While other neighboring summits were having their towers permanently removed, North Mountain's first fire observer did it the old-fashioned way: in a tent. The year was 1962, and through 1966, a camp was the home to North Mountain's lookout. A 41' treated timber tower with R-6 cab was constructed in 1966, and remained active through the 1980's. The tower has been plagued by vandalism, but is occasionally used on an emergency basis. Restoration work began in 2015.