower built in Berkshire County by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
In 1939, the Massachusetts Geodetic Survey team visited the site and made measurements off the legs of the lookout tower.
In 1948, a power line was run and two-way radios installed
In 1966, a new 10 x 10 foot cab and chain link fence were built.
In 2003, a new roof was built.
This is currently an active state tower. The Appalachian Trail has kept a far distance away from the original route prefering to staying away from the road and towers.
1988 Observer Margaret O Brien
Appalachian Trail as it passes near Mt. Wilcox. Side trip show with yellow dots on the road where the original AT once traveled. Northern route back to AT is the old AT.
1937 map showing Mount Wilcox and the AT passing much closer to the summit.
Route from AT:
Going northbound on the AT, after passing the Mt. Wilcox south lean-to campsites, keep an eye out for a rock cairn and a faint trail going left uphill. Follow this unmarked side trail until you hit a road. Follow the road over a mile to the summit of Wilcox. There is a left turn just before the summit. If hiking the AT, camping on the summit would be fun with your own picnic table. Just get permission if a guard is on duty, you might even get invited up the tower. With no guard, there is a fence and cameras.
