Big Walker Lookout Tower

We decided to check out the Big Walker Lookout Tower when we were changing sites, since we had about an hour before we could check in at the campground.

Big Walker Lookout Tower History

Built in 1947 and standing at 100 feet tall, with 200 steps, Big Walker Lookout has been run continuously by the Kime family. Stuart and Abigail Kime bought the old fire tower and worked tirelessly to turn it into a mountain-top attraction.

The tower is located at an elevation of 3,405 feet, and on a clear day, you can spot mountain peaks from five states. Unfortunately, we had a storm rolling in, so I didn’t get the best of views, but it was still amazing nonetheless.

During the Civil War, Molly Tynes, a woman who alerted the town of Wytheville to the approaching Union Colonel John Toland’s attacks, used the mountain pass where the tower is situated. A driving tour of the Virginia Civil War Trails, which describes the Battle of Wytheville, starts near the tower.

There are several observation points, and they even have a photo op area.

Video Tour

I made a short video of us climbing to the top, along with the view from the top for those who are unable to make the trip.

More Information

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