Deer Head Lookout
US 1519, VA 44
May 2022 photo

May 2022 photo - courtesy of Rocco Germani

Lookout Details

Registry Numbers US 1519, VA 44 (view other lookouts in United States, Virginia)
Date Registered February 27, 2022
Nominated by Brian Powell
Location Virginia Department of Forestry
Shenandoah County, Virginia
Coordinates N 38° 48.586' W 078° 43.019' (view using Google Maps)
N 38° 48' 35" W 078° 43' 01"
N 38.809762° W 078.716990°
Elevation 1,727 ft (526 m)
Built 1930

Description

This International Derrick tower is between 40-60 feet tall. It has graced the hills outside Conicville since 1930.

Map

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Visit Reports

May 23, 2022: Rocco Germani

Condition

Needs paint? Yes
Shutters OK? Yes
Condition of wood OK? No
Stairs OK? Yes
Glass intact? Yes
Good condition? No
Comments: This tower clearly hasn't been in use for a while. The ceiling in the cab has collapsed and the wood from it is sitting on the floor of the cab, which appears to be bending from the weight. There is a large hole in the side of the cab and parts of the roof are missing. The shutters appear to be in passable shape, but only some of the glass remains. The steps up to the cab appear to be fine for the most part as none appear to be missing. The tower is an International Derrick 1930 model between 40-60 feet tall, I couldn't pinpoint it exactly because it was raining and I didn't want to risk my drone in those conditions.

Electronics and Enroachments

Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? Yes
Comments: There appears to be a large antenna mounted to a corner of the cab, where a hole has been cut for it to be mounted.

Access and Signs

NHLR sign posted? No
Directions to tower signed? No
Comments? The base of the tower is surrounded by a barbed wire fence that also encompasses a shed of sorts. There is an access road leading away from the tower but I did not follow it, I parked near the power lines and walked up the clearing to get there.

Staffing

Staffed? No

Opportunities for Volunteer Support

Volunteers staffing opportunities? No
Volunteer maintenance opportunities? Unsure