Fort Mountain State Park is perhaps Murray County's most well-known and visited travel destination. While most first-time visitors come fully expecting to enjoy the lake, the famous rock wall, the West Overlook and the Fire Tower, many do not realize that said Fire Tower has a very unique feature.
When the Civilian Conservation Corps were saddled with a project to build a fire tower atop Fort Mountain back during the Great Depression, it seems one member of the crew didn't have his mind entirely on the task at hand. It turns out that Arnold Bailey, who was missing his love, Margaret Reese, found time to shape one stone into a heart before using it as material to construct the wall of the fire tower. This special symbol of his love for her continues to draw the interest of visitors to this very day.
Observers who take the lower path directly to the West Overlook may also notice a boulder that looks as if it has a heart shaped carved into it. We've been unable to verify if perhaps Arnold used this boulder as practice for shaping his rock that made its way into the tower wall, or if it's just an odd coincidence that the boulder also has a naturally occurring heart shape. If you've never paid attention, watch the larger boulders sitting to the left of the trail as you make your way to the overlook and you should easily find it.
If you're local to Murray and haven't visited the park in a while, it's worth a return. Visitors to the beach area can still take in swimming and miniature golf as well as enjoy a canoe or paddleboat rental. Hikers have a multitude of trails to choose from, and of course there's a playground for the kids as well as multiple picnic areas. Those looking for activities throughout the year can also find the rangers hosting a multitude of family fun activities. And if you have family coming to town, Fort Mountain's cabins offer some of the very best lodging options within Murray County.
If you're a shopper, it's worth a stop at the Trading Post. They not only take care of their campers' needs, they also have a large variety of gifts, such as t-shirts, cups, postcards, hats and more. It's a great place to pick up items if you're looking to send hometown gifts to friends, or you'd like to represent your hometown by wearing something from Murray while enjoying travels elsewhere.
Visitors to the park can observe the heart at the fire tower, and enjoy most other activities, for only a standard daily parking fee.
To learn more about what's going on at Fort Mountain State Park, click here: Fort Mountain State Park | Department Of Natural Resources Division