Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Platform Directions

 

Directions to Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Area

Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Platform as of Sept. 10, 2022.  It is now a double decker metal structure.  

Here is a link to the directions on the state website

Just in case anything ever happens and the link ceases to function I am posting their directions on here.  I have had many of the  state links fail me in the past. 

I get asked frequently how to reach this spot so I am fixing up some directions in a file.

Elk Viewing Platform visible to the left of the info board. There are three info boards at Hatfield Knob. The first is at the trailhead.  The second about 1/2 way to the viewing platform. The third is at the platform itself.  

Below: the info board at the halfway point along the hike to the tower.  It has a roof over it and benches to sit down and rest.  

Below: bull elk and cows elk in the fields beyond the platform. This was taken during the rut several years ago. 

Below: elk and turkeys in the field

Above: Kenny ahead of me on the road out to the elk platform

Above: Kenny and me are on the upper deck of the platform. We saw one elk cow and a lot of turkeys today. It was very rainy.  

Above: Nice seating in the platform with a good roof over it for shade and to keep you out of the rain!

To reach Hatfield Knob: Go north out of Lafollette on Highway 25W approximately seven miles to the top of the mountain. Turn left at the red gate located at the top of the mountain (just before the road starts to break over the mountain and go down the back side.) Proceed on the gravel road approximately 3.1 miles to a fork in the road. Take the right fork approximately 1.4 miles to the parking area.

Viewing Tower Lat-Long: 36.44899, -84.1227

Hours: open 24 hours a day, including camping

Seasonality: Year round

Once at the trailhead park and walk behind the gate on a wide, graveled road about 1/2 mile one way to the elk viewing platform.  The last bit has a slight uphill climb on a gradual slope.  It is not strenuous.   There are board fences and signs reminding you not to go into the fields.   Take your camera, zoom lens, and binoculars and view the elk from a safe distance.