North from the Olson Firetower, with US 219 snaking around the side of Backbone Mountain. Limestone Mountain in the mid-range, and in background is Laurel Mountain.
Taken on Thursday October 26, 2023 at Olson Firetower.
Back in the 1963, the Forest Service ran into a problem with their 60-foot Backbone Mountain Firetower, constructed in 1922 by State of West Virginia.The trees had grown too tall around the tower, and it was decided to scrap the 40-year old tower and replace it with a 100 foot Aermotor tower, with the ability to climb to the roof of the tower via a ladder for even better views (!!) Aermotor offered towers up to 175 feet.
The Forest Service bought a 100 foot tower, name Olson Firetower, to put on the mountain, which is still an impressive height as the tallest fire-tower in New York State is only 70 foot (Wakely Mountain). It's a good climb for sure at 30 feet higher then Wakely and is 133 steps to the cabin.
The circa-1963 Olson Tower is named after Ernst B. Olson in recognition of 28 years of fire control and conservation program service to Monongahela National Forest.
Taken on Thursday October 26, 2023 at Olson Firetower.
Looking northeast from the Olson Firetower northeast of Parsons.
Taken on Thursday October 26, 2023 at Olson Firetower.
Looking west from Table Rock on Canaan Mountain.
Taken on Wednesday October 25, 2023 at Monongahela National Forest.
While I don't recommend carrying a mountain bike up the Limerock Trail as there isn't a lot of good places to ride up that way, and it's a long 4½ miles hauling over a few waterfalls and cliff edges, it can be done. Better just done walking, and enjoying the scenery.
Taken on Thursday October 26, 2023 at Monongahela National Forest.
Falls along Canaan Loop Road running into the Red Run.
Taken on Wednesday October 25, 2023 at Monongahela National Forest.