The View From This Little-Known Overlook In Tennessee Is Almost Too Beautiful For Words
By Meghan Kraft|Published March 04, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
There is something magical about a view of the mountains. The soft, rugged edge of the mountaintops, the lush sweep of the valley below. Tennessee is home to a few famed natural areas, but the Cherokee National Forest tends to be overlooked since it is shared with the nearby state of North Carolina. Tucked high above the Tennessee town of Unicoi, you’ll find the Pinnacle Mountain Lookout, a fairly unknown viewing area located atop an old fire tower. If you’re up for a hike, the view from the Pinnacle Fire Tower is one that you’ll never forget.
The Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower is located in Washington County, Tennessee, and it's high above the valley below at 3,520 feet above sea level. It is visible from various spots throughout both Johnson City and Unicoi, but it is much more difficult to visit in person. There are only four fire towers now remaining in eastern Tennessee, so the experience is truly unlike any other.
The fire tower itself was utilized by both Unicoi and Washington counties for over 75 years. Before more contemporary fire prevention methods were developed, a sentinel would sit high in the tower and watch for fires in the Cherokee National Forest. In 2011, the tower was renovated from a wood and metal structure to an all-metal, covered viewing platform.
The hike to the fire tower is 10 miles out and back, and there is a substantial 1,863-foot elevation gain along the way. Most folks use the Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower Trail for hiking, but it is also popular for walkers, trail runners, and mountain bikers.
Visitors claim that the trail is both fun and challenging, and though it may not occur to many folks to visit during the chill of winter, you can see for quite some way when the trees lack foliage. The trail is in great shape with a wide walkway and prominent blazing, so just make sure you bring the correct footwear and clothes for your hike.
Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower is one of the most popular hiking spots in Tennessee for a reason, but the length of the trail keeps many from the overlook. Don’t be deterred by the elevation, folks. Even the newest of hikers will have an appreciation for the beauty of the trail whether they reach the overlook or not.
If you make it all the way to the tower you will be treated to stunning views of Unaka, Roan, and Mt. Mitchell mountains. If you look closely, you may even catch a glimpse of Erwin, Johnson City, and Unicoi! Keep in mind that you will need to climb stairs to reach the 360-degree viewing area atop the tower.
Have you heard of the Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower? It is currently considered one of the nicest fire towers on the eastern side of the United States and is maintained by the state for safety. Historic, well-preserved, and located at the end of a thickly vegetated trail, this is one stunning overlook you don’t want to skip.
What an incredible trail to hike in Unicoi, Tennessee. Make sure you bring your dog and a leash, and don’t forget bottles of water. This is quite the trek and you want to make sure you’re well prepared!
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