Panther Top Fire Tower Open to Public on Selected Dates

The USDA Forest Service announced that it is opening the Panther Top Fire Tower to the public for viewing on selected dates. This Forest Service fire tower is normally closed to the public.

The Panther Top Fire Tower is located in Cherokee County, near Hiwassee Lake.  The 40-foot tall lookout tower was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940.  Standing atop a 2,293 foot summit, the Panther Top Fire Tower is the lowest situated lookout tower in western North Carolina, and it is also the most western tower in the state.

The tower will be open to the public on the first Saturday of each month starting in June through October 2016. Additional days will be on Saturday and Sunday: October 29 & 30 and November 5 & 6. Hours will be 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  

​For more information, call the Tusquitee Ranger District Office at 828-837-5152.

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