13:22 pm Decommissioned fire tower great for winter hike, views
High atop Holston Mountain in Carter County stands one of the region’s only remaining fire towers, although it is no longer in use and has become too dangerous to climb.
Staff Photo - The historic fire tower atop Holston Mountain offers incredible views of Stoney Creek, shown in this photo, as well as South Holston Lake in Sullivan County.
The steel fire tower at Holston High Knob, the mountain’s third highest point, was last staffed in 1991. It stands at 4,136 feet above sea level in the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain’s highest summit is at Holston High Point, on which a Federal Aviation Administration aircraft navigational beacon is located, at an elevation of 4,280 feet above sea level. Rye Patch Knob at 4,260 feet above sea level is Holston Mountain’s second highest point.
Staff Photo - There are incredible views from the historic fire tower atop Holston Mountain. From the base, as well as the restricted tower, visitors can see Stoney Creek, South Holston Lake and the ridgeline, shown here.
The hike to the fire tower has become quite popular in recent years, even though access to the structure is restricted. Visits to the High Knob and tower can be made throughout the year, including the winter. At this time of year, it is less likely to cross the path of hunters. Prepare for the cold weather and snow.
Staff Photo - South Holston Lake in Sullivan County can only be seen from Carter County at the historic fire tower on Holston Mountain. The tower also offers incredible views of Stoney Creek and Holston Mountain’s ridgeline. The tower is restricted, but plenty can be seen from the base.
The imposing tower stands at 100 feet high and was built in 1943. The National Forest Service at one time had several fire towers throughout Northeast Tennessee. All of them have since been abandoned, except one in Unicoi County. The Holston Fire Tower once had a 12-foot by 12-foot cab with catwalk where an individual would simply look out over the forest. They would then warn others of fires and other problems. In 1991, the Forest Service took the fire tower out of service, but has made a few repairs.
The steel fire tower replaced an earlier wooden fire tower, which was built in the 1930s. The wooden fire tower burned.
To reach the top of the tower, a spiral metal staircase wraps around the structure. The climb today is dangerous and not recommended. The Forest Service has blocked access to the tower, because vandals have damaged the structure.
An individual at appalachiantreks.blogspot.com said, “Climbing to the top is not for the faint hearted or those afraid of heights. For some the climb is exhilarating, for others (like me) sheer terror. The steep, metal steps spiral around the outside of the tower, which sways in the wind. If you go, be careful. This isn’t a place for kids or church groups. I also don’t know if the forest service actually approves of people climbing the tower, so proceed at your own risk.”
Although climbing the tower is restricted, the property at its base offers plenty of panoramic views, including South Holston Lake and the Stoney Creek valley.
The fire tower on Holston Mountain has been listed in the National Historic Lookout Register.
According to the register, “The lookout atop Holston High Knob on the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee near the Virginia state line is a remarkable tower for its location. Located on the southern high knob of Holston Ridge, it offers an extraordinary view from ground level, but has a 100’ steel tower with 12’x 12’ cab with catwalk.”
The register notes that the steel structure was originally located in Mississippi and was moved to Holston Mountain in 1943, when it replaced the wooden tower.
A member of the register, Robert Edmonds, last visited the tower in 2004. At the time, Edmonds said the tower’s general appearance was “not good.”
“Holston High Knob Tower is one of the South’s most unique lookouts due to it’s type and location,” Edmonds said. “Sadly, the entire cab has been torn off including all four walls and the roof, exposing the wooden floor to the elements.”
The structure’s interior contents were also missing. “Top of tower is flat now, and has been in this condition for several years,” he said. “All wooden stair steps have recently been replaced with steel steps, as well as the floor of the old catwalk.”
Edmonds noted that the fire tower over the past decade has been the victim of vandals, who have damaged various parts of the structure.
“This lookout is very unique, and serves as a landmark to the entire region,” Edmonds said. “Undoubtedly there would be interest shown towards volunteer support in regards to maintenance and staffing, if a good program could be initiated.”
No such action has been taken at the tower. The nearby Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower in Unicoi County has been fully rehabilitated and is open to the public. The town of Unicoi operates the tower and a trail which connects the town with the tower.
There are several different routes to reach the tower on Holston Mountain and the property where it is located. The tower can be reached from Highway 91 in Stoney Creek, via Panhandle Road and U.S. Forest Service roads. There is a backcountry parking area at the junction of U.S. Forest Service roads 56, 56A and 202. There is a gate at 56A, which is used to block vehicular traffic. Hikers can take 56A to the High Knob and fire tower. It is about a one mile hike on 56A to the tower.
Visitors may also access the tower from the Appalachian Trail. Take the Appalachian Trail from Cross Mountain to the Double Springs Shelter, where it intersects the Holston Mountain Trail. It is a fairly lengthy hike, about 12 miles long, but is popular among area hikers.
For more information about fire towers around the country, visit nhlr.org.
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