Mount Utsayantha - a tongue-twisting view

The only thing more fun than gazing from the fire tower atop Mount Utsayantha, is saying it's name. Pronounced ooh-sigh-on-tha, the mountain peaks at 3,214 feet. It gets its name from the legend of a Native American woman, who was said to have drowned herself after her father killed her newborn baby and the baby's father - a white settler. The woman's father, bereaved, retrieved her body and buried it, the legend goes, on the mountain. There is a memorial site, plaque and stones, located 3/4 of the way to the peak.

This gem is located in extreme northern Delaware County, just outside the small village of Stamford. Getting there is a cinch, as a resurfaced and well-maintained dirt road leads to the property which is maintained by the municipality. There are several communication towers positioned adjacent to the fire tower.

No matter the day, the climb to the viewing platform in the fire tower will provide access to spectacular views at a temperature that is several degrees lower than on the ground.

If you visit on a day like I did, you'll fight the wind to stay upright while climbing. My hat sailed away twice and I finally gave in and stuffed it into my backpack.

This outing took place the first weekend in September and was more of a sight-seeing trip than hiking. If desired, and up for a 700 foot gain challenge, one can hike the 1.5 miles from the pull-off at the bottom of Tower Road. The remains of a hand-gliding take-off ramp near the educational building are the makings of a neat photo opportunity.

Fun fact: There is thermal and ridge soaring here and the air-space is managed by UFO (Utsayantha Flying Org) a parasailing and hand-gliding organization.

*Between hikes, Lillian Browne writes about the environment, politics and crime in Delaware County. She is exploring the world around her, one step at a time, with her dog - Charlie. Follow her on Instagram @lillian.browne, on Twitter @browneinwalton or on Facebook.