Smeltzer Mountain Fire Tower
Pat, Ellen & Jack at tower base
On a clear December day Pat and Jack Postle (nextdoor neighbors) and we climbed the abandoned Smeltzer Mountain fire tower - probably 'cause it's there. It's about 10 miles north of our homes in Keowee Key, a mile or so off Whitewater Falls Road (rt. 130). You drive 1/2 mile on a gravel road till it's blocked, then park and hike up the mountain another 1/2 mile to the top.This is one of those hikes where you can't see your destination (fire tower) till the end and all along the way you keep thinking (hoping?) it must be just around the bend you see 100 yards ahead - but it usually isn't, at least not till the last bend. On the way up we saw lots of interesting rocks, flora, and paw/claw/hoof prints. Ellen remarked at some small piles of strange-looking seeds on the trail. She quickly withdrew her sample-seeking hand when Jack offered they were "leavings" from the paw/claw/hoof owner! Similar picture, but taller Ellen & Dave climbing Climbing the tower is not difficult once you get past the 1st flight of stairs where someone's removed most of the steps. It's only after that you notice the vertigo.
View from top toward Lake Jocassee The view from the top is terrific, of course. This picture is looking northeast toward a part of Lake Jocassee, the next lake up from Keowee. Very little window glass is left to impede the view, or the cold December breeze.
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| Click here for 4 more pictures of us on Smeltzer Mtn Tower |
 Brasstown Falls |
 Glassy Mountain |
 King Creek Falls |
 Issaqueena Falls & Stumphouse Tunnel |
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 Station Cove Falls |
 Thompson River Trail |
 Twin Falls |
 Whitewater Falls |
 Winter Dawn in Our Backyard |
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