Here’s The Ultimate Bucket List For West Virginians Who Are Obsessed With Lookout Towers

If you love huge views, new perspectives, and unobstructed sunrises and sunsets in the Mountaineer State (and don't mind heights), then this feature is for you! We've collected all the best West Virginia fire towers into one handy list that are sure to inspire you. Have you climbed them all?

1. Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory

Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory in Monroe County, West Virginia is perched on top of Peters Mountain and accessible via a 1.2-mile hike. It's located along a hawk migration route, so look both up and out for some amazing views!

2. High Knob Tower

High Knob Tower isn't exactly in West Virginia (it's on the border between West Virginia and Virginia, just on the Virginia side) but the trail to get there is! It's a 2.7-mile hike to the tower, but well worth the reward at the end. Find the parking area in Brandywine, Pendleton County.

3. Spruce Knob Observation Tower

You can drive right up to the top of the highest point in West Virginia at the Spruce Knob Observation Tower. And at the top, you'll find a short trail which provides you with one of the best views in the state. Find it in Pendleton County.

4. Thorny Mountain Fire Tower

To see the views from Thorny Mountain Fire Tower in Dunmore of Pocahontas County, you need to reserve an overnight stay there through the WV State Parks system - but that in itself is well worth the approximately $100 nightly rate! It's a once in a lifetime experience.

5. Droop Mountain Observation Tower

The Droop Mountain Observation Tower is perched in the Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park in Pocahontas County.

6. Olson Fire Tower

At the time of the writing of this article, the top of the Olson Fire Tower was closed. But you can still climb the stairs and get a great view of the Monongahela National Forest in Tucker County!

7. Bickel Knob Observation Tower

Bickel Knob Observation Tower is another old fire tower you can still climb for a view. This one is located in Randolph County, just a 5-minute hike from an easily accessible parking area, and is one of the best places to include on a road trip in West Virginia.

If you were to do a search for "fire towers near me" one of these spots would most certainly pop up at the top of the list!

Which fire tower hikes in West Virginia have you enjoyed, and what view was your favorite? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

For more beautiful views that don't necessarily West Virginia fire towers, check out some West Virginia mountain summits where you can Skip The Hiking Boots And Simply Drive Up To These 6 Magnificent West Virginia Mountains.

For those who would like to explore other hikes in and around any of these towers, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more West Virginia adventures, take a look at this video about the abandoned town of Thurmond: