Located in the southern part of Jackson County at an
elevation of 5,127 feet, Yellow Mountain Fire Tower
commands a 360 degree view of areas from the South Carolina
uplands to the Cowee Mountain Range, Great Smokies, Plott
Balsams and Nantahala National Forest.
Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934, it
was decommissioned in 1969. The tower has since been
restored by volunteers and Forest Service Employees. It was
designated a National Historic Lookout in 1992 and
dedicated to the last tower operator, Pratt McClure who
served from 1960-1969.
Today it is a popular destination with area hikers but is
being encroached upon by private developments.