Moore Lookout Tower

Historic fire lookout tower with views over Bienville National Forest

The Moore Lookout Tower is a historic fire lookout tower standing in Bienville National Forest north of Forest, on Scott County Road 503. It was built by the US Forest Service in the early 20th century as part of the regional fire detection network and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The tower offers elevated views over the forest canopy — a rare perspective in this flat, heavily wooded terrain. It is accessible by car via forest roads, though the access road may be rough. Contact the Bienville National Forest office in Forest to confirm current access conditions before visiting.

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A story
Forest fire lookout towers were built across the American South in the early 20th century as part of the federal Forest Service's fire detection system. At their peak in the 1950s, thousands were staffed by lookouts who lived in the cab for weeks at a stretch, scanning the horizon for smoke. The towers became obsolete with aerial surveillance; most were demolished. The Moore Tower is one of a dwindling number of survivors.