Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower
A nice hike, with a great view
About
We love to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/ While staying in Waynesville, NC we were looking for a hike that was nearby, not too strenuous, and with a good view. Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower hike fulfilled all of the requirements. Park in the dirt parking lot, just off of the BRPW, at mile post 409.6
The Hike
From Ashevilletrails.com:
The 1.5 mile, round-trip hike follows the gravel FS 450 road to the mountain’s summit, a relatively gentle but nearly continuous climb from the trailhead. In warmer months, the route to the summit travels through wildflowers and wild blueberries, making the hike as scenic as the final destination.
This trail scores a fantastic, million-dollar-view off the Parkway, but on a relatively short and easy hike. And with 360-degree sweeping views of the surrounding Pisgah National Forest, it’s a perfect place to catch a gorgeous sunrise or sunset near Asheville.
The Fire Tower
The views from the lookout tower are amazing, and several of the steel tower’s stories and landings are often open for viewing. I didn’t make it all the way to the top. My fear of heights kicked in, and I only climbed as far as the 2nd level. But still, the views are good from there.
The 70-foot tower, constructed in 1941, offered a prime lookout for forest fires for decades, and now stands as an excellent scenic lookout.
If you go
Take comfortable shoes, water, a camera or cell phone, hat, and clothing appropriate for the time of year, and apply sunscreen. It took us about 30 minutes each way, so plan on 1.5 hours for the hike.
The 12’ x 12’ former living quarters at the top may be open, when you visit.
The gravel road is dog-friendly. However, you may not want to take your pet up the fire tower steps.
Live the Wayfarer Life! What’s your next adventure?