Welcome to Doe Mountain Recreation Area, a remarkable slice of Tennessee’s natural history and an emblem of conservation and outdoor adventure. Situated in Mountain City, this vast expanse of 8,600 acres invites explorers to traverse its rugged beauty. But beyond its trails and vistas, Doe Mountain holds a storied past that intertwines with the broader history of American land management and recreation.
The story of Doe Mountain is closely linked to the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. During the Great Depression, the CCC was created to provide jobs and develop public lands across the United States. In 1936, the CCC constructed the Kettlefoot Fire Lookout Tower atop Doe Mountain. This 60-foot tower, built from Carnegie galvanized steel, was one of many designed to spot and manage forest fires, a significant concern at the time. The tower’s design, known as the Aermotor MC-39, reflected the ingenuity of its era, adapting windmill engineering for fire management purposes.
By the mid-1970s, advancements in aerial fire spotting rendered many such towers obsolete, including the Kettlefoot Tower. Nevertheless, the tower stands today as a testament to early conservation efforts and the hardworking men of the CCC.
In recent years, Doe Mountain has evolved into a hub for outdoor recreation. Opened to the public as Doe Mountain Recreation Area, it now offers 60 miles of trails for off-highway vehicles (OHVs), mountain biking, and hiking. The area’s transformation from a fire management site to a recreational haven highlights a shift in the way we engage with natural spaces—moving from utilitarian functions to spaces for enjoyment and preservation.
In 2022, Doe Mountain became home to the MTN DEW Outpost, a temporary attraction that celebrated the area’s adventurous spirit. Visitors could sample unique drink flavors and participate in activities like archery and scavenger hunts, all while exploring the mountain’s extensive trail network.
Doe Mountain Recreation Area continues to be an important part of Mountain City’s identity, offering both locals and visitors a chance to connect with nature and history. As you explore its trails, remember the legacy of those who built and preserved this land, ensuring its beauty endures for generations to come.
