Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
Peters Mountain | Monroe County, West Virginia.
There is a photograph as early as 1910 of ladies and gentlemen, dressed more for high tea than for a hike, enjoying the rocks upon which the tower is built. In 1934, The CCC built the original Hanging Rock Fire Tower on private land, and it was manned until 1972 when airborne observation replaced the tower’s function. Beginning in 1952, professors from Concord College and Marshall University, as well as the Handlan Chapter of the Brooks Bird Club, began counting raptors from the tower. In 1956, a new tower was constructed that included more living space.
In 1983, the U.S. Forest Service purchased the land and a project was birthed to restore the tower and construct an access foot trail atop the Peters Mountain ridge line. That project was carried out over a period of years by various agencies and a lot of volunteers, with the tower receiving an extensive refurbishment in 1995. Sadly, in 1996, the tower burned down. But, 1997, a new tower, built by the Forest Service and volunteers, based on plans from the 1956 version of the tower, was dedicated. From 1997 until 2024, the tower has been a very popular destination for folks from around the state, the country, and yes, the world. Birders, hikers, families, student groups, photographers, artists, naturalists, and astronomers enjoy this scenic outcrop which lies along the Allegheny Trail. Volunteer hours and donations have helped preserve the tower over these past decades. However, nature has taken its toll, and the tower had to be closed due to structural issues by the U.S. Forest Service for safety reasons in November 2024.
There is no federal funding currently available to rebuild the tower. Therefore, if the tower is to be rebuilt and reopened funding must come from outside sources and individual donations. Hopefully with this financial support, a new replacement tower made of much more durable materials will be constructed for future generations to enjoy. The Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation has graciously agreed to handle the contributions for this project the rebuild Hanging Rock Tower. Your contributions will be tax deductible. Please note Hanging Rock Rebuild on your contributions.