Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower

4.2 ( 5 )

Trail

0.8 mile 1.2 kilometer point to point
Easy/Intermediate

Elevation

Ascent: 347' 106 m
Descent: 0' 0 m
High: 5,294' 1,614 m
Low: 4,947' 1,508 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 9% (5°)
Max Grade: 12% (7°)

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Leashed

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Trail shared by Michelle Kras with improvements by Jean-Claude Linossi

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“A relatively short hike for great views on the lookout tower.”

— Michelle Kras

Features Fall Colors · Views

This section of Blue Ridge Parkway is usually closed during the winter.

Description

Park at trailhead (milepost 409.6). There is a gate (always closed) - do not block the gate. Cross the gate and follow an old road up to the lookout tower. The road gradually climbs. Once you reach the top, a clearing will give you some views if you are too nervous to climb up the lookout tower. It can get windy up there, so it might be a good idea to add a layer before you climb up! The lookout tower sways and may make some feel uneasy, but it is relatively safe to use. You get great 360-degree views and there are spectacular fall color in October.

Flora & Fauna

Rhododendrons, mountain laurels, maples, pines and rudbeckias. Birds and deer.

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Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Ranger District

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Check-Ins

Jun 30, 2019

Jun 24, 2019

Carter McFall Jr.

May 18, 2019

10h 00m

May 5, 2019

Apr 27, 2019

Short hike with gentle climb to the top. Beautiful views! — 12h 23m

Mar 28, 2019

Chad Dean

Apr 20, 2018

Dan O

nice quick hike

Dec 29, 2017

Oct 24, 2017

dee angel

May 27, 2017

Fire tower was awesome! 1.6mi

Oct 17, 2015

Jean-Claude Linossi

Fairly easy hike with great views from the top.Especially nice in the fall. 0.8mi — 0h 30m

Oct 17, 2015

Trail Ratings

4.2 from 5 votes

#4

in Asheville

#7131

Overall

4.2 from 5 votes

5 Star		40%
4 Star		40%
3 Star		20%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

Trail Rankings

#4

in Asheville

#256

in North Carolina

#7,131

17 Views Last Month

376 Since Jan 9, 2016

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Photos

From the lookout tower in October - beautiful fall color.

From the lookout tower in October - beautiful f…

The road you head up...

The road you head up...

Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower.

Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower.

David entering Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower.

David entering Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower.

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