Sand Mountain Lookout Tower
Restored between 2016 and 2018 by Firetower Restoration, the Sand Mountain Lookout tower located at Palisades Park in Blount County is open to the public. Constructed in 1949, the tower was staffed by the Alabama Forestry Service until 1985. The tower design is an Aermotor MC-39. This design is a heavily galvanized, free-standing, batter-legged, hurricane proof structure with a 7-ft by 7-ft metal cab at its top. Most likely the most popular design, towers of this design varied in height between 33-ft and 176-ft. The Sand Mountain Lookout stands 99-ft 9-in and has 9 flights with a totals of 133 steps.
Visitors are welcome to ascend the tower during park hours. Prior to climbing, visitors need to sign a liability waiver at the park office. The tower is a short walk from the parking lot. Climbing to the top is a good workout; but the view from the top is not one to be missed. Signs in the cab identify landmarks you can easily see from the top on a clear day.
A panoramic view inside the cab.
The view from the cab is breathtaking.
Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to take photos while at the top.
Disclaimer: We do our best to provide accurate information; however, we do make mistakes. Always check the trail, park, or place's website before starting your journey. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable trip. Due to regular changes, we cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies throughout our site.