Peak Experience

There’s something special about hiking the same trail year after year. For the last 20 years, I’ve been going back to Pinnacle Park in Sylva, North Carolina.

The park features 1,110 acres of conserved land with well-maintained trails, tumbling waterfalls, pristine streams, endless wildflowers, and a panoramic view that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

My youngest memory of hiking to the Pinnacle was when I was 10. My brother, dad, and I would trek to the top. Our reward at the top—in addition to that view of endless mountain ranges that never ceases to awe me—was PB&J sandwiches for lunch.

Years ago, Sylva town leaders had the vision to preserve Pinnacle Park for generations to come. They traded development rights for a conservation easement on the property, protecting it in perpetuity. On the southern edge of the Plott Balsams mountain range, U.S. Forest Service Land borders the park on two sides.

In 1997, the North Carolina Nature Conservancy purchased a 1,594-acre tract between the park and Waterrock Knob, which connected Pinnacle Park to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Autumn’s cool temperatures make Pinnacle Park a perfect fall hike. With about 1,800 feet of elevation gain, the trail is rated moderate to rugged. It takes about four hours to complete the seven-mile round trip—including time for taking plenty of photos and lunch at the top (bring your own PB&J). The first two miles feature rocky and uneven terrain, so be sure to bring good hiking shoes.

At the top, you’ll come to a clearing with a narrow path. Don’t stop there—follow the trail through a tunnel of Spanish moss-covered trees. Emerging from the tunnel reveals the Pinnacle’s rocky outcropping. Scramble down the rocks and up the boulder to get the view of a lifetime. You’ll look out and see a 270-degree view that includes Balsam, Cullowhee, downtown Sylva, and Franklin. Bring a pair of binoculars and try to locate Sylva’s historic courthouse. 

Directions: From downtown Sylva, take Main Street east to the Business 23/N.C. 107 intersection. Turn left on Business 23 (Asheville Highway), and turn left again onto Skyland Drive. Continue east on Skyland Drive approximately 2.6 miles to Fisher Creek Road (S.R. 1446). Turn left onto Fisher Creek Road, and follow it about 2.1 miles to its end at the entrance to Pinnacle Park’s gravel parking area.

About the author: Nick Breedlove is the director of tourism for Jackson County, North Carolina.