May 15, 2016
“[T]he Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) provided income, purpose and education to young men and their families. The CCC also provided labor and manpower needed to restore America’s forests.” [1] The fruits of their labor are still enjoyed by the masses to this day. “In addition to fighting fires, major accomplishments included building Frying Pan Lookout Tower, firebreak lines, eighty miles of trails, two hundred miles of phone lines and several fish hatcheries.” [2]
If you are on a date or looking for a wonderful family hike, Fryingpan Mountain would be a top choice. Forest Road 450 begins near Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The entire trail consists of a gravel forest service road with a mild, but steady incline. Along the way we marveled at the flowers in bloom, large trees and blue sky.
The summit of the lookout tower is tremendous: views to the south of Pink Beds, Black Mountain and Clawhammer Mountain and to the north an awe-inspiring vantage point to Cold Mountain. The wind blowing hard against the rusty tower, we made our way back down and enjoyed a gentle stroll to the car.
Total mileage is 1.4 miles.
[1] Marci Spencer, Pisgah National Forest – A History (Charleston: History Press), 94.
[2] Spencer, Pisgah National Forest – A History, 95.
sweetwilder 
That looks like an awesome place. Gonna check it out soon.
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The views of Cold Mountain were so gorgeous. The girls will love it up there.
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