The Pinnacle and Gina Falls
Pinnacle Park near Sylva, NC
Monday, January 18th, 2021
Group Photo on the Pinnacle
I celebrated Martin Luther King Day by joining The Professor Scott Burns, Buchanan, and Saul on a hike up to The Pinnacle, a prominent peak high above Sylva, North Carolina.
I wasn't expecting there to be much snow, but a surprise storm left a few inches of fresh snow on the ground!
I arrived a good 45 minutes early, so I started my day with a short warm
up hike along the Bridge Trail. I enjoyed the peaceful tranquility of
the cool winter morning. While I was not the first up the main trail, I
was the first human to leave footprints in the snow along the Bridge
Trail that morning.
Fresh frosting of snow along the Bridge Trail
Once the Professor, Buchanan, and Saul arrived we hit the trail up to the Pinnacle. Captain John was also planning on joining us, but was running late and said he would catch up.
Split Rock
Selfie with the gang at Split Rock
L to R: Me, Saul, Buchanan, Scott (aka The Professor)
The trail climbs almost 2,000 feet in elevation over the first three miles and the snow was getting deeper and deeper the higher we got.
Along the Trail to the Pinnacle
The final stretch to the Pinnacle
My first visit to the Pinnacle did not disappoint!
Panorama from The Pinnacle
Captain John did eventually arrive and joined us for some good times hanging out on The Pinnacle!
Hanging out with Captain John on the Pinnacle
After hanging out for a while on the Pinnacle we started the hike back down the mountain. There was still plenty of time to squeeze in the short but steep bushwhack/scramble down to Gina Falls. The lighting wasn't great but the snow and ice added a few beauty points to this waterfall!
Gina Falls on Ice
On the scramble back up to the main trail, Buchanan and the Professor spotted a cave that they wanted to check out!
The Professor and Buchanan
Cave Selfie with Captain John, Buchanan, and The Professor
According to my GPS track, the total hike distance (including the bushwhack to Gina Falls) was about 7.7 miles with over 2,200 feet of elevation gain.
It was wonderful winter day with some great friends.
My complete set of photos is posted here:
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