Trail Overview
West Eden Mountain Road is a special trail that leads to a fascinating historical site. At the peak of Eden Mountain, located at an elevation of 1,222 feet and roughly 1.2 miles off North Irons Road, you'll find the remnants of an old Fire Lookout Tower. The concrete footings where the tower once stood are still visible. Spots like this, along with many others across Michigan, offer a unique glimpse into the history of our National Forest lands and how they were once managed. Take a break and enjoy lunch at the peak, explore the surrounding area, and imagine what it was like to climb up the tower and spot fires. Offline maps are recommended, as cell service may be limited in the area. Be aware of local wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment.
Difficulty
Coming from North Irons Road on the west side of this trail, it's two vehicles wide and well-maintained. Just after the lookout, you will begin to traverse down the mountain, and the trail terrain becomes more challenging with some tight corners and slightly off-camber sections.
History
In 1933, the Manistee National Forest was created, and shortly after, in 1936, they worked to implement a fire control plan. The plan included building fire lookouts like this one to catch and prevent wildfires. If interested in seeing the last standing Fire Lookout tower in the lower Peninsula. Check out Udell Hills Fire Lookout Tower, twelve miles northeast of here.
