Take a short hike to a lookout tower with stunning 365 degree views, just a short drive from Mt Pisgah.
Starting from the gravel pull off just past the overlook and before the tunnel, it’s a short but often steep .8 mile walk up a gravel road to reach the lookout tower. The roadside hosts a variety of wildflowers in the spring and summer months, and plenty of birds and other wildlife. Once you’ve made it to the top, climb the stairs up the 70ft tower to take in views of Mt Pisgah and the parkway far below your feet.
On a clear morning, especially if you can catch it when it’s not crowded, there may be no better place in the Pisgah National Forest to watch a sunrise. This is a great hike to get the legs going on your way to your longer objective for the day. I stop here every time I drive by if there aren’t any other people, as it sits along one of the sections of the forest I visit frequently.
Do note that the tower may be inaccessible at times for climbing the stairs and most often the top viewing platform is closed off. This area suffers from frequent vandalism and people entering the restricted portion of the tower. Do not attempt to enter any locked or closed off section of the tower so there will be continued access in the future.