Talk:Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower
Recent hike reports with the newest first. Refer to club newsletters for the full blurb.
Pinnacle Mountain Tower Trail - October 15, 2011 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.
Friday Hikers: Pinnacle Mountain, March 4, 2011 Collins Chew reporting We had a beautiful day for our hike to the top of Pinnacle Mountain on the new USFS Trail. We started at the trailhead that is within sight of I-26 at the Unicoi exit. We agreed to say it was 8 miles round trip, but that probably would be a little much. The climb was about 1,400 feet. An observation platform has been constructed on the old fire tower steel and there is a great view in all directions with nothing as tall anywhere near; although it was quite breezy. The new trail is wide and well graded all the way to the ridge line and was not muddy.