Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower is a very popular 1.5-mile out-and-back trail near Pisgah Forest, North Carolina. It is rather close to Asheville so it tends to get very busy on weekends.

This is also a rather sketchy fire tower and I would avoid busy times so you're not on the structure with a lot of people at the same time. The top has been secured shut but people have shimmed through the opening - do so at your own risk.

I would visit on a clear morning during the week if possible. Also, bring dogs up this again at your own risk. Ollie is pretty good with most things and he didn't love this.

The views here are spectacular and even more stunning in the fall. I do love this spot a lot just with the caveat that it's a little more trafficked than I would prefer.