Panther Top Lookout
US 215, NC 5
Lookout Details
| Registry Numbers | US 215, NC 5 (view other lookouts in United States, North Carolina) |
| Date Registered | March 30, 1997 |
| Nominated by | Charles N. Miller, District Ranger, and Glen Beaver |
| Location |
Nantahala National Forest Cherokee County, North Carolina |
| Coordinates |
N 35° 03.950' W 084° 05.000' (view using Google Maps) N 35° 03' 57" W 084° 04' 60" N 35.065830° W 084.083330° |
| Elevation | 2,264 ft (690 m) |
| Administered by | Cherokee County, North Carolina |
| Cooperators | Tusquitee Ranger District |
Description
Located on the Nantahala National Forest in the southwestern tip of North Carolina, Panther Top Lookout was constructed in 1940 on a knob known by locals as “PainterTop.” The 30’ Marshall-McClintock tower with a R-8 wooden 14’x 14’ cab with catwalk is still used in periods of high fire danger and is a popular visitor destination.
Map
Change Basemap
Visit Reports
April 13, 2019: Krein Family
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | No |
| Shutters OK? | Yes |
| Condition of wood OK? | Yes |
| Stairs OK? | Yes |
| Glass intact? | Yes |
| Good condition? | Yes |
| Comments: | Appears in excellent condition. Of course, the old outhouse didn't fare so well in the fire, but we found that amusing. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | No |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | Yes |
| Directions to tower signed? | Yes |
| Comments? | Downed tree on the road leading up. |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | No |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | Unsure |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | Unsure |