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.