Posted in West Virginia
June 20, 2020
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/sunsets (and don’t mind heights), then today’s post is for you! We’ve collected all the best observation towers around the state of West Virginia into one handy list. Have you climbed them all?
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
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!
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.
You can drive right up to the top of the highest point in West Virginia: Spruce Knob. And at the top, you'll find a short trail to the observation tower, which provides you with one of the best views in the state. Find it in Pendleton County.
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.
The Droop Mountain Observation Tower is perched in the Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park in Pocahontas County.
The top of the Olson Tower is closed, but you can still climb the stairs and get a great view of the Monongahela National Forest in Tucker County!
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.
Which towers have you climbed, and what view was your favorite?
For more beautiful views that don’t necessarily involve towers, check out some West Virginia mountain summits you can drive right up to here.
Address: Union, WV 24983, USA
Address: 683 Droop Park Road, Hillsboro, WV 24946, USA
Address: Dunmore, WV 24934, USA
Address: Bickle Knob, Dry Fork, WV 26241, USA
Address: High Knob Trail, Eastern, WV 26802, USA
Address: Forest Rd 717, Hambleton, WV 26269, USA
Address: Spruce Knob, Western, WV 26814, USA
