The North Carolina mountains are dotted with several historic fire towers once inhabited by lone watchmen scouting for a trail of smoke above the trees. Today, modern technology has replaced the human aspect, but several fire towers still stand high above the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking a vast expanse of wilderness. While many are accessible and some still safe to climb, you might be hiking a burly 5.5-miles to reach some or encountering switchbacks and hairpin trails. For an easier hike that leads to a historic fire tower and breathtaking views, try Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower.
Built in 1941, Fryingpan Tower is the tallest USFS fire tower clocking in at a total of 70 feet tall. Today the tower is on the National Register of Historic Places, but its use went well into the early 1990s.
You can access the tower VIA milepost 409.6 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park at the Forest Service Road and walk around the gate (it is closed majority of the time).
Unlike other fire towers which require a strenuous hike, Fryingpan is easily accessed by a semi-short walk up a gravel road leading to the tower. Fall is a perfect time to do this journey as you're treated to both mountain scenery and breathtaking, colorful foliage as you journey.
Once you reach the tower, it's important to note the top of the tower is locked, but five flights of stairs will lead you to just below the platform where you can safely take in the stunning Blue Ridge Views.
From the top of the tower you're treated to a Blue Ridge vista like no other. Cold Mountain towers in the north while Great Smoky Mountains National Park is visible in the northwest. South, you'll see Looking Glass Rock and to the southwest, Shining Rock Wilderness.
With panoramic views in a truly unique experience, this short hike to a stunning piece of history is a great stop-thru while traversing the Blue Ridge Parkway.
How neat is this? You never know what you’ll find in the Blue Ridge. Have you hiked here before or any other lookout towers in the mountains?
Speaking of what’s hiding in the Blue Ridge, here are some of the 15 best-kept secrets of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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