Hiking to Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower in the Smoky Mountains

June 29, 2021

There are a ton of great destinations in the Smoky Mountains that you can get to by hiking. One of those must see spots in the Mt. Cammerer fire tower. This hike is 11.2 miles roundtrip if you take the most popular route via Low Gap Trail. While this hike is a little intense, there are few sights that can live up to the views that you will encounter from the fire tower. Here is a little more about the path you will take to the Mt. Cammerer fire tower.

1. Low Gap Trail

Low Gap TrailThis is the first step on the way to the amazing Mt. Cammerer fire tower. When you begin the hike, you will start on the Low Gap Trail near Cosby. This portion of the hike is 2.9 miles long, and as you make the way up, you will be amazed by the nature and beauty that surrounds you. If you are able to visit during Autumn, as you begin to ascend you will notice the changing color of the leaves as you make your way towards the Appalachian Trail.

2. Appalachian Trail

The next leg of the hike on the way to Mt. Cammerer fire tower is a 2.1 mile walk on the famous Appalachian Trail. The best part of this section of the hike is when you get to travel up the wooden steps that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the early 1900s.

3. Mt. Cammerer Trail

Mt. Cammerer TrailAfter battling the uphill hike of the Appalachian Trail, you will be glad when you reach the cut off for Mt. Cammerer Trail, which leads you directly to Mt. Cammerer fire tower. This part of the hike is not only short at just 0.6 miles, but will also be the easiest part of the hike. As you make your way to the fire tower, the terrain is a straight shot until the last part where you work your way to the fire tower.

4. Mt. Cammerer Fire House Lookoff

This is not only the final stop on the hike, but what you have walked all this way to experience! Surrounded by large rocks, the Mt. Cammerer fire tower is an amazing sight to see. However, the outside of the structure is only half of the beauty. Hikers are able to walk up the stairs into the inside of the fire tower and are shown a panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains. From the Mt. Cammerer fire tower, you will be able to have views of the Pigeon Forge Gorge, Snowbird Mountain, Mount Sterling, the Big Creek Area, and a 360 degree breathtaking view of the Smoky Mountains.

The hike to the Mt. Cammerer fire tower is just one of the amazing hikes that are available in the Smoky Mountains. Be sure to check out some of the other fantastic hikes that are awaiting you on your next trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.