About
Thayerville Fire Tower is a restored 100-foot steel fire lookout on Meadow Mountain in Deep Creek Lake State Park near Swanton, connected with the park's Discovery Center at 898 State Park Road. It is a destination for hikers, history fans and anyone curious about how Maryland once watched its forests for fire.
A Working Piece of Forest History
The National Historic Lookout Register says the Thayerville site was one of Maryland's first lookouts, dating to 1921, and that the present Aermotor steel tower with its small 7-by-7-foot metal cab went up in 1938. It was last used for fire detection in 1990. The tower was entered on the National Historic Lookout Register in 2007, and a plaque honoring forest wardens and fire towers was placed there in 2006.
The Discovery Center describes it as the only fire tower in Maryland still in working order. It was brought back through a partnership of the Maryland Forest Service, Deep Creek Lake State Park and volunteers, and the Maryland DNR Forest Service manages it with the Discovery Center and the Western Garrett State Park Volunteers.
Before You Go
- The tower sits on the ridge of Meadow Mountain, reached by the park's longer, rockier trails up the mountain; pick up the state park trail map before you set out.
- Climbing is offered only occasionally in summer, so check with the Discovery Center for tower open dates.
- The Discovery Center itself has exhibits and staff who can point you toward the trails.
Bring sturdy shoes and water for the climb up Meadow Mountain, and call ahead if your heart is set on going to the top.
Address
898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD 21561