Green Knob Trail Report

“This weekend lended itself to lots of rambling around WNC but finally yesterday we got on the trail. The hubby, youngest son and myself set out on the BRP around 9:30 a.m. in search for Green Knob Overlook at mile marker 350. (aprox. 10 miles north of Mount Mitchell) I recently read about this hike in a trail book that described this hike coming up from Black Mountain Campground OR an easier route was off the parkway near the overlook…. walk north along the parkway and in about 100 yards you will see the trail marker on the left.

I was able to convince the guys that the hike was ONLY .5 miles and that there was a cool fire tower awaiting us at the top. However, I didn’t take into account that 350 feet elevation gain in .5 miles is quite a haul!!! Son #2 had not trouble with the hike; to him it was a piece of cake (should be for a 16 yr old football player, huh?) Hubby grumbled some and accused me of trying to kill him and I wondered what in the world was I thinking???? LOL

The rhododendrons were starting to bloom and the trail was cool compared to the approaching summer temps we were experiencing at home. I learned quickly that even though it was .5 miles I should of brought the day pack and not just the camera case!!! Live and learn huh?

Well, after I good rest on a rock made for two, the hubby and I made it to the top where we found Son #2 and Duffy our faithful companion waiting. The area was cleared but the tower long ago abandon as a watchtower. It was originally built in 1931 (thus said the foot stone at the bottom of the steps) but was revamped in the ‘90s. The windows are all broken out and an old freezer covered in pad locks are all that remain; along with the rusty old cot underneath the tower. If any of you know me heights are not my thing but after making the trek to the top I was determined to experience the view…s l o w l y and very deliberately I climbed the steps and cautiously walked the catwalk. What an awesome vantage point!!! I stood there amazed and wondering what it must have been like to have had the privilege and duty to watch over these mountains and protect them from the threat of fire. The solitude I’m sure had it’s blessings and curses.

The descent was much easier than the ascent but I must say it saddened me to leave the newfound treasure. We never saw a single soul…we were only visited by the song of the birds and the passing wind. I definitely will return to visit this place soon…maybe a solo hike will be coming soon!”

“I love fire towers!”

“Did you know there is a national historic registry of fire towers? This particular one is on it. Didn't know there was such a thing until I read about it.”

“Is there a website with a list?”

“I'm sure there is but I don't know what it is. The book I reference is at home...I'll check and let you know.”

“Nice little report but ya have any pics?

And the website is www.firetower.org/
last edited: 5/29/07 2:34:26 PM”

“I have pics and will try to post soon...sticks not having a computer and not being able to dl photos to computer...like having film to develope!

Thanks for the link and the compliment!”

“neato!

there's a few tower's here in CO too!”

“Just thinking how Fun it would be holed up in a firetower during an electrical storm! *G*”