WEST VIRGINIA LOOKOUTS
THORNY MOUNTAIN
Pocahontas County
West Virginia Division of Forestry
Seneca State Forest
West Virginia Division of Forestry
Seneca State Forest
1935: The lookout duties were transferred to this new site from Michael Mountain.
November 28, 1937: "A new type fire tower--with observer's cabin and living quarters atop a 40-foot steel framework--was completed recently on Thorny Mountain in Seneca State Forest. This tower, of the type used by the federal government in the far west, enables the observer to work, sleep and eat in his quarters 40 feet above the ground. CCC labor from Camp Seneca constructed it." (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)
1988: The last year the lookout was staffed.
2013: The lookout was transferred to West Virginia State Parks.
June 2015: The refurbished tower will be opened as a recreational rental.