Historic Thayerville Fire Tower
*Open in the Summer Only*
Book a group tour by calling the Discovery Center
As a companion educational opportunity to the Forest Canopy Walkway, the Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers, Inc. are now leading tours of the historic Thayerville Fire Tower. Installed in 1921 it was one of the first fire lookout towers in the state and the last operating tower for the MD Forest Service.
As a result of Fred W. Besley, the states first forester, the construction of the Thayerville Fire Tower in 1921 helped prevent forest fires in Garrett County, Maryland. The original fire towers were constructed out of wood, but were later replaced by prefabricated metal towers that were modeled after oil derrick's.
The Thayerville Fire Tower was also moved to its current location from a lower elevation to the Northeast location where it still resides. The fire tower was operated until 1993 by Rebecca Harvey (video) who had the title of 'lookout'. A lookout's daily schedule depended on the weather and interpreted smoke to determine the type and location of the fire. The Thayerville Fire Tower is 120 feet tall and is 109 steps to the top. Visitors can see Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia from the top of the tower.
Volunteers or park staff will tell you about fire history, point out frequent land marks, show you tools, take your picture, and have you sign our fire tower guest book where you can leave the next visitor a message at the top.
Tour capacity is limited. Four at a time. Must be four feet tall to access the tower. Visitors could expect high winds at the top. Check tour times on the Discovery Center schedule.
*$2 per person fee goes toward a maintenance fund for the tower.
WATCH 360 VIDEO AT THE TOP of the Fire Tower!
*turn your sound down*