Barton Knob Fire Tower
US 1100, WV 11
July 2014 photo by Brian Powell

July 2014 photo by Brian Powell

Lookout Details

Registry Numbers US 1100, WV 11 (view other lookouts in United States, West Virginia)
Date Registered January 3, 2015
Nominated by Brian Powell
Location Monongahela National Forest
Randolph County, West Virginia
Coordinates N 38° 37.009' W 079° 55.775' (view using Google Maps)
N 38° 37' 01" W 079° 55' 46"
N 38.616811° W 079.929575°
Elevation 4,432 ft (1,351 m)
Built circa 1926
Administered by U.S. Forest Service

Description

From high on Cheat Mountain, Barton Knob provides expansive views of the Shavers Fork and Tygart Valley River headwaters. It was built by the State of West Virginia circa 1926 and features a 7'-by-7' steel cab.

The tower later came under control of Monongahela National Forest. The tower remains standing, although its lower sections of stairs have been removed and its cab is missing its roof.

Map

Change Basemap

Photos

Tower in October 2008

Tower in October 2008 - courtesy of Andy FitzGibbon

Tower in October 2008

Tower in October 2008 - courtesy of Andy FitzGibbon

Tower in October 2008

Tower in October 2008 - courtesy of Andy FitzGibbon

Tower in October 2008

Tower in October 2008 - courtesy of Andy FitzGibbon

Watchman's cabin remains in October 2008

Watchman's cabin remains in October 2008 - courtesy of Andy FitzGibbon

Visit Reports

April 18, 2017: Kristin Reynolds

Condition

Needs paint? No
Shutters OK? Not Applicable
Condition of wood OK? No
Stairs OK? No
Glass intact? No
Good condition? No
Comments: The bottom three flights of stairs are gone, as well as part of the floor and the entire roof of the cab. Windows are completely gone as well.

Electronics and Enroachments

Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? No

Access and Signs

NHLR sign posted? No
Directions to tower signed? No
Comments? There is a gate. You must walk the last 3/4 mile to the tower. Tower is not enclosed/fenced.

Staffing

Staffed? No

Opportunities for Volunteer Support

Volunteers staffing opportunities? No
Volunteer maintenance opportunities? Yes

Photos

April 18, 2017 photo

April 18, 2017 photo - courtesy of Kristin Reynolds