However, fire tower restoration in both western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not without precedent. Heading north, the grueling ascent gains more than 2,100 feet in the first 3.5 miles, continuing on to peak at Spence Field (almost 5,000 feet in elevation), and then heading back down to take in the views at the old Shuckstack Fire Tower. Shuckstack via Twentymile is a 10.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Robbinsville, North Carolina that features a river and is rated as difficult. Shuckstack is most noted for the firetower that resides on the summit. There is something about old, abandoned creepy places that make us want to go explore them and check them out. The 6.6-Mile Shuckstack Fire Tower Trail In North Carolina Is One Of The Best Trails In The Great Smoky Mountains. About 5 miles uphill to connect with Appalachian trail and up to the fire tower. Standing at the top of Shuckstack Lookout Tower is easily one of the most dramatic and alluring experiences that you'll find on any mountaintop in the Southeast. Shuckstack Firetower. Great views from top of tower. Here, five fire towers to explore in Western Carolina. Wide trail at lower levels with lovely stream alongside. Today we head to the North Carolina side of the Smokies to the Shuckstack Fire Tower. 1. Western Great Smoky Mountains . Looking out Shuckstack Fire Tower in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from March until November. Zachary Andrews. Shuckstack Firetower. Twentymile Trail: Hike to Shuckstack Fire Tower - See 2 traveler reviews, 7 candid photos, and great deals for Robbinsville, NC, at Tripadvisor. The climb into the Smoky Mountains from Fontana Dam is notorious among Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, and for good reason. Western Great Smoky Mountains. However, fire tower restoration in both western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not without precedent.

Since its a pretty long trip, Eddie's driving and I'm riding shotgun. This one trail in Tennessee will lead you to an abandoned fire tower that you can actually climb to the top of. 1. There appears to be much debate on the internet as to whether or not the firetower is being maintained by the NPS. Coordinates Shuckstack is a mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains of Swain County, North Carolina, in the southeastern United SIt has an elevation of 4,020 feet (1,230 m) above sea level, and rises approximately 2,300 feet (700 m) above Fontana Lake, to the south.

After a quick stop at Hardees for some pre-hike grub (mistake) we head down US 129, also known as the Dragon, to Fontana. The 6.6-Mile Shuckstack Fire Tower Trail In North Carolina Is One Of The Best Trails In The Great Smoky Mountains. Fire Tower Restoration Success. Cammerer lookout in the eastern edge of the park fell into grave disrepair as it went unmaintained three decades.