My second Wilderness Wildlife Week hike was up Greenbrier Pinnacle. This trail starts out at the Ramsey Cascade trail head and runs concurrent with it for the first mile and a half. As the Ramsey Cascade trail goes from a two track to a single track, the trail up Greenbrier Pinnacle leads off from the left upward. The trail was an officially maintained trail until the 70's. At that time, the park released falcons on the rocky edge of the mountain and closed the trail to allow the bird some time to establish themselves. The falcons eventually left and populated other areas, one of which is the Alum Cave area.
The trail to the top is an old jeep trail used to access the firetower at the top. All that is left of the firetower is some cement foundation and a cistern. Before reaching the top, there is a terrific view looking back toward Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Being an unmaintained trail, there are lots of blowdowns across the trail, but it is very easy to follow. It is also the route most folks return by after climbing the Cat Stairs - but that is another blog.
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