From the tower, the Unicoi, Snowbird, Valley River, Tusquitee and Georgia Blue Ridge mountain ranges are all visible. During fall leaf viewing hours, the gate at the junction of Forest Service Roads 85 and 85A Will be open to allow access. The parking lot at the tower can accommodate several vehicles, and Forest Service volunteers will be on site to answer questions.

The 30-foot tower was erected in 1940 and remained in operation until the blizzard of 1993 destroyed the phone and power lines servicing it, with utility companies refusing to replace them. Today the tower is used in periods of high fire danger and is a popular visitor destination. A few months ago, the U.S. Forest Service completed renovations on the structure.