Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower is a must visit when you’re in the Asheville area! Only 47 minutes from Asheville, this trail is perfect for a day hike. The views from the top are spectacular, and on a clear day you can see for miles in every direction. Keep reading for everything you need to know about this trail!
Getting to Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
The hike to the top of Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower is 1.5 miles round-trip and is rated as moderate. This trailhead is located close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Pisgah National Forest. The parking lot is located right off the road and is pretty small, holding about 10 cars or so. We were able to snag a spot but I’d recommend arriving early in the day to be sure you find one. You can park anywhere in this parking area, but be sure not to block the gate!
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower- The Trail
You’ll head around the gate and follow the trail up a wide gravel road. The climb to the summit is gradual, with the steepest part right at the end. Once you reach the tower you’ll climb the five flights of stairs to the top. The very top of the tower is locked to prevent people from sleeping here & vandalization, but the views from the top of the stairs are still breathtaking!
The trail is shaded in areas but not 100%. Be sure to bring plenty of water for the hike, especially if you’re going during the middle of summer. Not sure what else to bring on a day hike? Checkout this list of essentials you should take on your hike!
More Trails in the Area
Frying Pan Fire Tower is so close to the Pisgah National Forest, I recommended checking out a few hikes in the area. My favorites are Looking Glass Falls & Sliding Rock, perfect for if you’re looking to swim on hot summer days.
Another option would be to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, since this trail is pretty close to there. Be sure to stop by the Cradle of Forest Overlook for more amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This overlook is only about 5-10 minutes from the fire tower’s trail head.
