Olson Observation Tower — Attraction in Hambleton

Lace up your old waffle-soled boots, throw a flannel over your Lynyrd Skynyrd tee, and toss a Schlitz in the cooler for after—you’re going to the Olson Observation Tower, where time didn’t just stop, it cracked open a pull-tab and leaned back to enjoy the view.

This isn't some polished, curated overlook with safety railings and Wi-Fi. No. This is West Virginia, raw and real, framed by rusted steel and weather-beaten wood. You’ll start the hike past a busted road sign, a cooler lid from a forgotten camping trip, and a picnic table with initials carved so deep it bleeds local lore. Every step crackles with the ghost of a cassette tape playing Molly Hatchet somewhere deep in the hills.

At the base of the tower, the ground tells its own story. Broken glass from beers that haven’t been brewed since Carter was president. Pull-tab cans—actual pull tabs—strewn like holy relics. A cigarette butt half fossilized in the moss. And maybe, just maybe, the half-buried remains of a speaker from a long-defunct Trans Am sound system.

Climb the tower. It creaks and sways like it’s got stories to tell—and it does. Every bolt smells like 1978 sweat and moonshine. At the top? Pure, uncut Appalachia. The hills roll like they did before GPS. The sky doesn’t ask for a filter. And you, standing there, realize:

This isn’t just a view of West Virginia. This is West Virginia. And it hasn’t changed a damn bit.

So take a hike—literally—back to a time when people knew how to be quiet, drink warm beer, and watch the fog roll in without tagging it. And when you’re up there, with the wind in your face and the faint scent of old motor oil wafting from the woods, you’ll know one thing for sure:

This is still one of the best places in America to see the state of West Virginia. And brother, it’s been waiting for...

Unique 360° Views—But Be Prepared for the Adventure and to face your fear of heights

This tower offers incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, making it a memorable destination for those who enjoy scenic vistas. However, getting there is part of the adventure. The road leading up is narrow, hilly, and unpaved—essentially a single-lane track. If another vehicle comes from the opposite direction, it can be tricky to navigate. Caution is definitely advised while driving.

There’s a small parking area right at the base of the tower, which can accommodate about 5 to 7 vehicles. There’s no real hiking involved to reach the tower itself, but climbing the tower does require ascending several flights of open, metal stairs. If you have a fear of heights, this might not be the best stop—the stairs are see-through and become narrower as you go higher. You may feel comfortable up to the 4th or 5th level, but getting all the way to the top can be challenging for some.

That said, if heights don’t bother you, the view from the top is absolutely worth it. On a clear day, the panoramic scenery is breathtaking.

One thing to keep in mind is that this area is fairly remote—about 30 minutes from the main state park—and if you're visiting during a quiet time, help or emergency services could be far away. Security cameras are reportedly installed, but the area still feels quite isolated.

All in all, this is a unique spot for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience with stunning views—just be sure you're comfortable with the drive...

One of my favorite places to visit in West Virginia. It is beautiful during the morning, noon, and evening. But if you can, try to catch the sunset. It is breathtaking. We spent the day there and hiked the Allegheny Trail not far from the tower. It is a very long hike (and some of it is up hill). You won’t have service much of the way, and you will be exhausted, but there are so many little surprises and overlooks (if you pay attention to your surroundings closely) that make the hike worth it. If you are scared of climbing the tower after looking at it from Google images, I want you to know that it is regularly inspected by a national association. We were there 4/28/23, and it had just been inspected in March. Don’t worry, have fun, and definitely make it to the top! It is an experience...