Zilpo Road
Tater Knob Fire Tower, KY

The sole original fire tower left and still open to the public in the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Tater Knob Fire Tower recalls a time when such towers were the only way to catch a disastrous wildfire and provide adequate warning. Tater Knob fire tower is one of Zilpo Road's most frequented attractions, and for good reason. Originally built in 1934 and rebuilt in 1959, this tower was recently restored as a historically important site.

In addition to the educational value of the tower, Tater Knob's elevated viewpoint provides a wonderful opportunity to survey Daniel Boone's breathtaking vistas and natural wonders. At the tower's base lies a spring which provided water for early Kentucky settlers.

It takes quite a bit of work to get up the tower, but the Civilian Conservation Corps and a bunch of mules spent years on its construction -- why not take advantage of it?