This guide provides everything you need to know about hiking to the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower, from where to park to trail length and what to expect on the mountain.
Quick Facts
Trailhead location: Between MP 409 and 410 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Trail length: 1.5-mile out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation change: ~350 ft
Distance from downtown Asheville: 26 miles
Drive time from downtown Asheville: 45 min
Trail Condition: Well-maintained gravel forest service road.
About 45 minutes south of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll find one the most spectacular lookouts near Asheville at the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower.
This hike is all about the reward at the 70-foot lookout tower situated at 5,340 above sea level atop Fryingpan Mountain.
The trail is a gravel forest service road used to access the communications tower located next to the Lookout Tower. While it passes through shade trees and is flanked by wildflowers, the trail itself is not particularly remarkable. The views are worth it, though!
Are you scared of heights? Climbing the old fire watch tower is not for the faint of heart so it may not be the right destination for you if so.
What You’ll Find In This Article
This guide shares everything to know about the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower Trail before your visit, including details on parking and information about the trail.
Directions to Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
The Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower trailhead is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway between mileposts 409 and 410. The trailhead is 26 miles southwest of Asheville.
From Asheville, drive south along the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy breathtaking views along the way. It’s just past Pisgah Inn.
Alternatively, you can approach the parkway from Brevard via US-276, passing attractions like Looking Glass Falls and Cradle of Forestry.
The trail is along our Blue Ridge Parkway Loop Itinerary so be sure to check it out for more fun ideas in the area.
Parking At The Fryingpan Trailhead
Parking for Fryingpan is available at the pull-off area at the entrance to the forest service road that serves as the trail to the lookout tower. The service road is gated but be sure not to block the gate in case vehicles need access.
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower Trail
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower is a popular destination for catching epic views from the 70-foot lookout tower. The tower is perched on the peak of Fryingpan Mountain which reaches 5,340 feet above sea level.
Built in the 1940s, the lookout tower is no longer in service but has been made available for the public to access and climb. It can, however, be an intimidating structure for those scared of heights.
Fryingpan Tower Trailhead
The trailhead for the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower trail is just past the gate at the entrance to the service road. The trail follows the service road all the way to the lookout tower.
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower Trail
The trail to the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower is a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail that follows a gravel forest service road through woods and open areas. The trail is lined with wildflower blooms throughout summer.
After a steady ascent for about 1/2 mile, the forest clears leaving you with a view of the lookout tower straight ahead.
Once you reach the lookout tower you can explore the area that is also home to weather stations and a communications tower. This is also where you can ascend the 70-foot lookout tower. It can be very windy and quite a bit cooler on the tower.
It’s a very exciting and enjoyable walk up the tower, but we wouldn’t recommend it if heights make your knees wobble. It’s adrenaline-inducing for sure! The views are magnificent, though.
Know Before You Go
There is limited parking at the trail. It’s a popular trail and gets quite busy during peak tourism times. Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds!
The lookout tower is a 70-foot steel structure built in the 1940s. It can be intimidating for those scared of heights!
Other Things To Do Nearby
There are several fun things to do near Fryingpan Mountain Tower. Most are listed in our Blue Ridge Parkway day trip itinerary. That’s a great resource for planning an adventure day in the area!
If you are up for a nearby adventure, check out Mount Pisgah. It’s one of the tallest peaks near Asheville. It’s a moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail. The views are excellent and you are surrounded by the forest on the way up. It’s a very different experience than the gravel road Fryingpan Tower trail.
If you want more adventure, head south on the Parkway to Graveyard Fields, Devil’s Courthouse, Black Balsam Knob or the Sam Knob trail. All are located along the Blueridge Parkway, with the last 3 offering excellent views. And not by climbing a tower!
In the opposite direction, you’ll find Pisgah Inn just a mile from the trailhead. It’s an excellent stop for views, restrooms, and snacks. If it’s a hot day, plan to grab an ice cream in their market shop and enjoy it in the shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower Trail is 1.5 miles long traversing out and back from the parking lot trailhead to the lookout tower. In other words, 1.5 miles total.
The Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower hike is only good for kids who are sure-footed and not afraid of heights. The trail itself is relatively uninteresting as it is a gravel forest service road. Climbing the stairs of the lookout tower may not be safe for small children.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower trail. Dogs must be leashed at all times. It may not be safe to take dogs up the tower.
There is space to park at the turnoff for the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower service road at the trailhead. It fills up early during peak season, so plan to arrive early!
No there are no restrooms at the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower trail. There are restrooms available at Pisgah Inn, 1 mile north on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
