Toward Kentucky the effects of mining were obvious along the bare mountains, I imagine that they were once tree covered and beautiful. The clouds weren't overwhelming and provided enough cover to keep the sun from glaring photos and making it able to see greater distances. The views however were as good as advertised. I was highly impressed with this steel structure and commend the park service for making it accessible for everyone.Ītop the tower the slight wind we encountered in Wise was absolutely ripping through with gusts as high as 30-40mph. At the base of Birch Knob 183 steps lead you up, over, and around the boulders to the platform at the top. I was really excited to get going and almost left Justin and Cassondra in the dust as I headed up the trail to the tower. It only takes 30 minutes to reach the Birch Knob Tower parking lot and it's quite the spectacle built atop the massive boulders of Pine Mountain. We met in Wise and carpooled to Clintwood, the weather was nice but the wind was blowing slightly when we left. I found some willing and able hiking partners in Justin and Cassondra, who I had met through my days of working in St. I had read the views here are 360 degrees and states as far away as Ohio can be seen on a clear day. However, I have researched the area and found there are several places that can be visited after work that normally wouldn't warrant a drive that far.īirch Knob Tower rests high atop Pine Mountain on the Virginia/Kentucky border near the town of Clintwood, Va. Recently I've been working in Wise, Va and the commute to work has drastically cut into my hiking time.

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