Medota Directions

Take 19 south toward Abingdon, turn right onto 58 going toward Castlewood.  Turn left onto Rt. 613 at Bolton it will be at the bottom of a valley after you past a tractor garage on the right.  Go a long distance until you come to Rt. 612 turn left there is a small store there - Field's grocery.  Go to the top of the mountain park your vehicle and the tower trail will be on your left side of the road as you go up the mountain.

Directions from Bristol / Abingdon:

The watch site is at the old Mendota Fire Tower, located on Clinch Mountain (Washington/Russell county line) at Fugate Gap, which is about three miles from Mendota, VA. Take US 58/421 west from Bristol, VA (Exit 1, I-81). Turn right on Route 615 to Mendota (This road is very narrow, be careful). At Mendota turn right on Route 802, pass the Post Office, a sharp curve, take your first dirt road to the left. Drive to the top of the mountain and park. You can walk up a steep foot path on your right, or walk the old tower road which is on your right before getting to the top. It is about 21 miles from the interstate to the top of the mountain.