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Recent hike plans and reports with the newest first. Refer to club newsletters for the full blurb. | Recent hike plans and reports with the newest first. Refer to club newsletters for the full blurb. | ||
Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower – Sunday, October 6, 2013 | |||
Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower – | Leader: Barry Griggs | ||
Leader: | Rating: Moderate 9 mile round trip hike with 1400 ft elevation gain at steady 6% grade | ||
Rating: Moderate 9 | The fall colors could be at peak for this hike to the former fire tower, now refurbished as an observation platform, up on the Buffalo Mountain ridgeline. The 360 degree view includes Clinch, Green, Roan, Buffalo, and other mountain ranges ablaze with color from the hardwoods. Leave Colonial Heights at 1:00PM. Alternatively, can meet in Johnson City by 1:20PM or at the trailhead (I-26 Exit 32 Unicoi) at 1:30PM. Expected return to Colonial Heights is roughly 6:30PM. | ||
Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower – October 6, 2013 | |||
Barry Griggs reporting | |||
Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower – October 6, 2013 | |||
Barry Griggs reporting | |||
We had a near-perfect autumn afternoon for our somewhat challenging approximate 9-mile round trip hike up to the Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower. It was a popular destination this afternoon as evidenced by about a dozen vehicles parked alongside the road at the trailhead. With construction still underway on the restrooms and picnic area, there is nowhere else to park except along the road. The afternoon had warmed up to near 80 degrees as we began our hike, but as we reached higher elevations there was noticeable cooling and the breeze was also welcomed. The farther we climbed, the more people we saw on their way back down. Views were limited on the way up because of the thick woods with leaves still on the trees. But the group agreed that the 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains made the climb worthwhile. | We had a near-perfect autumn afternoon for our somewhat challenging approximate 9-mile round trip hike up to the Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower. It was a popular destination this afternoon as evidenced by about a dozen vehicles parked alongside the road at the trailhead. With construction still underway on the restrooms and picnic area, there is nowhere else to park except along the road. The afternoon had warmed up to near 80 degrees as we began our hike, but as we reached higher elevations there was noticeable cooling and the breeze was also welcomed. The farther we climbed, the more people we saw on their way back down. Views were limited on the way up because of the thick woods with leaves still on the trees. But the group agreed that the 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains made the climb worthwhile. | ||
In spite of some haze, we could clearly see Erwin and Johnson City. Some color was starting to appear on the trees, particularly reds, but peak color was obviously a week or two away. After taking several pictures from our windy perch on the tower, we made our way back down the mountain. Coming part way back down the mountain on the gravel road instead of the trail shortened the hike by several minutes. Club members are encouraged to get out and enjoy this beautiful place where we live during this prime time part of the year when nature is at its finest! | In spite of some haze, we could clearly see Erwin and Johnson City. Some color was starting to appear on the trees, particularly reds, but peak color was obviously a week or two away. After taking several pictures from our windy perch on the tower, we made our way back down the mountain. Coming part way back down the mountain on the gravel road instead of the trail shortened the hike by several minutes. Club members are encouraged to get out and enjoy this beautiful place where we live during this prime time part of the year when nature is at its finest! | ||
Pinnacle Mountain Tower Trail - October 15, 2011 | Pinnacle Mountain Tower Trail - October 15, 2011 | ||
Vic Hasler reporting | Vic Hasler reporting | ||
The new USFS #25 trail winds from I-26 Exit 32 at Unicoi up 4.7 miles with a steady 6% grade to reach the fire tower, now completely renovated as an observation platform. This day was peak for fall color and crisp weather. The hike up took two hours as the group moved along. The 360 degree view from the platform includes Clinch, Green, Roan, Buffalo, and other mountain ranges ablaze with color from the hardwoods. I had to hold onto lunch containers as the wind occasionally gushed. On the way back down (1.75 hrs), mountain bikers and other hikers were passed. | The new USFS #25 trail winds from I-26 Exit 32 at Unicoi up 4.7 miles with a steady 6% grade to reach the fire tower, now completely renovated as an observation platform. This day was peak for fall color and crisp weather. The hike up took two hours as the group moved along. The 360 degree view from the platform includes Clinch, Green, Roan, Buffalo, and other mountain ranges ablaze with color from the hardwoods. I had to hold onto lunch containers as the wind occasionally gushed. On the way back down (1.75 hrs), mountain bikers and other hikers were passed. | ||