15 Mile Pinnacle Mountain Summit Hike- Old Fort, NC- Strenuous

If you are a very serious hiker, you don't want to miss this jem of a hike. This is an out and back 15 miles-4,500 elevation gain to the Pinnacle Mountain summit with fantastic views in the beautiful Pisgah National Forest near Old Fort, NC. You will be rewarded with one of the best views in the state if weather is cooperative.

This route features great uphill climbing along a scenic ridgeline with many overlooks along the way. The view from Pinnacle is spectacular and worth the effort to marvel at the surrounding mountain views. There is one water crossing located at the beginning which is relatively manageable as long as there has not been an abundance of rainfall.

Note: this is a winter hike and up at +5,600 feet it can be very cold. Be prepared to hike in possible snow and ice. Long range forecast for the lower elevation town of Old Fort is a high and low of 49/39 degrees.

Who can attend: Serious hikers that have hiked with me before. ***If you have not hiked with me before, you need to contact me in advance BEFORE you sign up. My number is 704-516-1001 ***

Time: Start promptly at 9:30 AM

Car pool: We will set up a car pool from Statesville, NC

Hike Location: Graphite, NC

Trails: Star Gap, Heartbreak Ridge, private trail, Old Mitchell Toll Road, and Pinnacle Trail

Duration: this will be a 7.5-8 hour hike

Restrooms: None

Pack: Lots of layers, hiking poles, boot traction devices (if you have them), headlamps, water, lunch, and a strong fortitude and perseverance attitude.

Lunch: We will have lunch at the summit and if not too cold, we will enjoy the summit for an extended period of time.

Post hike: We will be going to the popular Hillman's brewery afterwards for dinner and drinks in the charming town of Old Fort. Address: 78 Catawba Ave, Old Fort, NC 28762.

https://hillmanbeer.com/old-fort-taproom/

The Pinnacle Mountain is a significant peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with its summit reaching 5,665 feet (1,727 meters), making it the highest point in McDowell County and a key landmark for hikers with stunning views of the Black Mountains (including Mt. Mitchell) and Swannanoa Range.