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Pinnacle Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 241 Google reviews · Running trail in Sylva, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Pinnacle Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Challenging, rocky trails leading to a pinnacle and scenic views, plus campfires, waterfalls and an easy stream.
What runners say about Pinnacle Park
“on our visit there was no view or reward for our climb, as we were in the cloud cover, so do not come with the sole expectation of a scenic view.”
Fitness matters, not hiking experience! Forewarning: This hike may not be 'worth it' to you if there is overcast weather...on our visit there was no view or reward for our climb, as we were in the cloud cover, so do not come with the sole expectation of a scenic view.
Previous reviewer had me a little apprehensive about giving this hike a try. There are multiple hikes with varying levels of difficulty. We went on a really pleasant hike in the woods along the side of a stream and did not encounter any extra strenuous or scary stretches.
Well maintained trails. Very steep strenuous climb. The East fork is longer, it follows a stream so has nice views. The West fork is shorter has the split rock heart stone. The West fork is almost entirely ROCKY. Be careful with your footing. Early May with beautiful wild flowers along path.
It's a heck of a workout. From the trailhead In Sylva, it's a steady uphill for about 3.5 miles via the West Fork. It's very rocky the whole way. The East Fork is less stony but longer and has its own challenging moments. I highly recommend good boots and trekking poles. The descent can be precarious without them.
Trail conditions & character
“on our visit there was no view or reward for our climb, as we were in the cloud cover, so do not come with the sole expectation of a scenic view.”
“If you go out and back (there are different trails in the system, creating a choose your own adventure vibe), it's 2,400 ft of elevation gain in 3.”
“From car to Pinnacle and back to car was 8 miles via the West Fork, I spent a little over 5 hours to hike it.”
“To hike from the parking area to the pinnacle and back, plan on committing *at least five hours* if you want to stop along the way and enjoy it.”
“The trail is very rocky and steep making the trip down nearly as difficult as the trip up.”
“We were looking for a quiet place to park, walk the dog, get wet, and maybe get some loving.”
“Expect a 4hr+ or so hike with casual hiking and taking the loop path.”
“I went to the left and started my ascent and it is nothing but up , every now and then about twenty feet of level then back up .”
Plan your run at Pinnacle Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance7 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitediscoverjacksonnc.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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