Hiking in America’s most visited national park (yes, that would be the Great Smoky Mountains National Park) is always a treasured experience, regardless of what trail you’re exploring. From trails that lead absolutely nowhere to hikes that travel to lost villages deep in the woods, the park is filled with unparalleled hiking adventures. However, even though the most savvy, experienced hiker would be hard-pressed to name just one trail in the park as a favorite, the trail to Shuckstack Fire Tower definitely belongs on the bucket list.

Shuckstack Mountain (elevation, 4,014 feet) rises 2,300 feet above North Carolina's Fontana Lake. And at the summit, sits a fire tower that's open to the public. It offers surreal views of the lake and surrounding mountain ranges.
Google Local/George Lifchits
The tower was built in 1934, is still in great condition, and sits on land maintained by the National Park Service. It rises 60 feet, affording all who climb to the observation room at the top an experience worthy of the 6.6-mile round trip hike.
Google Local/Landis McLeod
Found along the Appalachian Trail, Shuckstack Fire Tower is reachable from three trails of varying lengths. But the common and unavoidable thread among all three trails is the elevation gain up to the summit. Prepare for an uphill climb for most of the way, with the trail leveling off only occasionally for a short distance.
alltrails/Vada Cunningham

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Upon reaching the summit, prepare for an additional (and sharp!) elevation gain as you make your way to the very top of the fire tower. It may be a bit of a burn but the payoff is definitely worth the effort.
Google Local/Kimberly Pfirrmann-Powell
Start your hike early in the day so you can take your time at the tower — and when you're ready to leave, the good news is: getting back down the mountain is a breeze compared to the ascent up to the tower!
Google Local/Davis D. Janowski
The trail to Shuckstack Fire Tower is rated as HARD by the folks at AllTrails, and rightfully so. The easiest trailhead is found along the Appalachian Trail just across Fontana Dam from the Visitors Center.
Google Maps
Is this a trail you see yourself tackling at some point this year? It's open year-round, but the best access is between May and November.
Google Local/Timothy Battles

Most people set aside at least five or six hours for this hike. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack! This trail can be a challenge, so come prepared. To learn more about the trail, check out this link at AllTrails.

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Fontana Dam and Visitors Center, Fontana Dam, NC 28733, USA