Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters

Take your next trip with Atlas Obscura!

Our small-group adventures are inspired by our Atlas of the world's most fascinating places, the stories behind them, and the people who bring them to life.

Visit Adventures
Trips Highlight
Taktsang Lhakhang, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”.
Bhutan • 11 days, 10 nights
Festivals & Temples of Bhutan
from
Macchu Picchu
Peru • 10 days, 9 nights
Peru: Machu Picchu & the Last Incan Bridges
from
View all trips
Top Destinations
Latest Places
Most Popular Places Random Place Lists Itineraries
Add a Place
Download the App
Top Destinations
View All Destinations »

Countries

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • China
  • France
  • Germany
  • India
  • Italy
  • Japan

Cities

  • Amsterdam
  • Barcelona
  • Beijing
  • Berlin
  • Boston
  • Budapest
  • Chicago
  • London
  • Los Angeles
  • Mexico City
  • Montreal
  • Moscow
  • New Orleans
  • New York City
  • Paris
  • Philadelphia
  • Rome
  • San Francisco
  • Seattle
  • Stockholm
  • Tokyo
  • Toronto
  • Vienna
  • Washington, D.C.
Latest Places
View All Places »
The ‘Old Secretariat’ government building in New Delhi.
The 'Old Secretariat'
This set is inspired by a Roman arena.
Bozdağ Film Platolari
The Sea Water Distilling Plant.
Sea Water Distilling Plant
Contemplative paths.
Ayo Rock Formations
Latest Places to Eat & Drink
View All Places to Eat »
The sign declares this the number-one gumbo shop in town.
Gumbo Hut Shioya
The pavlova comes crowned with jewel-like fruit.
Central Park Boathouse
The Village Tavern of Long Grove - exterior.
The Village Tavern
Hunter House Hamburgers
L’Escamoteur
Recent Stories
All Stories Video Podcast
Most Recent Stories
View All Stories »
The truth is out there—somewhere.
The Truth Is Out There at the Dreamland Resort (or Should We Say ‘Area 51?’)
18 days ago
Edward Payson Weston
How the 6-Day Race Became an American Spectator Obsession
20 days ago
Alresford Spy Toilet
This Public Bathroom in a Sleepy English Village Was an Epicenter for Cold War Espionage
22 days ago
Manhattan Well
The Manhattan Well: How Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton United to Solve a Murder Mystery
23 days ago

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All the United States West Virginia Keyser Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower
AO Edited

Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower

This former fire tower found new life as a communications hub complete with a scenic overlook.

Keyser, West Virginia

Added By
Robert Titus
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower   rbt45769 / Atlas Obscura User
Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower   rbt45769 / Atlas Obscura User
Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower   rbt45769 / Atlas Obscura User
The last part of South Tower Lane is very steep. I recommend using a four wheel drive vehicle to reach the summit.   rbt45769 / Atlas Obscura User
Sunset on Pinnacle Knob.   rbt45769 / Atlas Obscura User
By 2003, large communication tower stood atop Pinnacle Knob.   rbt45769 / Atlas Obscura User
A view from the rebuilt fire tower taken in 1964.   rbt45769 / Atlas Obscura User
A 1964 view of New Creek, WV from the Pinnacle tower.   rbt45769 / Atlas Obscura User
Another 1964 photo showing rugged terrain with a commanding view.   rbt45769 / Atlas Obscura User
Only the foundation remains of the fire tower.   rbt45769 / Atlas Obscura User
Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower   rbt45769 / Atlas Obscura User
By 2003, only the frame was left of the fire tower.   rbt45769 / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

In 1916, West Virginia established a system of fire towers that were located on various mountain peaks throughout the state. By utilizing a chart and telephone system, employees were able to quickly pinpoint forest fire locations that helped decrease response times. 

The earliest towers were wooden structures. They were later replaced with steel or stone structures. A few survived the times and now stand as unique tourist attractions. 

The Pinnacle Knob fire tower property fell into disuse after World War II, but found a second life as a home for three communications towers. The second fire tower foundation now serves as a scenic overlook with an elevation well over 3,000 feet. 

Update as of May 2021: Construction in the area so proceed with caution.

Related Tags

History & Culture Architecture Forest Fires

Know Before You Go

The Pinnacle fire tower is 65 miles east of Grafton, WV on Route 50, the Northwest Turnpike. It's around 22 miles west of Keyser, WV, via Route 220/ Route 972/ Route 50 West.

Visitors will need to turn off Route 50 onto Route 42, also known as Elk Garden Highway. After traveling 2.2 miles, turn right onto Pinnacle Road/County Road 4. Continue for 4.2 miles, then turn right onto South Tower Road.

A large Allegheny Wildlife Management Area sign marks the beginning of South Tower Road. Travel 0.7 miles, then turn right. Travel another 0.2 miles to reach Pinnacle Knob's summit.

Daylight visiting hours are free of charge. No overnight stays. A heavy pipe gate is locked at nightfall to close the summit to visitors. The rocks surrounding the fire tower are full of rattlesnakes during the warm weather months. The last mile or so is a dirt road. Would not recommend driving if it’s wet or rainy. 

Community Contributors

Added By

rbt45769

Edited By

brifer22, mekelley94

  • brifer22
  • mekelley94

Published

January 12, 2021

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower
Keyser, West Virginia, 26726
United States
39.382383, -79.078821

Nearby Places

Klotz Throwing Company

Lonaconing, Maryland

miles away

Lonaconing Furnace

Lonaconing, Maryland

miles away

The Jail in the Gunter Hotel

Frostburg, Maryland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of West Virginia

West Virginia

United States

Places 112
Stories 10

Nearby Places

Klotz Throwing Company

Lonaconing, Maryland

miles away

Lonaconing Furnace

Lonaconing, Maryland

miles away

The Jail in the Gunter Hotel

Frostburg, Maryland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of West Virginia

West Virginia

United States

Places 112
Stories 10

Related Places

  • The reconstructed gate

    Seoul, South Korea

    Namdaemun

    A symbol of hope, survival, and national character, especially after it rose phoenix like from the flames.

  • Decorative drainpipe on the former Waring home (Chippewa Square).

    Savannah, Georgia

    Dolphin Drainpipes

    These ornate, fish-shaped water spouts guard Savannah’s historic facades.

    Sponsored by Visit Savannah
  • Castillo de Gillow.

    San Lucas el Grande, Mexico

    Ex-Hacienda de Chautla

    A historic Puebla estate featuring a striking castle.

  • Face of Nakpil-Bautista house

    Manila, Philippines

    Bahay Nakpil-Bautista

    A century-old ancestral home was home to some of the key figures of the Philippine Revolution.

  • The Tomioka Silk Mill.

    Tomioka, Japan

    Tomioka Silk Mill

    The World Heritage-designated site of Japan’s industrial revolution, once mistaken as a den of vampires.

  • Addolorata Cemetery.

    Raħal Ġdid, Malta

    Addolorata Cemetery

    Malta’s largest cemetery is a Victorian-era architectural masterpiece.

  • Conwy Suspension Bridge

    Conwy, Wales

    Conwy Suspension Bridge

    One of the oldest suspension bridges in the world blends in perfectly with a medieval castle.

  • The Ta’ Kola Windmill.

    Xagħra, Malta

    Ta' Kola Windmill

    This is one of the very few intact windmills built by the Knights of St. John in the island nation of Malta.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.