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New Lookout Towers book rediscovers "towering giants"
Fire and lookout towers were built to safeguard the forests by reporting fires in isolated areas. For many years they remained the primary source of fire reporting until aerial detection and later satellite and cell phones provided faster and more practical methods. During the advancing years, many prominent landmarks disappeared or badly deteriorated. Since most lookouts are no longer in use, funding for their upkeep may not be available. Many towers have been dismantled due to poor structural condition and resulting liability concerns by the agencies that own and administer the towers across the state. About a third of the lookouts that once stood in North Carolina are gone. The author is actively trying to save these towers through his association and by promotion of his book. These towering giants deserve a chance to survive as they are a part of our heritage. Barr's book details 26 towers located in the Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains, Central Highlands, Blue Ridge and Black Mountains of North Carolina. Historical and descriptive information, hiking routes, levels of difficulty of hike, photos and maps are included in each segment. Information pertaining to The Nantahala National Forest was of special interest to me as it is in "my back yard." It has the highest concentration of remaining towers in Western North Carolina. They are: Wayah Bald, Panther Top, Joanna Bald, Albert Mountain, Wesser Bald, Cowee Bald and Yellow Mountain. Some are listed on the National Historic Lookout Register and others are in dire need of repair. Two towers in our area have already been lost: Standing Indian which stood from 1929 to the early 1950's and Big Stamp which was located in the Tusquitees. I have hiked to several of the towers in our Nantahala National Forest and researched various materials for interesting facts about the areas. The historical information contained in Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers surpasses my previously referenced sources. As one of many hike leaders for Mountain High Hikers, I am scheduled to lead a trip to Albert Mountain in the near future. The author's book containing descriptive details of the tower, information relating to the naming of the mountain and facts about the family name and history, the view description from atop the tower, and maps of several trails that climb the mountain will help make our hike more informative and enjoyable. The author, a young man, has a long list of hiking accomplishments. His credibility within the hiking community is solid. He is one of only 3 people to have climbed all of the 100 highest summits in the southeast as well as the 100 highest in North Carolina. In addition to his impressive resume, The Carolina Mountain Club member and peakbagger enthusiast has hiked to all lookout towers in North Carolina, hiked all the trails in Pisgah National Forest and has almost completed hiking all 900 miles of trails in The Great Smoky National Park. This may be Barr's first book, but he really has done his homework and has the credentials. Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers will be purchased for my research library.
Reviewer: Bobbi LeHoullier, an avid outdoor enthusiast, is a member of Carolina Mountain Club, Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, and is on the Board of Mountain High Hikers, a local hiking club with over 150 members.
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