Joanna Bald Fire Tower

"Before hitting this trail, please read below (accurate as of July 2024). The Road to the tower: 7-8 miles each way ~25 minutes up ~18 minutes down 1) The road up the mountain is a bit crazy. It's a maintained dirt/gravel road which is mostly in good condition, but there are a lot of big chunky rocks all over the place so you have to be careful. 2) It's a narrow road in most parts where you cannot pass an oncoming car so you have to make use of the occasional shoulders to pull over if you see someone coming. 3) There are tons of blind corners, several hairpin turns, and there are sheer drops on one side most of the way up. Plenty of room to drive safely if you aren't going fast, but you are constantly nervous that someone is right around a bind curve going the opposite direction. 4) My wife was practically having a heart attack the entire way up. If you are with a nervous passenger, this will be a very stressful experience for them, to say the least! All that being said, I believe the drive is very safe if you are being cautious. I didn't think many people are visiting this tower since it's so far off the beaten track. We passed two trucks who were already pulled over on the way up, and no moving vehicles in either direction. The hike/tower: 1) The trail begins at the last gate which is always closed to vehicles, but foot traffic is permitted. It's about a half mile walk with moderate elevation from the gate to the tower. Pretty easy. 2) Not sure how common of an occurrence this is, but there was a big old rattlesnake relaxing on the trail. It's a very wide trail, so we were able to quietly walk past him on the other side of the trail and he couldn't care less we were there 3) Just as another reviewer said, access to the top of the tower was closed off! Very disappointing! 4) You can still climb 3/4 of the tower, and you get a great view of the valley from the landing just below the locked gate, so if it's closed off, it isn't a total loss. All in all, it was a fun experience for my family. I really wish the tower wasn't closed, but we had a lot of fun and still got some cool photos. I would recommend, but only if you are okay with all the craziness listed above!"

"I know this isn't an attraction per se, but it's something to do thus a review may help you decide if it's worth the effort. As of 10/30/22 the gravel and rock road leading up to the cell tower on Joanna Bald was extremely rough and rocky in places as it seems to not be maintained anymore. Any vehicle can make it up, but it's a slow ride at 8mph if you value your car at all. About a half mile before the top, the gate will most likely be closed and you'll have to hike up the rest. There are some views to be had, but the overgrowth prevents the best views unless you manage to get on the old fire tower. Plan on around 30min to get up it and 25 to get down. The old Trail of Tears sign is (at a fork in the road) missing."

"Easy climb on well maintained gravel service road short distance from very small parking area. Views could be improved with some tree and shrub removal. Tower was locked."