Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower: Difference between revisions

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<!-- The following few lines create the "Infobox" table template.  Please scroll down to edit the main content of the article. -->
<!-- The following few lines create the "Infobox" table template.  Please scroll down to edit the main content of the article.  
{{Infobox Trail
 
                    | Image Name = placeholder.JPG
-->{{Infobox Trail
                    | City = Erwin
| Image Name = Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower.jpg
                    | State = Tennessee
| Park = United States Forest Service
                    | Trail Use = {{Hike}} {{Dogs}}  
| City = Erwin
                    | Difficulty Rating = Hard
| State = Tennessee
                    | Hike Time = *
| Marking = Lime-Green
                    | Distance = 8
| Trail Use = {{Hike}} {{Dogs}} {{Biking}}
                    | Elevation Gain = ~1400
| Difficulty Rating = Medium
                    | High Point = 3520
| Hike Time = 4 Hours
                    | Latitude = N36°12.556
| Round Trip Distance = 9.6 Mi
                    | Longitude = W82°21.308
| Trail Distance = 4.8 Mi
                    | Medical = Erwin, TN
| Trail Type = In-and-Out
<!-- DON'T EDIT THE GOOGLEMAP TAG -->
| Elevation Gain = approx. 1400 Ft
                    | googlemap =
| Elevation Loss =  
<googlemap lat="36.217133" lon="-82.370338" zoom="9" width="270" type="map" height="180" selector="no" controls="small">
| High Point = 3,523 Ft
36.205,-82.35667,Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower
| Parking coords = 36.208697,-82.354968
</googlemap>
  | Trailhead coords = 36.209268,-82.355133
}}
| Medical = Erwin, TN
<!-- End Infobox template table-->
}}<!--  
 
End Infobox template table


<!-- Start of Main Page -->
-->{{Trail page needs
| Hide needs = Yes
| KML =
| Updated KML =
| Detail route description =
| Photos =
| Winter photos =
| Remove prefix =
| Update infobox =
| Infobox data update = Yes
| Trail pins =
| Other =
| Comment = Great! Decide on elevation convention.
| Date reviewed = 11/1/2015
}}<!--  


Start of Main Page -->
== Trail Overview ==
== Trail Overview ==
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
Great views in all directions from observation platform constructed on the old fire tower steel.
Great 360 degree view of the mountain ranges from observation platform. Officially USFS Trail #25 "Pinnacle Mountain Tower Trail". 


== How to get there ==
== How to get there ==
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
From Kingsport, TN
From Kingsport or Johnson City:
#Head south on I-26
#Head south on I-26
#Take new Exit 32.
#Take Exit 32.
#At bottom of ramp, take a right.
#At bottom of ramp, take a right.
#At the roadway tee, there is a new gravel parking lot for 3-4 vehicles. There is nearby sign announcing future location for the arts center.
#At the roadway tee, there is a paved parking lot for 3-4 vehicles and nice restroom facilities. There is a sign for Jack Snider Park and a nearby sign announcing future location for the arts center. There is parking on the road next to the designated lot as well.
#Hike through gate along new gravel road into the picnic area.
#Hike through gate along new gravel road into the picnic area.
#Trailhead is at the back - look for brown FS marker.  Does not have the trail name on it. Parking here for only 1-2 vehicles.
#Trailhead is at the back - there is a prominent sign for the Pinnacle Tower Trail.


== Route Description==
== Route Description==
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
The trailhead is located at the future site of the [http://www.tanasiarts.com/ Tanasi Arts & Heritage Center] near Interstate 26 at Exit 32.  The lime green-blazed trail winds up to the top with a reasonable slope using many switchbacks.  (Unfortunately, bikers have already started to make "shortcut" damage to the trail path.
The trailhead is located at the Jack Snider Park next to the future site of the [http://www.tanasiarts.com/ Tanasi Arts & Heritage Center] next to Interstate 26 at Exit 32.  The lime green-blazed trail winds up to the top with a steady 6% slope using many switchbacks.  The trail crosses a gravel road and ATV trail near the top which both also lead to the tower, but are steeper than the trail.
 
Takes 2-2.5 hours to hike up to the tower, and then 1.75 hours back down. Cut half hour off descent by coming down gravel road way to trail intersection.
 
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
!Miles
!Elevation
!Pinnacle Mountain Tower Trail
!Miles
|-
|0.0
|2120
|Trailhead at picnic parking lot
|4.7
|-
|2.1
|2910
|First distant view to the east
|2.6
|-
|3.2
|3080
|Cross gravel road/ATV trail
Trail follows old logging road
|1.5
|-
|3.7
|3140
|Leave logging road for new trail
|1.0
|-
|4.4
|3400
|Burned out area around trail
|0.3
|-
|4.7
|3500
|Trailhead at tower
|0.0
|}


== Typical Conditions ==
== Typical Conditions ==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
The new trail is wide and well graded all the way to the ridge line.  The trail needs this fall's leaf litter to start protecting the tread, which could be somewhat slick after rain due to being so new.
The trail was built in 2010 by a contractor using a Bobcat backhoe.  The path is 4 ft wide at a reasonable 6% grade.  The tread does have a slight side-to-side slope, which is great to keep the water off the path, but did wear out my ankles from a constant twist.


==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
No fees.  Uncertain if and when the gate is locked.
No fees or permits.  Horse or motor bike riding not allowed per forest service sign.  Uncertain if and when the gate at the picnic area is locked.
 
The trail is located in the Watauga Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest.  Telephone: (423) 735-1500


== Misc. Information ==
== Misc. Information ==
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Any seasonal features, factoids, etc...? -->
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Any seasonal features, factoids, etc...? -->
The summit is the highpoint of... Washington County (not Unicoi), Tennessee as it is just inside the county line.  Pinnacle Mountain Tower was built by the Civil Conservation Corps and was in service until 1989.  The trail was created and the 40 ft observation platform restored for $100,000 as a joint partnership.  See [[http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2007/nov/05/historic-fire-tower-may-be-restored-with-new/ news article]] and [[http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev3_036104.pdf FS press release]].
The summit is the highpoint of... Washington County (not Unicoi), Tennessee as it is just inside the county line.  Pinnacle Mountain Tower was built by the Civil Conservation Corps and was in service until 1989.  The trail was created and the 40 ft observation platform restored for $100,000 as a joint partnership.  See [[http://www.knoxnews.com/news/local/reconstruction-complete-on-pinnacle-fire-tower-near-unicoi-ep-402671510-357423421.html news article]] and [[http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev3_036104.pdf FS press release]].
 
The fire tower can also be accessed via a forest service road or the ATV trail [http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTSw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAIzTHkw!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110804&ttype=recarea&recid=34966&actid=93&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110350000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&cid=null&pname=Cherokee+National+Forest+-+Buffalo+Mountain+ATV+Trail (FTR #29)] off of Dry Creek Road.


The fire tower can also be accessed via a forest road off of Dry Creek Road.
Very nice bathrooms are located at the parking area.


== Maps ==
== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="36.215" lon="-82.37034" type="terrain" zoom="14" width="725" icons="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/marker{label}.png">
<display_map center="36.2146,-82.361" type="terrain" zoom="15" width="725" height="450" gkml="https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Pinnacle_Mountain_Tower_Trail.kml">
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower.kml
 
36.209268,-82.355133~Trailhead in picnic area for future arts center~[[Image:Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower trailhead.JPG|150px]]~MarkerT.png
36.217133,-82.370338~Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower~ ~MarkerE.png
36.208697,-82.354968~Parking lot - space for three vehicles~ ~MarkerA.png
36.221011,-82.365560~Intersection with gravel roadway and ATV trail~ ~MarkerU.png
</display_map>


(G) 36.209268,-82.355133
[[Image:Pinnacle Mountain Elevation Profile.PNG|80%]]
Trailhead at arts center
(G) 36.217133,-82.370338,Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower
</googlemap>


== Photos ==
== Photos ==
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<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below. Ideally we would have a picture of the trailhead to help people know when they found it -->
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below. Ideally we would have a picture of the trailhead to help people know when they found it -->
<!-- Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
<!-- Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
Image:placeholder.jpg
Image:Pinnacle Mountain Firetower view.jpg|View east towards trailhead
Image:Pinnacle_Mt_Firetower - view_of_radio_shack.jpg|Looking down at radio tower shack
Image:Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower trailhead.JPG|Trailhead in new picnic area
Image:Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower - Tanasi sign.JPG|Tanasi Art Center sign near trailhead
Image:Jack Snider Park.JPG|Sign for park at trailhead
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
</gallery>
</gallery>


<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. -->
<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. -->
[[Category:Tennessee]] [[Category:Hard]] [[Category:Hiking]] [[Category:Biking]] [[Category:Dog Friendly]]
[[Category:Tennessee]] [[Category:Medium]] [[Category:Hiking]] [[Category:Biking]] [[Category:Dog Friendly]]
{{#set:
|Has boilerplate=Hike description
}}

Latest revision as of 11:12, 7 January 2023

Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower.jpg
Trail Name Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower
Park United States Forest Service
Nearest City Erwin
State Tennessee
Trail Marking Lime-Green
Trail Use/Features Dnr hiking.png Dnr dog.png Dnr bike.png
Difficulty Rating Medium
Hiking Time 4 Hours0.25 Days <br />240 Min <br />
Distance:
round-trip/trail only 		9.6 Mi15.45 km <br /> / 4.8 Mi7.725 km <br />
Trail Type In-and-Out
Climb/Descent Elevation approx. 1400 Ft"approx" is not declared as a valid unit of measurement for this property. /
High Point 3,523 Ft1,174.333 Yards <br />1,073.81 Meters <br />
Parking 36° 12' 31.31" N, 82° 21' 17.88" W
Trailhead 36° 12' 33.36" N, 82° 21' 18.48" W
Nearest Medical Erwin, TN
Trip Reports Click Here
Loading map...
Show Large Map

Trail Overview[edit]

Great 360 degree view of the mountain ranges from observation platform. Officially USFS Trail #25 "Pinnacle Mountain Tower Trail".

How to get there[edit]

From Kingsport or Johnson City:

  1. Head south on I-26
  2. Take Exit 32.
  3. At bottom of ramp, take a right.
  4. At the roadway tee, there is a paved parking lot for 3-4 vehicles and nice restroom facilities. There is a sign for Jack Snider Park and a nearby sign announcing future location for the arts center. There is parking on the road next to the designated lot as well.
  5. Hike through gate along new gravel road into the picnic area.
  6. Trailhead is at the back - there is a prominent sign for the Pinnacle Tower Trail.

Route Description[edit]

The trailhead is located at the Jack Snider Park next to the future site of the Tanasi Arts & Heritage Center next to Interstate 26 at Exit 32. The lime green-blazed trail winds up to the top with a steady 6% slope using many switchbacks. The trail crosses a gravel road and ATV trail near the top which both also lead to the tower, but are steeper than the trail.

Takes 2-2.5 hours to hike up to the tower, and then 1.75 hours back down. Cut half hour off descent by coming down gravel road way to trail intersection.

Miles Elevation Pinnacle Mountain Tower Trail Miles
0.0 2120 Trailhead at picnic parking lot 4.7
2.1 2910 First distant view to the east 2.6
3.2 3080 Cross gravel road/ATV trail

Trail follows old logging road

1.5
3.7 3140 Leave logging road for new trail 1.0
4.4 3400 Burned out area around trail 0.3
4.7 3500 Trailhead at tower 0.0

Typical Conditions[edit]

The trail was built in 2010 by a contractor using a Bobcat backhoe. The path is 4 ft wide at a reasonable 6% grade. The tread does have a slight side-to-side slope, which is great to keep the water off the path, but did wear out my ankles from a constant twist.

Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]

No fees or permits. Horse or motor bike riding not allowed per forest service sign. Uncertain if and when the gate at the picnic area is locked.

The trail is located in the Watauga Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest. Telephone: (423) 735-1500

Misc. Information[edit]

The summit is the highpoint of... Washington County (not Unicoi), Tennessee as it is just inside the county line. Pinnacle Mountain Tower was built by the Civil Conservation Corps and was in service until 1989. The trail was created and the 40 ft observation platform restored for $100,000 as a joint partnership. See [news article] and [FS press release].

The fire tower can also be accessed via a forest service road or the ATV trail (FTR #29) off of Dry Creek Road.

Very nice bathrooms are located at the parking area.

Maps[edit]

Loading map...

80%

Photos[edit]

  • View east towards trailhead

  • Looking down at radio tower shack

  • Trailhead in new picnic area

  • Tanasi Art Center sign near trailhead

  • Sign for park at trailhead

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