Not an easy hike by any means, but a steep ascent will reward you will amazing views of the southern Smokies. Shuckstack Fire Tower. Even though both Shuckstack Tower and Gregory Bald can be reached via separate shorter hikes, it's hard to beat combining these two spectacular destinations into one large loop. Hike northbound along the Appalachian Trail from where it enters the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shuckstack mountain and fire tower for 360-degree views including Fontana Lake and Dam. As you climb, the Shuckstack Fire Tower will come into view and disappear from view.
Since its a pretty long trip, Eddie's driving and I'm riding shotgun. It’s a steady climb, never grueling and the pay off — if you dare — is a climb up the rickety fire tower atop 4,020-foot Shuckstack Mountain. This hike does have around 2,400 feet of vertical ascent from Fontana Dam. My plan was to initially hike the Twentymile Trail to the Appalachian Trail. In 1934, the Public Works Administration built the Shuckstack Fire Tower, located on what is now the Shuckstack Tower Trail. This hike occurred on Saturday, October 6th, 2018. Today we head to the North Carolina side of the Smokies to the Shuckstack Fire Tower. PERMIT: Overnight camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a backcountry permit. Truly a Destination hike for FAll, gotta do it at least once! The trail follows ridges, some with gradual elevation changes, descending in some places (one to cross a stream about halfway to the Fire Tower) with varying gradual and steep ascents. Officially, the Appalachian Trail does not cross the summit of Shuckstack, but a short 0.1-mile side trail brings you to the 60-foot lookout tower with outstanding 360° views of the region. Start your hike from the north side of the dam. A right turn on the AT, then a quarter mile on the AT southbound, leads to a steep spur trail up to Shuckstack Tower. We will start out on the historic Lakeshore Trail and follow it for 5.2 miles to the Lost Cove Trail head. Cross over the dam and after a short drive the parking area for the trailhead is visible. As you climb, the Shuckstack Fire Tower will come into view and disappear from view. The Shuckstack Fire Tower is located on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. From Bryson City, travel west on NC 28 to Fontana Dam. Follow the Appalachian Trail 3.6 miles north from Fontana Dam to Shuckstack fire tower, a 1930s lookout with views across the entire park. Shuckstack is on the North Carolina side of the Park. At 60-feet tall the old tower is one of the highest in the region and allows those who dare to climb it a vantage point which reaches high above the surrounding forest canopy. Lakeshore Trail will provide us with several excellent photo ops of relics from the past. PERMIT: Overnight camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a backcountry permit. What makes Shuckstack stand out it the aforementioned fire tower built atop it in the 1930’s. The trail to Shuckstack begins about 0.6 mile from the dam. After a quick stop at Hardees for some pre-hike grub (mistake) we head down US 129, also known as the Dragon, to Fontana. Located on Twentymile ridge, the Shuckstack fire tower is just a tenth of a mile from the Appalachian Trail and a mere 3.4 miles from the road. Make sure to leave the pupper at home, dogs are not allowed on the trails in the park.
Shuckstack/Lost Cove/Lakeshore Loop A favorite Smokies adventure is this loop that starts near Fontana Dam and follows the Appalachian Trail up for 3.7 miles. From Bryson, take NC 28 to Fontana Dam. Follow the Appalachian Trail 3.6 miles north from Fontana Dam to Shuckstack fire tower, a 1930s lookout with views across the entire park. Let's check out the Fall colors from Shuckstack fire tower. In 1947 the trail was rerouted across Fontana Dam to ascend Shuckstack, the site of one of the tallest lookout towers in North Carolina. Built in 1934 by the Public Works Administration, the tower climbs over 70 steps to the top.
Shuckstack Tower Trailhead.