This is a very fun, little hike that is simply beautiful. You feel  like you need a jacket in September in the parking area but by the time you are on the top, you are warm. We met people from Asheville and other places and talked—even in this time of pandemic there was joy.

We hiked through Rhododendron tunnels and gnarled sweet birch trees and wildflowers. The sun was out and we were under a Carolina blue sky! Near the top, there were plenty of trails to explore but we had one goal—to reach the Pinnacle.

This is a super popular trail but we didn’t feel like it was overcrowded at all. It has all that you are looking to experience quickly along the Blue Ridge Parkway: it’s beautiful, scenic, and not difficult.

It’s only a 1.4-mile round-trip hike to the top of the 5,892-ft. summit, Craggy Pinnacle. at Craggy Gardens. The exceptional panoramic 360-degree views are hard to beat in Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

Friends forever!

Beth photographing the view.

Pat peeking through a tree root! Oh, my!

Along the trail, we met this guy and his owner (both kept turning up at other locations we hiked throughout the day). The dog carries sticks with it and wants people to toss the stick for him to catch! She was watching Pat to see if she would throw the stick, which she did.

This tree is one that everyone photographs! Beth turned her photograph into a black and white and I just used a stain.

One of the several overlooks that you pass on the way to the top.

When we were there summer was still lingering and fall was just beginning

To get to the trailhead from the Craggy Gardens Visitor’s Center, drive north through a short tunnel and pull into the next parking area on the left for the trail. The elevation at the parking lot is 5,640 ft. You will climb another 252 ft in elevation to get to the top, but it’s not difficult. Craggy Pinnacle is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 364.1. Plus, it’s a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. If you watch the sunset, be sure to take a headlight or flashlight to get back to your car.

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