To effectively fight a forest fire, it helps to see it coming. Today, airplanes and drones provide an early alert, but decades ago, fire spotters climbed into the sky and waited. Fire towers offered the ultimate vantage point and were built in remote areas across Wisconsin. They are relics of another era – some became tourist attractions, and some were simply decommissioned. In one corner of a beautiful Wisconsin forest, you can visit a place that’s being reclaimed by nature, as long as you’re willing to hike up a remote hill. Here’s what you’ll find on the Carter Fire Tower Trail.

Fire towers were once essential structures used for fire detection and prevention in forested areas across the United States.
Ben Jones / OIYS
Fire spotters spent untold hours perched in swaying fire towers, plotting fires with paper maps and string.
In northern Oconto County, there was a tower that served the region well for decades.
Ben Jones / OIYS
The tower was constructed back in 1934 and it was really tall, standing high above the trees.
How tall was this tower? It was 100 feet, or about 10 stories. It sat atop a hill that’s 260 feet above Highway 32, so the view was incredible.
Ben Jones / OIYS

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A dwelling and garage was added to the site in 1939, and the tower was staffed by a worker named Harvey Bartz, and later, John Klementz.
Ben Jones / OIYS
The last fire that was spotted from the tower occurred in 1968. Like most fires in the area, it was man-made (versus natural causes like lightning).
Ben Jones / OIYS
But the tower’s days were numbered. The tower was officially decommissioned in 1975.
Ben Jones / OIYS
Today, a steep and rugged trail leads up to the site and you can see very little of the tower – the forest is taking over. Look closely, and you’ll see footings in the leaves. A nearby trail passes the site of the former residence.

I recently went for a run up to this tower site – it was a short run, but because of the elevation, it was still a good workout! Learn more about the Carter Lookout Tower and nearby Quartz Hill trail on the Forest Service website. Get your trail hiking supplies at REI, and here are some must-see Wisconsin attractions.

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Quartz Hill Trail, National Forest Rd 2124, Wabeno, WI 54566, USA