Chestnut Ridge Lookout Site

In 1929, the 48-foot high steel tower was built.

In 1934, the USGS placed some benchmarks. The main station mark was placed under the center of the fire tower. One directional benchmark was placed 24 feet from the south leg of the fire tower. And another 23.7 feet from the concrete doorstep of a cabin. They said they used the 50 foot tower to make some measurements.

In 1958, the USGS returned and mentioned that the tower had been torn down but the concrete footings were still in place.

In 1961 they said the tower was moved and gave new measurements to the station benchmark. Basically, they were saying that a new tower had been erected.

In the 1980s the second tower was removed.

The former lookout fire wardens house at the base of the tower now serves as the Chestnut Knob Appalachian Trail Shelter and was rehabilitated in 1994. The site overlooks Burkes Garden and provides views towards Big Walker Mountain and Mount Rogers.