The trail to Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap, is a relatively short jaunt with a beautiful view. It is definitely a moderate hike with a steady elevation gain which gets the heart rate up.
Friends often ask how a trail compares to Mount Yonah. This is not NEARLY as challenging in elevation gain nor in technical difficulty. There are no large rocks to navigate. Plus, this trail surface is much gentler than Yonah’s well worn, washed out path.
Details:
- Name: Courthouse Gap to Pinnacle Knob
- Specs: 3.5 miles, 918 ft. elevation gain. Moderate.
- Address: Courthouse Gap Trail, 34.896417, -83.373017
- Parking fees: $0
- Foot Traffic: Light on weekdays.
- Restrooms: None at trailhead. Stop in Clayton.
- Cell Service: Decent. Spotty at trailhead.
- Time Required to Complete: Approximately 2 hours hours depending on how much time you spend at the top.
Trail Journal
This trailhead only accommodates about three vehicles – two in the parking area to the left of the road, one to the right. As we pull in, we see small, brown parking signs affixed to the trees. They confirm we are in the right place. From the parking area, we walk up the gravel road and around a bend to find a trail sign on our left and a path which leads into the woods.
The Ascent
The trail immediately begins ascending the mountain. The incline is a little steep at first, but then it becomes a bit more gradual. The ground is soft, not terribly rooty or rocky. It is easy to follow even without the occasional green blazes.
Suddenly, we hear a loud, long squeal! Its pitch rises and falls with a bit of vibrato. At the lower pitches it almost groans. It stops. Then it starts again. It is coming from above and sounds a little creepy.
It is a widow-maker! A large tree has been uprooted and fallen against two others. As the spring breeze makes its way around the mountain, the trunks are drawn against each other like a giant bow across fiddle strings.
We skedaddle past this section – not for fear of the noise, but of gravity. Something will eventually give way, and that uprooted tree is leaning toward the trail. Such trees and branches are called widow-makers for a reason. In this case they are potential widower-makers.
Intersections
Approximately 1/2 mile into the hike, we arrive at an intersection with the yellow blazed Bartram Trail. A wooden sign lists Rabun Gap to the left and Warwoman Dell to the right. Pinnacle Knob is not mentioned. Thankfully, All Trails is just accurate enough for us to determine that we need to turn right.
Our ascent continues on the Bartram trail. This path is a little wider due to greater foot traffic in general. It is a little rocky in places, but not difficult. In less than 1/2 mile we arrive at another trail intersection.
There are no signs, no distinctive blazes. This is the trail to Pinnacle Knob. I recognize it from a previous trip (during which some of our group cruised right past it and had to backtrack a bit after we consulted All Trails).
Features Along the Way
On this day, we see a few flowers along the our path. The rhododendron are almost ready to blossom. I may need to revisit in a few weeks to see that spectacular display.
The Pinnacle
The trail gradually curves around the foot of the mountain at first. Then it offers some decent switchbacks as it passes through a beautiful forest. A false summit raises our hopes for a moment. The trail continues on. We see large rock overhangs on our right and know we are getting close. A few more turns and suddenly the trees open up to an amazing view of the Georgia and North Carolina Mountains!
The pinnacle of Pinnacle Knob offers an expansive, 270 degree view. The PeakFinder app helps us get our bearings and identify specific mountains. In the distance, we can see the hospital in Clayton. A red line on the rocks gives the kids a definite boundary as they take in the scenery.
It is breezy on this spring day; the wind is welcome after our climb. We sit on the rocks to enjoy our lunch. As our bodies cool down, we each don light jackets again. A red-tailed hawk glides gracefully over the valley below. He is too fast for my camera skills.
The Descent
After another scenic luncheon, we begin descending the mountain. Along the way, we meet some other hikers – the first we have seen today. We briefly exchange pleasantries and continue on our way.
As we once again pass the widow maker, we find that it is now silent. The breeze is not as strong as it was earlier. Back at the trailhead, we head home, grateful for another day spent on the trail.
PS –
While we happened to take this particular trip on a sunny day, do not let a threat of rain deter you. This trail (like many) reserves some of its most exquisite beauty for only those hikers willing to visit on cool, rainy days.
Where have you hiked recently? Please share in the comments.