Nearby Campgrounds
§ 02 — OVERVIEW
Located atop Buffalo Mountain at 3,520 feet above sea level, Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower has served as sentinel for forested lands in Unicoi and Washington counties for the past 75 years. The tower stands sentry over “The Valley Beautiful,” conspicuous along a ten-mile stretch of Interstate 26 between Erwin and Johnson City, and visible from various locations in Johnson City, Limestone Cove, Unicoi and from TN 81 near the Nolichucky River.
The fire tower is one of only four remaining in Cherokee National Forest. In 2011 Pinnacle Fire Tower was adapted from a wood and metal structure to an all-metal covered viewing platform. The structure utilized the 40-foot tower structure and replaced the cab with a covered platform the same size, shape and configuration as the old catwalk and cab. The platform offers views of the region’s highest peaks, including Unaka Mountain and Roan Mountain, as well as views into the towns of Johnson City, Unicoi and Erwin. The 4.9 hike/bike Pinnacle Mountain Trail serves as a destination trail to the rehabilitated fire tower. The trailhead, at the foot of Buffalo Mountain, provides convenient trail access from Interstate 26, Exit 32 in the Town of Unicoi. From this trailhead vantage point, Pinnacle Mountain Trail #25 winds its way up the mountain at grades the whole family can enjoy. As a result, the trail has quickly become one of Unicoi County's most popular.
§ 03 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 04 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 05—08 — FROM THE FIELD
Community Intel from visitors, written reviews, dated trip reports, and reader-submitted photographs.
§ 06 — REVIEWS
§ 07 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 08 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
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§ 01 — VITALS
AT&T
T-Mobile
Verizon
Based on FCC availability data. Actual signal may vary in remote terrain.
Wed
85°F
Sunny
0 to 5 mph SW
Thu
87°F
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms
5 to 15 mph SW
Jun
78°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
5 to 10 mph W
Sat
80°F
Sunny
0 to 5 mph NW
Sun
85°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 to 5 mph SW
Mon
83°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
5 to 10 mph SW
Tue
82°F
Rain Showers Likely
5 mph W