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Shuckstack Lookout Tower - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

2,141 views · Published 13 June 2017 · 8:08 · Indexed 11 October 2026

Channel: Zachary Robbins · 2017 · Travel & Events

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My second lookout tower hike of Memorial Day weekend to Shuckstack in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trailheads for the Appalachian Trail and Lakeshore Trail begin at the end of Lakeview Dr past Fontana Dam. It is a moderate but consistent climb from 1,900 feet near Fontana Lake to 4,000 feet. There's not much to see on the hike up barring an open view from one cliff area, the forest was kind of disappointing on this stretch of the AT. A short, steep trail from the AT leads to the tiny summit. The tower, built in 1934, is 60 feet high and the top cab is accessible. The views are better from the stairs just below, however, because most of the windows are still intact. Although Shuckstack is only 4,024 feet high, the views are phenomenal from the stairs. Fontana Lake shimmers to the southeast, with the Yellow Creek Mtns and Cheoah Mtns rising behind. The clouds were rolling over the Snowbird Mtns to the south, with the Unicoi Mtns completely obscured by clouds. The wide peak northwest is Gregory Bald. Far north the biggest peak is Thunderhead Mt, looming over the Lost Creek and Eagle Creek watersheds. I could see Clingmans Dome intermittently northeast as the clouds moved in and out. On a clearer day I imagine I could see the Cowee Mtns and Nantahala Mtns as well. It's a tough spot to leave, I highly recommend this hike or a loop variation for backpacking.

Hike was 6.7 miles in 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Hike location
https://goo.gl/maps/VMN262s4xoJ5w8pu8

Hike report
https://www.hikingupward.com/GSMNP/ShuckstackLookoutTower/

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