It is located in the 200-acre (0.81 km2) Ferncliff Forest, west-northwest of Rhinebeck in Dutchess County.

The Mount Rutsen (Ferncliff) Fire Tower is located at the summit.

[2] A second tower was built for the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey to help with map-making.

[3] This enclosed tower contained a telephone as well as utilities for full-time occupation[2] so that enemy planes could be spotted.

This tower was particularly useful in watching out for planes attempting to attack President Roosevelt's home and those approaching New York City.