Just outside Old Fort, NC, at the edge of the Pisgah National Forest, in the heart of Pisgah Gamelands a trail rises up from the valley to the top of Pinnacle. The climb is steadily up for 6 miles, then rises at a much steeper rate for the final push to the top. Ouch. However, it is hard to beat the view from the top. It is wilderness in every direction. Mt Mitchell and Black Mountain dominate to the west and a sizeable gulf crowds the southwest.
We were not the only ones on the mountain this day. Plenty of bear hunters and their Plott Hounds were out too. I did not see any scat of other bear sign so I don't know how many bears inhabit this area but I suppose there won't be so many bear hunters if there weren't any bears.
I did see an owl silently make its way through a thick spruce forest. Once on top, it was a joy to see the ravens playing in the thermals. I watched one repeatedly drop something red, swoop down and snag it midair.
Thanks to Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club and David Memory for organizing and leading this memorable day in the mountains.
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