Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower

Only six of us were available this past Saturday to make the hike to the Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower.  We met at our usual place at Dot and headed out around 8:00.  We found the trailhead easily just off I-26 exit 32.  There is a small parking area at the trailhead, but it did have nice restrooms available to utilize before the long hike began.  Yes, the long hike.  It is 4.8 miles one way.  Although the hike is lengthy, it is a great trail of packed earth and few rocks.  The ascent is gradual at 300 ft. per mile.  Our group took our time, as usual, and we made it to the tower around 12:30.  The day was beautiful, but a little warm for September.  Several of us took advantage of the shade on the deck of the tower for our lunch spot.  The tower is only a few years old and is well constructed.  It is 40 ft tall and 57 steps with handrails on each side take you to the top.  The trip to the top of the tower is well worth it, as you will be afforded 360 degree views.  After a lunch break at the summit, we took an access road for about 6 tenths of a mile before getting back on the main trail.  The shortcut made our round trip just under 9 miles.

Nice observation deck

Nice packed earth trail with gentle grade

Splashes of red making an appearance early

Sugar Hill Trail System

Had a nice Labor Day Hike on the Sugar Hill Trail System in St. Paul, Virginia.  We had a bunch of hikers today, 16 in fact, out to enjoy the trail.  The Sugar Hill trails have several features that made for a great hike.  One trail is along the Clinch River.  Another section is up on a cleared, bald area, which also was the location of a French Settlement.  Remnants of a chimney are still there, along with a covered picnic shed and a restroom, both of which were pleasant surprises.  Our group enjoyed lunch at the shed, and then hiked back out for about a 4.5 mile hike.  Part of the loop trail was closed due to erosion, but we took a modified route which worked out nicely.  This hike is kind of a hidden gem as it was quite enjoyable, offered varied features, and was not crowded.  The weather was perfect too!

Beautiful view from the trailhead

We walked about a mile along the Clinch

Views from the bald area on the ridge above the Clinch

Frenchmen Settlement remains