Talk:Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower

Recent hike plans and reports with the newest first. Refer to club newsletters for the full blurb.

Hike description

Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower – <date>
Leader: <leader>
Rating: Moderate 9.6 mile round trip hike with approximately 1400 ft elevation gain at steady 6% grade This is a good hike for fall colors and takes you 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 if the timing is right.

Trip reports

Pinnacle Mountain Tower – October 24, 2015
Waylon Jenkins reporting
We had a very nice fall hike. The fall colors were beautiful the entire route. The grade is gentle, making for an easy ascent (about as easy as you'll find for a 1400 foot elevation gain) and descent. The difficulty rating of medium is justified by the distance (4.8 miles each way according to the sign at the trailhead) and total elevation gain. We encountered a dozen or so hikers and three bikers (bicycles are allowed on the trail). There were also motorbikes (on their designated trail - not the hiking trail) that were a bit noisy at times. We were hiking at a fairly strong pace to complete the hike in under 4 hours (including the time at the observation tower and a few brief picture stops). We were motivated by a later than planned start and a desire to get off the mountain before dark...

Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower, October 19, 2014
Barry Griggs reporting
What a beautiful day for a fall hike in the mountains of east Tennessee! We honestly could not have ordered a more perfect day. Our illustrious group of seven gathered at the trailhead to begin our nine-mile round-trip up to Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower. The restrooms in the relatively new building at the trailhead provide a convenient beginning in preparation for the lengthy hike. Several other hikers and bikers were also taking advantage of the beautiful day to get out and enjoy God’s creation. The trail’s many switchbacks make the trail probably the most doable 4.5-mile hike up a mountain anywhere in these parts. It can be completed by even the most casual hiker with a few rest stops on the way if necessary. While leaves are on the trees, the trail is shaded the whole way. The 360-degree views from the top of the tower were spectacular with the reds and yellows really outstanding! Although overall peak color was probably just a few days away, there were many trees that were already in full color. The bright blue sky and clear air allowed maximum visibility for many, many miles. The hike downhill back to the parking area went very quickly and our group headed for home with mental pictures of beautiful views and several new friends among fellow hikers and lovers of the outdoors.

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. 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
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.