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This place was the best! You can get a super good veiw of the steam coming from what I am 99% sure is the Watts bar nuclear plant. This shows how effective these towers were in the past since that place is ~55 miles away. The floor didn't feel as bad as some reviews said but I'd still be careful just in case. The hike felt a little overrated in difficulty but this is coming from a cyclist. It took me just under 2 hours to get there from the dam visitor center and in total it was 3 hours and 46 minutes there and back. At the end of the hike I had a nice and warm shower at the visitor center. I recommend driving the tail of the dragon if it isn't already on the way here, it's a blast!
Incredible is an understatement. Watched one of the best sunsets of my life from the tower. Pictures/videos can barely begin to do it justice. It is quite exhilarating climbing up exposed and feeling the power of the wind. Feels a little sketchy, particularly the floor up top, but its actually quite sturdy. Nothing man made but Fontana Dam in sight in all directions as far as the eye can see. The hike up from Eagle creek that many people seem to day hike is brutal in elevation so be ready for that. I visited the tower as part of a multi-day backpacking trip in the park and approached Shuckstack from Backcountry camp #113 'Birch Spring Gap'. This was a much more manageable 1-1.5 mile hike to the tower from the camp that I would definitely recommend if it works for your itinerary. Either way go to Shuckstack you won't regret it. Hard to imagine it will be open forever.
Absolutely amazing. The hike will have you doubting yourself 5 or 6 times and make you want to quit but its so worth it once you get there. We did the hike 4 days ago and my legs still hurt lol
Give yourself 5+ hrs to do it. 2 up, 2 down, 1 hr for random breaks throughout. Bring plenty of water. Its basically a constant incline with lots of rocks 90% of the time lol
The floor looks like (and feels like 😳) it doesn't have many years left in it so go sooner than later before it gives out! Lol
When you get to the rocks that look like a chair you're about half way there.
