pinnacle mountain trail

We walk this trail several times a year. It is always well maintained and kept clean. Trees and big limbs are constantly falling across the the trail but are quickly taken care of. The trail winds back and forth up the mountain and you're almost always under the trees. Numerous people walk their dogs on the trail and a few bring their bikes. There are nice restrooms and a picnic sites at the base of the trail. It usually takes us a little less than 3 hours to walk up and back with a snack break at the tower. A little over 3 miles up the trail you will come to a gravel lot, there is a wood fence on the opposite side with a gap that continues on the trail. You can also turn left and walk up the road. Either one will take you to the tower. I would recommend that you take it easy on the decent on a bike especially if the ground is just starting to thaw. In the Fall of 2012 there was a lot of bear sign around the top of the mountain so I would keep the dogs on a leash. I highly recommend this activity and I greatly appreciate how well it is taken care of.

I've hiked this trail twice. It's 4.8 miles to the summit and the fire tower. It took me about two and a half hours to go up, less than two hours to get back. About a 6% grade, not bad, winds around the mountain. You hike through Unicoi County into Washington County at the summit. The trail is well maintained, and saw evidence of repairs by a first-rate trail crew since my initial visit. This trail is similar in style to the Appalachian Trail, difference being the Pinnacle Fire Tower trail is marked with a green blaze (stripe) instead of the white blaze used on the A.T. At one point a mile or so from the top you cross a gravel road and just remember the walking trail is marked with a green blaze. There is a red blaze trail that's for mountain bikers. The Pinnacle Fire Tower trail starting point is located at exit 32 of Highway 26, at Jack Snyder Park, about 15 miles south of Johnson City. Excellent parking. Picnic tables at the park. I took a sandwich and had my lunch at the top of the fire tower. Great views from the tower. I'm not too scared of heights, and it made me a bit nervous. There are safety railings on the steps going up and safety barriers around the platform at the top. Advise you to check to see if there are any dark clouds (lightning) coming before you go up. Once at the top viewing point, do what most people don't do - and look up! You'll see the compass points/north-south-east-west on the ceiling. Take water for sure. No bikes, horses, or motorized vehicles. Dogs welcome, on a leash. Saw quite a few people with very happy dogs. Remember, it's 4.8 miles to the fire tower, and it's 4.8 miles back! I can qualify for senior discounts and am not an athlete, had no problem.Start this hike with enough time to get back by dark!No camping on this trail. If you want to camp, go to the other side of Unicoi County and camp on the Appalachian Trail!