Camp Creek Bald Lookout
WillhiteWeb.com
Status: Standing Lookout
Elevation: 4,844 feet
Prominence: 724 feet
State: North Carolina/Tennessee
County: Madison County NC
AT Access: 0.2 mile detour with 150 foot gain
Lookout History
In 1928, the Camp Creek Bald Lookout was built with a 14x14 foot cab on a 21 foot steel tower.
In the 1960s, one of two prototypes round cabs was installed.
By the 2000s, the cab was not active and falling into disrepair. A partial restoration by the U.S. Forest Service and a local radio club kept it going.
Under construction
Camp Creek Bald Lookout in March 1930
Old photograph from the lookout
AT route as it passes by Camp Creek Bald
1935 map showing lookout tower on Camp Creek Bald
Just a short spur trail off the Appalachian Trail takes you up to Camp Creek Bald where there are some communication towers and this unique round fire lookout. The lookout will be locked and views are somewhat limited in some directions. Only a fire lookout bagger will find this extra work getting here worth the effort. The views just a few miles north at Big Firescald Knob are even better.
Trail to summit
Some buildings right next to the fire lookout
Camp Creek Bald from Rich Mountain Fire Lookout
Camp Creek Bald from the Appalachian Trail north of the peak
Round
Spur sign on the Appalachian Trail to the summit
Lookout in 2024
Views to the Southeast
Views to the Northwest
Looking North