Hike Bickle Knob Fire Tower in West Virginia

What to bring

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The back country road to Bickle Knob Fire Tower is rougher than the actual hike — my Camry barely made it, scraping bottom on a few rocks while I questioned my life choices. But that sketchy drive weeds out the casual tourists, leaving you with one of West Virginia’s best-maintained fire towers and zero crowds.

What to Expect

This is barely a hike — more like a pleasant stroll through an open field. The unmarked but obvious path leaves the small gravel parking area and meanders maybe a quarter mile through meadow grass to the tower. Don’t expect trail markers or blazes; just follow the worn path that’s clearly visible from the lot.

The tower itself is the real star here. West Virginia converted this from the original fire tower design into an open viewing platform, and they did it right. The structure feels solid underfoot — none of that sketchy wobbling you get on some old towers. Climbing up gives you a commanding view over the surrounding ridgelines and valleys, assuming the weather cooperates.

On clear days, you can see for miles across the Monongahela National Forest. The elevation puts you above most of the surrounding peaks, so you’re looking down on ridge after ridge rolling off toward the horizon. When fog rolls in — which it does frequently — you might as well be standing in a cloud. Check the weather before making the drive.

Difficulty

Calling this a hike is generous. The walk is flat, short, and takes maybe 10 minutes. Your biggest challenge will be navigating that access road without scraping your undercarriage. Anyone who can walk a quarter mile on uneven grass can handle this trail. The only real effort comes from climbing the tower stairs, and even that’s minimal.

Best Time to Go

Early morning offers the best chance of clear skies before afternoon clouds build up. Fall brings decent foliage views, though you’re mostly looking at distant ridges rather than being surrounded by colorful trees. Weekdays are ideal since the rough road access keeps casual visitors away — you’ll likely have the place to yourself. Avoid rainy periods when that access road becomes a muddy mess.

Before You Go

That access road is no joke. High-clearance vehicles obviously handle it better, but determined sedans can make it if you drive carefully and don’t mind some paint scraping. The road is unpaved, rocky, and has some decent ruts that’ll test your car’s limits. Once you reach the small gravel parking area, you’re golden. No fees, no facilities, and don’t count on cell service out here. Nearest real town is probably an hour away, so fuel up and use the bathroom before heading out. Bring water even for this short walk — West Virginia humidity can be brutal, and there’s no shade on the tower platform.

Best Hiking Season

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