A climb up the old Shuckstack fire tower after canoeing to campsite 90 (Eagle Creek) and hiking up the Lost Cove Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. September 9, 2012.
We paddled in from Fontana Marina to campsite 90 (remember to make a reservation!). Leaving our camping gear at the campsite, we hiked up the Lost Cove Trail to the Appalachian Trail (about 3.1 miles). Hang a left on the AT and go another 0.2-0.3 miles to a spur trail leading right for the AT and left to the tower (no signage). Continue another 200 yards or so up to Shuckstack. This route is tough in terms of elevation gain. There are no switchbacks along the Lost Cove Trail and most of the elevation gain is over the last two miles (the first mile is following the Lost Cove stream at the stream's slope--not much gain). There are plenty of water crossings in that first miles. Anywhere from 12-20 wet crossings, depending on recent rainfall amounts. Be in shape for this hike and do not under estimate it.
At the base of the tower is the remnants of a cabin. I assume that was the shelter for the folks manning the tower. The tower itself looks to be in relatively great shape as far as the steel is concerned. The footings are eroding a bit around the concrete, but nothing too scary. The wood is certainly weathered, but all steps are in place as of September 2012 and none of them flex or creak. The room at the top of the tower could use some help though. The floor is sturdy, but has some signs of rot. Two of the four walls are missing their interior layer (exposing the studs). Only a few panes of glass are missing from the windows. The roof has a large hole and is in a very active phase of rotting out.
This tower is well worth the effort to hike up to. It's the best view I've yet to experience in the Park (compared to Clingmans Dome and several balds--admittedly not the full list of vistas...yet!). You can also day hike up from Fontana Dam along the AT, but expect a steep grade on that trail as well.
Music is "Moon Man" by the Infamous Stringdusters. Video shot and edited on an iPhone 4s.
Негізгі бет Shuckstack Fire Tower Hike and Climb from Fontana Lake
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