Mountain Tower Road

Trail Overview

Mountain Tower Road is a short access road that is used to access the Mountain Fire Tower Lookout. This road is well maintained, but it is steep, gaining about 100ft of elevation within a relatively short distance. Atop the road, there is a moderately sized parking area located just next to the lookout tower. The lookout tower is one of a few remaining fire lookout towers left in the state that can be legally accessed by the public, and the only lookout tower in the Nicolet National Forest that is open to the public. The tower is about 100 feet tall and allows for views overlooking the region. Several nearby towns can also be seen from the tower. The stairs up to the observation deck are short and steep. Individuals who are not sure about heights should be cautious. Slight movement in the tower while ascending or descending is normal. The site is open daily, May-October, 8 AM-sunset. The access road is not open to ATV or SxS traffic, but there is a small parking lot at the bottom of the road for these vehicles.

Photos of Mountain Tower Road

Want to see more?

Login

Difficulty

The trail can be easily navigated by all. The road is steep, but it is well-maintained. The road is under two vehicle-wide in most areas, so vehicles will need to slow down or pull over to allow for oncoming vehicles to pass.

History

The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower was built in 1935 by the Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was once a part of an extensive lookout tower network in the former Nicolet National Forest. It was the first lookout tower in Wisconsin to be placed on the National Historic Lookout Register and the National Register of Historic Places. It was also the 41st lookout tower to be registered in the United States. The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower was restored in 2015-16 with financial assistance from the Oconto County Economic Development Corporation, numerous local businesses, organizations, communities, and residents. Employees from the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District spent more than 500 hours doing the restoration work. Today, the 100-foot steel tower with a 7-by-7-foot cab is one of the few remaining lookouts on the east side of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Of the 14 original towers in the forest, the Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is the only one where visitors may climb to the top. Visitors can hike to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Oconto County. (https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chequamegon-nicolet/recreation/mountain-fire-lookout-tower)

Technical Rating

Mountain Tower Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV