Exploring Virginia's Best Fire Towers & Lookout Towers

Virginia is loaded with fantastic fire towers, lookouts, and observation towers spread across the state. Each one has a unique history and incredible birds eye views.
These are just a few across the state:
Birch Knob Observation Tower
Big Walker Lookout Tower
High Know Observation Tower
Woodstock Fire Tower
High Knob Fire Tower
Kennedy Peak Tower
Questions about any of these? Leave me a comment below.
Note: Some of Virginia's fire towers have been decommissioned and are deemed unsafe to climb to the top such as Mendota Fire Tower and Butt Mountain Fire Tower. The lower stairs have been removed to prevent people from climbing to the top.
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#firetower #virginia #rvahikergirl #observationtower #highknob #woodstock #kennedypeak #bigwalkertower #appalachianmountains

[@TeaInValhalla]

Be back soon for a full and glorious watch, Bake Off time for us! Hope you are well, happy hump day, Ceri and Kat ❤️ 👍 ☕️ 🤗

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Is it too early for your rum fruit cake? I know that one takes some time to create. Ha Ha! ~RVA~

[@TeaInValhalla]

@@RVAHikerGirl soon! Mid November Kat is aiming for this year cake 🎂

[@TRAVEL.WITH.JAFARI]

Hello my new friend 🙋🤝🙋🇨🇭🇨🇭 Very beautiful video Super like Tank you for charging 👍💝👍

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Well hello there Switzerland Travel. Very happy you stopped by the channel. Very much appreciated. ~RVA!

[@Robin-kf1yz]

Thanks!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

AWWW, my very 1st SUPER THANKS! Wow, thank you so very much for being the 1st. You have made my Saturday! ~RVA~

[@Robin-kf1yz]

@@RVAHikerGirl Welp your videos are great and local to east coast! But, here’s to the woman inspiring me to buy brighter cloths to work and hike/camp in. Quite an achievement and I’m getting compliments.

[@RVAHikerGirl]

@@Robin-kf1yz Yes girl, shine bright out there! Do whatever your spirit calls for that makes you happy. Be as free and wild and you want to be. Just thrilled that you enjoy watching me out there doing what I love. ~RVA~

[@JayBryd]

Fire tower, Observation tower = Relaxation tower. Awesome views everywhere. Very cool!!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Ha Ha, well that is if you can land them all to yourself. Not as easy on the weekends to do that, but when you can its awesome. ~RVA~

[@JenniferLupine]

Hi RVA- Great fire and observation towers! Cool to see the variety of structures and the awesome views! Great fall colors- love the reds!! 👍👍 Happy Friday!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

They are saying this is the best Fall color in a decade. It's a beautiful time to be outdoors. Thanks for watching as always Jennifer. ~RVA~

[@SeniorHiker77]

Now I know what did before arriving at the Red River Gorge. Lol You really got some awesome fall colors. Of course I enjoyed the towers. 👍

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Yes, I was tired before I got to RRG, LOL. But man was it worth it. Some of these places have been on my to do list for years. Muchas gracias, John! ~RVA~

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Hello RVA, this was a wonderful video. The views from the towers were amazing. Especially, the views of Ohio. Which I must say were the best views. LOL!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Hey John, I wish the trees were cut back a little more on the OHIO side. LOL! Loved doing the treks to all these incredible locations. So much fun. ~RVA~

[@TeaInValhalla]

Baking inspiration done! Now time for hiking inspiration amd what better way to start our day 🙌 Wow wow wow some of those views and autumnal colours 😍 🍂 nature is incredible! The Big Walker observation tower was insane! 🧐🤯 a good test for jelly legs! 🦵 Your hair is looking very lovley 🤗 Ideal conditions too Jacqueline, pleased for you! Such important buildings interesting to explore with you 😀 Thanks so much for taking us along loved the wild flowers and veiws, amzing video! Have a great week, Ceri and Kat ❤️ 👍 ☕️ 🤗

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Windy and wobbly up there for sure! That is my natural hair now after so many years trying to cover up my natural silver. (Since I was 18 believe it or not) I think I'm gonna add some purple streaks again soon though. I could do a whole KZbin channel alone just on my hair journey. Ha Ha! ~RVA~

[@thathikingguy]

Wow what a neat idea for a video. Loved the views me oh my! LOL

[@RVAHikerGirl]

OHHHH me oh myyyyy is right Chris! LOL! Thank you for stopping by the channel and checking this video out my friend. So many great views to be seen from these gorgeous and remote places. ~RVA~

[@tangenttrails]

We still have a few fire towers left in east Texas. They’ve always captured my interest since I was a child. A great part of our country’s forest service history. Wonderful episode you have here.

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Couldn’t agree more! Love them all.

[@IvorsTravels]

The Big Walker Tower gave some fabulous views. You had a brilliant day. I have been up several similar towers and as I get older the motion of these towers now is a bit concerning. Years ago it would not have been a problem. All the towers were worth a look.

[@RVAHikerGirl]

The wind was really whipping up there at Big Walker Lookout Tower. 100ft in the air doesn't sound high, but it felt high. And the temps just plunged. The swaying of a private observation tower and even that swaying bridge made me wonder about the mainentance of these two since they are not maintained by the state buy private owners. You gotta be extra careful in those types of places. Thanks for watching. ~RVA~

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Those fire towers are incredible!!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

I've been trying to get out to see some of these incredible landmarks for years now. It worked out perfect they were on the way to RRG. ~RVA~

[@thenaturemanadventures]

All of these fire/observation towers were simply incredible with their amazing views and multiple access points when available. Especially with this fall season, you can't beat it. Love it! Thanks for sharing my friend 🤠🌲🍃

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Hiya Natureman! I couldn't agree more. Fire and observation towers are such a fun place to visit in the mountains. I will seek them out, no matter what state I am exploring. ~RVA~

[@ervinslens]

Such a gorgeous upload, views and overall video quality are simply outstanding! Lovely work 🔥🔥

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Awww, thank you for your sweet comment. That means so much! ~RVA~

[@vs123]

Awesome view very beautiful place

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Much appreciated. ~RVA~

[@NicoleHikesalot]

Awesome towers all of them offer incredible views. Loved that suspension bridge too. The accessible path was great and seeing all five states. Birch knob was definitely amazing as far as views. 6 states... 😳. Wow

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Hey girl! Such a fun thing to do is seek these out everywhere I go. And yep, you just can't beat the amazing views they provide. Thanks for watching. ~RVA~

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Wow! Super cool fire tower! Loved the views! These are awesome and equally terrifying to climb sometimes!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Which one? The first 3 are observation towers and the last 3 are fire towers. We are very lucky to have so many in VA that are still open and that are being maintained. Sadly there are many that have been decommissioned and are deemed unsafe now to climb like Mendota and Butt Mountain. ~RVA~

[@CarlsonAdventures]

Wow. So many awesome towers. Thanks for sharing!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Aww, thanks Brian for stopping by and checking this one out. Loved going to all of these! Very much appreciated my friend! ~RVA~

[@jasonmears4393]

Thanks so much for sharing. We have a common interest in fire and lookout towers. I love them. Again, thanks for this info. I plan on making trips to many of these towers. Great job 👏

[@RVAHikerGirl]

You are very welcome! Yes I love these towers and seeking them out for just incredible views. Appreciate you stopping by Jason, come on back to the channel anytime. ~RVA~

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

A lot of amazing views. Really enjoyed it.Thanks for sharing.

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Glad you enjoyed it! I certainly loved every second of exploring all of them. You are right, you just can't beat the miles and miles of incredible mountain views. Thanks for checking this one out. ~RVA~

[@Ron_C]

Great info on these lookouts! Appreciate the details and locations! Be safe!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Hey RonC. These are so much fun. We have a lot of decomissioned firetowers in the state that you can't go up any more like Mendota and Butt Mountain. They aren't maintained and are in too poor condition. But the ones we do have that are still open are gems! ~RVA~

[@Petragoesoutdoors]

Wow, incredible views from this towers. I like it very much and here in Germany we have some of this towers too. Thanks for this beautiful views and this great video. Greetings from Germany.

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Hey Girl, so nice of you to drop by and check out my latest video. It's very much appreciated. Thanks Petra! ~RVA~

[@Petragoesoutdoors]

@@RVAHikerGirl Your welcome 😄

[@DaveCollierCamping]

The Fall is beginning to look colorful, take care

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Fall is in full effect in VA. They say its the best Fall color in 10 years!

[@StepsbyKaatje]

Great fire towers you have there and I sure love the views you get when you climb all the way up! I enjoyed some of your shots from down all the way up! You were lucky with the clear day! 😁 All the best! Kaat

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Yes, great weather for all of these towers. Man you can see so far on a clear day. Thanks for checking out this one. Really enjoyed the journey of visiting each one of these over the years. ~RVA~

[@Robin-kf1yz]

Because of your video, I’m heading to Hanging Rock State Park in NC next week for 2 nights in the Campground. Thanks for all the info. And I’ll be sporting my hot pink Decathalon jacket. Haha. Girl, you are turning me on to bright colors while hiking and camping .

[@RVAHikerGirl]

I love this Robin! So happy to hear this! Happy waterfall chasing! Those jackets are my fav! I wish they had more colors like bright purple or a bright turquoise. They need to let me make an RVA HG line, haha! ~RVA~

[@Barkley512]

Great Video!!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

@Barkley512 thanks so much! Appreciate you visiting the channel

[@AlanMETALMAN]

Ohhh that looked a right steppe climb up but one thing they do give you (as well as big calf muscles) is amazing views and you sure did get that. The Autumn (Fall) colours were stunning, what a riot of colours but I did not know you had to pay to get to the top of some of them. I so not mind those swinging b ridges but Mrs Metalman is terrified of them so you would not get her on that one lol, cheers Alan

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Hey Hey, my friend! Only that 1 do you have to pay for since it is privately owned. The rest are property of the forest service and National Forests and are free to visit. They are all over the US, but it's fun exploring the ones in my home state. ~RVA~

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Very Cool video. Awesome views. Honestly over all the years I’ve hiked I’ve yet to go up in one of those higher towers. So, I’ll live vicariously through your videos. 👍👍😎✌️

[@RVAHikerGirl]

When you are traveling, look up fire towers on your route. They are all over the place. Some you can drive right up to, while others require hiking to. Just another thing to add to you to do list to keep having fun in the outdoors. You can't beat them good ole mountain views. ~RVA~

[@donniedotson3318]

Thank you for a great video.

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Appreciate that Donnie! Thank You for stopping by the channel and watching this video. ~RVA~

[@HikerTrashHusbands]

Love fire towers! Up our way sometimes they offer the only views so they are a special treat.

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Yes! Where are you located, the firetowers that you visit? ~RVA~

[@HikerTrashHusbands]

@@RVAHikerGirl the Catskills of New York.

[@RVAHikerGirl]

@@HikerTrashHusbands Ah yes, beautiful up that way. I've been wanting to go waterfall chasing in NY, and also check out Watkins Glen

[@HikerTrashHusbands]

@@RVAHikerGirl well worth the visit!

[@tonyabrowninghikes]

Amazing viewers at everyone of them! I need to get to Virginia!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Yes girl! Come on down anytime. I'd be happy to be your tour guide! Thanks for checking out the video. ~RVA~

[@tonyabrowninghikes]

@@RVAHikerGirl that would be awesome! I'll have to get with you!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

@@tonyabrowninghikes Girls trip! Ha Ha!

[@tonyabrowninghikes]

@@RVAHikerGirl yes! I'd love a girls trip.

[@ms.kayak7seas]

Hi, RVA. Thank you so much for sharing. This is a great comparison vid of 6 Fire/observation towers and your honest rating of the towers is very much appreciated. Adding Birch Knob Tower to my bucket list is not only an easier hike but a stunning view. I remember watching your vid of "Thorny Mountain Fire Tower." May I ask which you favor Kentucky Peak Tower and Torney Mountain Fire Tower? I didn't even know PPL are allowed to stay there. I also enjoy your hike collaborating with Nicole at Red River Gorge. BTW, while I was at VA beach dipping my toes after my first dying hike attempt at Grandfathers Mountain. I was just curious about what hikes are offered in VA...and Boom I found you in "Devils Marbleyard Hike - Rock Scrambling & Bouldering - Virginia." I am just a kayaker and not experienced enough to even try that scrambling yet. OMG, no trail markings at all? I will have to hire somebody to guide me to the summit, I do think. Please continue inspiring the world including me. Well done. Would you be kind to drop off your thoughts in a comment on "Hiking to Macrae Peak at Grandfather Mountain | North Carolina's most dangerous trail" if only you are interested?

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Your comments showed up btw. So happy it did.

[@ms.kayak7seas]

@@RVAHikerGirl Wow, thank you so much for this. I hope YT figured out I am not a robot. Look forward to your next adventure.

[@darjasoekarta4736]

be careful when climbing and recording,,nice weekend, i really enjoy the video and every second have creative ideas🖤

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Thank you Darja, so happy to hear that you enjoyed the video. It's hard to take a bad video when the landscape is so beautiful! ~RVA~

[@MasBeb]

Very nice video............. 👍 💞 ✔️

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching and come back anytime. ~RVA~

[@BingHe_Car_Camping]

Views are so nice~!!!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Thank you! Really enjoyed exploring all of these amazing places. ~RVA~

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Consider SUBSCRIBING to the channel if you're into hiking, camping, and exploring. Greatly appreciate it. ~RVA~

[@ms.kayak7seas]

Hi RVA.Please accept my apologies for my dropping my comment. Since I am not certain, it will reach out you or not. Here it is: Hi, RVA. Thank you so much for sharing. This is a great comparison vid of 6 Fire/observation towers and your honest rating of the towers is very much appreciated. Adding Birch Knob Tower to my bucket list is not only an easier hike but a stunning view. I remember watching your vid of "Thorny Mountain Fire Tower." May I ask which you favor Kentucky Peak Tower and Torney Mountain Fire Tower? I didn't even know PPL are allowed to stay there. I also enjoy your hike collaborating with Nicole at Red River Gorge. BTW, while I was at VA beach dipping my toes after my first dying hike attempt at Grandfathers Mountain. I was just curious about what hikes are offered in VA...and Boom I found you in "Devils Marbleyard Hike - Rock Scrambling & Bouldering - Virginia." I am just a kayaker and not experienced enough to even try that scrambling yet. OMG, no trail markings at all? I will have to hire somebody to guide me to the summit, I do think. Please continue inspiring the world including me. Well done. Would you be kind to drop off your thoughts in a comment on "Hiking to Macrae Peak at Grandfather Mountain | North Carolina's most dangerous trail" if only you are interested?

[@TeaInValhalla]

Like button activated 👍

[@RVAHikerGirl]

@@TeaInValhalla a big hug and thank you!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

@@ms.kayak7seas Not sure why your comments aren't reaching me. You can't go up thorny mountain firetower unless you have a reservation to stay there. So I would say Birch Knob because anyone can go up there at any time and the views are more vast. However camping up in West Virginia in that fire tower was amazing. I did not see any no camping signs around birch knob fyi. Devils Marble Yard was a fun hike. Not familiar with Macrae Peak so I can't offer any advice on that one. Hope your comments start showing up. ~RVA~

[@ms.kayak7seas]

@@RVAHikerGirl Thank you so much for your advice. 🙋‍♀

[@yama999]

tempat yang sangat alami,,,ada tower untuk melihat dari ketinggian,,sangat indah,,,salam dari indonesia

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Thank you. It's amazing to look down over the landscape from high up. Thanks for stopping by the channel and checking out my latest video. ~RVA~

[@donniedotson3318]

Birch Knob is in Dickenson County Virginia.

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Yes I said Dickerson instead of Dickenson, sorry about that.

[@bestrelax6253]

+50 👍👍👍♥♥

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Thanks for the thumbs up and for stopping by. ~RVA~