Birch Knob Observation Site

About Birch Knob Observation Site

Visitors to the Birch Knob Observation Tower enjoy views stretching from Virginia, to Kentucky, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Hikers are challenged by the Pine Mountain Trail that meanders along the ridge top between Kentucky and Virginia.

How to Get There

From Kingsport, TN: Follow US 23 North to Pound, VA. Take the first Pound exit then take VA 83 East to Clintwood, VA. Make a left onto VA 631 and follow for 2.8 miles then take a right on VA 611 for another 2.3 miles until you see Birch Knob Road (FS 616) on the left. Follow this gravel road to the end at the observation tower.From Abingdon, VA: Follow US 58 West/US 19 North to Hansonville, VA. Turn left onto US 58 West Alternate and drive to Norton. At Norton, turn north onto US 23 toward Pound, VA. Take the first Pound exit the take VA 83 East to Clintwood, VA. Make a left onto VA 631 and follow for 2.8 miles then take a right on VA 611 for another 2.3 miles untill you see Birch Knob Road (FS 616) on the left. Follow this gravel road to the end at the observation tower.

Plan Your Visit to Birch Knob Observation Site

Heading to Birch Knob Observation Site? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)