Highlights

•  Panoramic views of up to 270 degrees of the Sylva/Dillsboro area 
•  Moderate to Difficult Hike 
•  Streams and cascading waterfalls along the trail 
•  Stunning vertical drop of up to 2500 ft.

The Local Scoop

We recommend Pinnacle Park to those looking for an exhilarating hike to one of the truly most breathtaking views around. You'll climb for an approx. total of 1800 ft. by the time you reach the Pinnacle. You'll cross the main stream that runs down along with the trail multiple times on your ascent up the ridge. Lush vegetation and thick Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel await you at the top. Once at the top and you come to an apparent clearing you will need to work your way through some of that lush vegetation out to the actual "Pinnacle" and for the best views. We suggest packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top to refuel all of the energy you've burned so far. If you have young children with you please be very mindful of where they are when you're at the Pinnacle, a fall here could be fatal. Take plenty of drinking water with you and any snacks you feel like having along the way. Also, we recommend taking a pair of binoculars as well as a camera to really get a grasp on your location and to capture the views of Sylva and Dillsboro below you along with the stunning peaks that are all around you. You will be standing on one of the primary peaks of the "Plott Balsams", one of the highest mountain ranges on the East coast of the U.S.

The Local Directions

From Sylva and Exit 85 off of US Hwy-74/23 drive East for 0.5 miles to a Left onto Steeple Road. Go 0.2 mile to a dead-end at Old Asheville Highway. Turn Left here and travel 0.6 mile and turn Right onto Fisher Creek Road. Continue 2.1 miles until dead-end at park entrance. Hike straight up the hill behind the iron gate. Stay on the main trail and cross the creek twice early into your hike. After the cascading waterfall you will need to take the trail to the Left and bear Left the remainder of the hike to a clearing on Pinnacle Ridge and the overlook ahead. You will have to work your way through some bushes to get out to the "Pinnacle" once up top.

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Coordinates

35.43023, -83.20099

Hike Distance

6.5 miles roundtrip

Nearest City

Sylva

County

Jackson County

Distance From

Sylva: 3.4 miles