Directions to Trailhead:
The Shuckstack lookout tower is located on the North Carolina side of the Park. From Bryson City, take NC 28 to Fontana Dam. Drive across the dam and take a right at the fork of the paved road. The trail to Shuckstack begins about 0.6 mile from the dam. To reach the Shuckstack fire tower you'll be following the Appalachian Trail as it heads north into the Great Smoky Mountains.
Trail Description:
The Fontana Dam is the highest dam east of the Rocky Mountains. Towering 480 feet in height, the dam backs water for 30 miles and is a major source of energy for the Tennessee Valley. As you cross the dam, scan the mountains to the north and you should be able to make out the tower in the distance.
Once on the Appalachian Trail, you'll begin a fairly challenging ascent of Twentymile Ridge, as it climbs more than 2100 feet over the next 3.5 miles, with most of that elevation gain coming in the first two-and-a-half miles.
The trail begins to ascend nearly from the start. At around two-and-a-half the trail begins to level considerably, making your hike much easier for the next half mile or so. Then, about a quarter of a mile from the tower, you'll encounter your steepest (but short) climb. Once on Twentymile Ridge, you'll encounter a three-way intersection. The AT is marked with simple white line blazed on the trees, while the path to the tower is marked with a white "T". Take a right here - the tower is only a tenth of a mile from this junction.
The Shuckstack fire tower is actually a small wood and metal building perched atop a winding eighty-foot staircase. The view from the rocks at the bottom of the fire tower is incredible, but the view from atop is much better. As you begin to climb the tower you'll notice that it moves ever so slightly, but don't be alarmed. Wind continuously blows across this ridge, and the tower is made to give a little. At the top you'll be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view. The Unicoi Mountains can be seen to the west, the Snowbird and Nantahala Mountains to the south, the Blue Ridge Mountains to the southeast, and the Smokies to the east and north. You'll also be able to make out Fontana Dam and all of the land you covered on your way to the tower.
The historic fire towers of the Great Smoky Mountains region were once used to gain a bird's eye view of the mountains in order to spot forest fires. Though many of the towers have been removed as more modern methods of fire detection have been developed, Shuckstack and three other towers remain in the Smokies.
There's some uncertainty about the future of the Shuckstack Lookout Tower, however. The source of this uncertainty stems from a statement made by park officials:
"Since the use of Shuckstack as part of the radio system has been discontinued, park management will need to make a decision about the need for and future of this tower."
The Shuckstack lookout tower is located on the North Carolina side of the Park. From Bryson City, take NC 28 to Fontana Dam. Drive across the dam and take a right at the fork of the paved road. The trail to Shuckstack begins about 0.6 mile from the dam. To reach the Shuckstack fire tower you'll be following the Appalachian Trail as it heads north into the Great Smoky Mountains.
Trail Description:
The Fontana Dam is the highest dam east of the Rocky Mountains. Towering 480 feet in height, the dam backs water for 30 miles and is a major source of energy for the Tennessee Valley. As you cross the dam, scan the mountains to the north and you should be able to make out the tower in the distance.
Once on the Appalachian Trail, you'll begin a fairly challenging ascent of Twentymile Ridge, as it climbs more than 2100 feet over the next 3.5 miles, with most of that elevation gain coming in the first two-and-a-half miles.
The trail begins to ascend nearly from the start. At around two-and-a-half the trail begins to level considerably, making your hike much easier for the next half mile or so. Then, about a quarter of a mile from the tower, you'll encounter your steepest (but short) climb. Once on Twentymile Ridge, you'll encounter a three-way intersection. The AT is marked with simple white line blazed on the trees, while the path to the tower is marked with a white "T". Take a right here - the tower is only a tenth of a mile from this junction.
The Shuckstack fire tower is actually a small wood and metal building perched atop a winding eighty-foot staircase. The view from the rocks at the bottom of the fire tower is incredible, but the view from atop is much better. As you begin to climb the tower you'll notice that it moves ever so slightly, but don't be alarmed. Wind continuously blows across this ridge, and the tower is made to give a little. At the top you'll be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view. The Unicoi Mountains can be seen to the west, the Snowbird and Nantahala Mountains to the south, the Blue Ridge Mountains to the southeast, and the Smokies to the east and north. You'll also be able to make out Fontana Dam and all of the land you covered on your way to the tower.
The historic fire towers of the Great Smoky Mountains region were once used to gain a bird's eye view of the mountains in order to spot forest fires. Though many of the towers have been removed as more modern methods of fire detection have been developed, Shuckstack and three other towers remain in the Smokies.
There's some uncertainty about the future of the Shuckstack Lookout Tower, however. The source of this uncertainty stems from a statement made by park officials:
"Since the use of Shuckstack as part of the radio system has been discontinued, park management will need to make a decision about the need for and future of this tower."
These days the Shuckstack tower has fallen into disrepair. Several loose steps and a missing railing make the 60-foot climb a little frightening, and those who reach its top find holes and a partially rotted floor. Obviously, the steel tower is in desperate need of restoration.
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| Hiking up the Appalachian Trail to Shuckstack Fire Tower |
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| Oh No I have been shot ! ( Look at knots for eyes and the cicle mouth and looks like tree was shot ) |
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| One of Atti's friends a frog on the trail |
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| Look hard and you will see a old mans face in this tree ! |
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| Shuckstack Fire Tower |
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| What a view from inside the fire tower |
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| A view from the fire tower of Fontana Lake |
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| With these views from the fire tower this is well worth the hike ! |
This will be great for viewing fall colors! Thanks!
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