r/firelookouts • u/smegma_smuggler69420 • May 13 '25
Lookout Pics Alabama’s Newest Tower - Originally Stood in Virginia
The Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association is nearing completion of their second restored tower on the south end of Lake Martin in central Alabama. I had the opportunity to speak with the association members and volunteers working in this tower. Going to have some beautiful views from up top.
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u/Upset_Fig2612 May 15 '25
Is the lookout at the top usually that small? I'm guessing it couldn't be more than about 6ft by 6ft area from that picture?
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u/smegma_smuggler69420 May 15 '25
Close! 7x7 here in the south is what you’ll mostly find. In Alabama there are 3 (metal structures) that have bigger cabs. Two are in the Conecuh National Forest, and one is in south west Alabama and is 50 foot tall, it’s 14x14 that is made from 4 7x7 cabs fabbed together.
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u/Upset_Fig2612 May 15 '25
The 14x14 sounds realistic honestly. You sleep, eat and chill in a 7x7 area for months on end?! a cot would take up half that area wouldn't it?
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u/smegma_smuggler69420 May 15 '25
What you see here is there is typically a house at the base/nearby the tower. That’s where the lookout would live. I’m not sure the story of the other 3 with the larger cabs. I know out west, Wyoming and Montana, where it’s a LOT more remote, the lookouts live in the tower itself
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u/Green_Ad7982 May 13 '25
Sorry if I sound ignorant but I would worry about being struck by lightning in some of these lookouts. Please correct me if I’m wrong but with tall metal buildings I feel like that is a risk involved.