The Breathtaking Place In Virginia Where You Can See For Miles And Miles
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Beth
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Virginia has plenty of overlooks to choose from, whether they happen to be along a scenic drive or at the end of an arduous hike. But if you’re really looking to take your perspective of the state to a new level, the Birch Knob Tower is a must. Located in Clintwood, this tower reaches nearly 3,200 feet in elevation, providing spectacular views in every direction.
The Birch Knob Observation Tower is a true gem of Dickenson County, just near the border of Kentucky. Rising over 3,000 feet above sea level, it’s a site that provides some of the most sweeping views of the Appalachian mountains in the entire state. In fact, standing at the top of the tower, one can see into parts of Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. And on especially clear days, even parts of Ohio are visible.
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The Tower is located at the highest point of Pine Mountain, with Pine Mountain Trail just nearby. Fortunately, Birch Knob is just 100 yards from the parking lot, although you won’t skip the trek altogether. Reaching the top of the lookout requires a 183-stair climb. It’s not for the faint of heart, but will certainly be worth the effort. Be sure to bring plenty of water and maybe even a picnic to enjoy at the top.
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Birch Knob Observation Tower was completed in 2003, a result of the United States Forest Service’s dedicated efforts. The goal of building the site was to provide residents and visitors an opportunity to see a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the mountains. Before this, the only way of reaching the Knob was by means of a small crack in the rocks.
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As you can tell from the photography, the view is simply exquisite no matter the time of day or year. A true adventurer might start the climb just before sunrise, arriving at the top of the Tower just as the sun was beaming over the mountains. For more hiking opportunities, visitors can take the trail down to Jenny Falls, a hike that lasts approximately 2 miles.
While the stairs may seem like an intimidating feat to conquer, rest assured that your reward and resting point will be a great one. If you’ve yet to make the trip out to this beautiful site in Clintwood, it may be time to plan your visit.
The climb to the top of Birch Knob Tower is a bit of a challenge, but it’s the view that will really take your breath away. Have you visited this site in Dickinson County? Be sure to share your experience with us!
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