If you like scenic views but don’t want to climb up an entire mountain to find one, you might want to take a trip to Birch Knob Tower, an observation tower on Pine Mountain. Visitors can drive right up Route 611 Cumberland Mountain Scenic Drive for two miles to a gravel parking lot below the tower. From here, it’s an easy walk to the stairs that will take you right to the overlook.
After walking only 100 yards —well, plus the 183 steps to the peak—you can look out over Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and on a clear day, even Ohio. At an elevation of 3,114 feet, Birch Knob Tower visitors will feel like they’re on top of the world.
Birch Knob Tower is in Dickenson County, Virginia, right next to the Kentucky border. Located in the northern section of Thomas Jefferson National Forest, it’s been an attraction to the area since its completion in 2003. The observation tower is set atop the crest of Pine Mountain, which is the second-highest named summit in Virginia (Mount Roger takes the top spot).
Previously, the area was home to a fire tower and not easily accessible to the public. After the old fire tower fell out of use and was dismantled, the United States Forest Service decided to build a recreational viewing tower for the public’s enjoyment.
Birch Knob Tower is open every day from April 1st to January 7th from the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Early morning is a beautiful time to visit the lookout. Viewers will feel like they’re above the clouds as they witness the fog hanging over the mountains.
For those who enjoy hiking, the area by Birch Knob Tower provides access to the Pine Mountain Trail, a 44-mile trail between Virginia and Kentucky described as moderately difficult. From the Birch Knob Tower parking lot, a trail extends down the mountain to Jenny Falls. This hike is 2 miles out-and-back and is described as steep and moderately difficult. Hikers should be cautious of slippery surfaces, especially as they near the waterfall.
Watch out for copperheads and timber rattlesnakes, which are both common to the area. Black bears are also often spotted here, so be sure to follow bear aware practices. As for other wildlife, many visitors report the Birch Knob Tower to be a great spot for birdwatching.
An outhouse is available for visitors to use at the site. There are no water fountains, so be sure to bring your own water. And don’t forget your camera—you’re going to want to capture this view.
Birch Knob Tower is located approximately 10 miles from Clintwood, Virginia. Stay for a long weekend in Clintwood at the Misty Mountain Cottage or the Sleep Inn and Suites–or you can just grab lunch after a morning hike at La Casa Mexicana or Valentino’s, two highly rated restaurants in the area.
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