Little Pinnacle

For Virginians passionate about hiking, breathtaking mountain vistas, and unique wildlife encounters, the area around Little Pinnacle within Grayson Highlands State Park represents an unforgettable adventure. While "Little Pinnacle" itself is a specific peak and a popular hiking destination within the park, it serves as a central point of interest for visitors exploring the wider area. It is not a campground name in itself but rather a prominent natural feature that is easily accessible from the park's main campgrounds and trailheads.

Grayson Highlands State Park, where Little Pinnacle is located, is a true gem in the Virginia State Parks system. It's widely celebrated for its "great hike with wild ponies," offering a chance to see these iconic animals roaming freely in their natural habitat. Visitors consistently praise the "well blazed" trails and "Great views" that make every ascent worthwhile. As part of a vast network of trails leading to Virginia's highest peaks, including Mount Rogers, the area around Little Pinnacle provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Highlands. Whether you're seeking a challenging trek or a scenic stroll, the experience promises to be both engaging and informative, connecting you with Virginia's wild heart.

The region known as Little Pinnacle is located within Grayson Highlands State Park, with the park's main address being 829 Grayson Highland Ln, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363, USA. This places it in the southwestern corner of Virginia, nestled high in the Appalachian Mountains, near the state's border with North Carolina. Little Pinnacle itself stands at an elevation of 5,089 feet, making it one of the prominent "alpine-like peaks" within the park that exceed 5,000 feet.

Reaching Grayson Highlands State Park involves navigating scenic, winding mountain roads, such as US 58 and VA 16. While these roads are generally well-maintained, their mountainous nature means steep grades and curves are part of the journey. For those bringing larger RVs or trailers, planning the approach is advisable. The park's somewhat remote location means cellular service can be intermittent, which many visitors appreciate as an opportunity to truly disconnect. Despite its elevated and seemingly secluded position, Little Pinnacle and the surrounding park are remarkably accessible to a vast trail network. It offers year-round access to the world-famous Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, connecting visitors to an expansive wilderness. The park's visitor center and main campgrounds (like Hickory Ridge) are conveniently located, providing an excellent base for exploring Little Pinnacle and the myriad of other trails that promise stunning "waterfalls and overlooks," "180-degree views," and even "360-degree views."

While Little Pinnacle is a natural feature rather than a specific campground with its own distinct services, it benefits directly from the comprehensive amenities and services provided by Grayson Highlands State Park. Visitors exploring the Little Pinnacle area will find these facilities readily accessible within the park:

• Park Access and Information: The Grayson Highlands State Park visitor center serves as the main hub, offering information about trails, park features, and the history of the area. It's a great place to start your visit to the Little Pinnacle region.

• Main Campgrounds (Hickory Ridge and Horse Campground): The park offers several camping options, from which visitors can easily access trails leading to Little Pinnacle:

  • Tent and RV Sites: Both electric/water hookup sites and primitive (tent-only) sites are available at Hickory Ridge Campground, with restrooms, showers, and potable water.

  • Yurts and Bunkhouses: For those seeking more comfort, the park offers yurts and a camping lodge (bunkhouse) with beds, heating/AC, and basic furnishings.

  • Equestrian Camping: A dedicated area for those visiting with horses, offering sites with electric and water hookups, stables, and trailer parking, directly accessing horse trails.

• Clean Bathhouses: Located within the main campgrounds, these facilities are well-maintained, heated, and offer flush toilets and hot showers, essential after a day of hiking to Little Pinnacle.

• Picnic Areas and Shelters: Numerous picnic tables and reservable shelters are available throughout the park for day use, offering perfect spots for a meal after your hike.

• Trail Access and Maintenance: The park actively maintains an extensive network of "well blazed" hiking trails, including those that lead to and around Little Pinnacle, ensuring safe and clear navigation.

• Firewood and Ice Sales: These essential camping supplies are available for purchase within the park.

• Sanitary Dump Station: Provided for RVers.

• Ranger Programs: The park often hosts interpretive programs that delve into the natural and cultural history of the area, including discussions about the wild ponies and the unique ecosystem around peaks like Little Pinnacle.

The area around Little Pinnacle within Grayson Highlands State Park is rich with captivating features and highlights that draw visitors from across Virginia and beyond:

• Wild Ponies: The park is famously home to a herd of wild ponies, often spotted grazing in the open highlands, particularly along the trails that lead to and around Little Pinnacle. These gentle creatures add a magical and unique dimension to the hiking experience.

• Panoramic Mountain Views: From Little Pinnacle itself and the surrounding higher elevations, visitors are treated to "Great views" and sweeping "180-degree views" of the rugged Appalachian landscape, including distant peaks and rolling highlands.

• Access to Virginia's Highest Peaks: Little Pinnacle is part of the high-country region that includes Virginia's two highest mountains, Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain. The park provides unparalleled access to these majestic summits via interconnecting trails.

• Appalachian Trail and Virginia Highlands Horse Trail Access: Hikers and equestrians can directly access these iconic long-distance trails, offering endless opportunities for exploration directly from the park.

• Diverse Hiking Experiences: The trails leading to and from Little Pinnacle vary in difficulty, from relatively "easy" paths with short, steep sections (like the Twin Pinnacles Trail loop) to more strenuous treks, allowing all levels of hikers to enjoy the high country. Trails also lead to "waterfalls and overlooks."

• Unique Alpine-like Environment: The high elevation creates a distinct ecosystem with open, grassy balds reminiscent of alpine tundras, offering a unique natural setting within Virginia.

• Excellent Bouldering Opportunities: For climbing enthusiasts, the park is renowned for its exceptional bouldering, with extensive boulder fields and numerous climbing routes.

• Heated and Clean Facilities: The main campgrounds, where most visitors base their exploration of Little Pinnacle, offer highly praised clean and heated bathhouses, ensuring comfort even after a chilly day on the trails.

As a natural feature within a Virginia State Park, Little Pinnacle itself doesn't have direct promotions. However, visitors planning to explore this magnificent area can take advantage of general offers and considerations related to Virginia State Parks:

• Virginia State Parks Annual Pass: For frequent visitors to Virginia's State Parks, an annual pass can provide cost savings on park entrance fees, which are required year-round.

• Off-Season Exploration: While the main camping season at Grayson Highlands State Park typically runs from May through October, the trails (including those to Little Pinnacle) are accessible year-round. Visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring or late fall) can offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning seasonal beauty, potentially with slightly lower demand for accommodations if any are available.

• Camping Reservations: The "offer" for popular destinations like Grayson Highlands is often the ability to secure a spot. Reservations for campsites, yurts, and the bunkhouse are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends, and can be made up to 11 months in advance. Booking early ensures you have a base to explore Little Pinnacle.

• Free Guided Hikes/Ranger Programs: While not a monetary discount, the park often offers free ranger-led programs and guided hikes that provide deeper insights into the park's ecology, history, and the wild ponies, enhancing your visit to areas like Little Pinnacle.

It is crucial to check the official Virginia State Parks website (www.virginiastateparks.gov) for the most current information regarding park fees, operating hours, any potential trail closures (especially due to weather at higher elevations), and availability of accommodations. As noted in the information for Hickory Ridge Campground, some facilities might undergo renovations in 2025, so confirming operational status is key before your visit.

To plan your visit to Grayson Highlands State Park and explore the area around Little Pinnacle, or to inquire about camping and trail conditions, please use the following contact information:

Park Address: 829 Grayson Highland Ln, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363, USA

Park Phone: (276) 579-7092

Reservations Phone (Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center): 1-800-933-PARK (1-800-933-7275) - Available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For comprehensive information and to make online reservations for camping or other accommodations, it is highly recommended to visit the official Virginia State Parks website: www.virginiastateparks.gov or www.reservevaparks.com. Checking these resources before your trip will provide the most up-to-date details on park conditions, fees, and any alerts.

For Virginians, the area around Little Pinnacle in Grayson Highlands State Park offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching outdoor experience, perfectly aligned with the desires of those seeking authentic Appalachian adventure. Its allure stems from a unique blend of accessible high-country wilderness and distinctive natural phenomena. The ability to hike "well blazed" trails and encounter "wild ponies" roaming freely is a truly iconic Virginia experience that consistently delights locals and sets this park apart.

Whether you're an avid hiker aiming for "higher places" like Mount Rogers, or simply looking for "Great views" and a scenic stroll, the diverse trail network caters to all skill levels. For those living in the more populated parts of Virginia, the park provides a welcome escape to cooler temperatures and pristine mountain air, a refreshing contrast to urban environments. The well-maintained facilities within the park, including clean restrooms and hot showers at the nearby campgrounds, ensure that even rugged adventures can conclude with comfort. Little Pinnacle offers Virginians a chance to connect with their state's remarkable natural heritage, providing a convenient and breathtaking opportunity for hiking, wildlife viewing, and a genuine immersion in the unique beauty of the high Appalachians.

Little Pinnacle

829 Grayson Highland Ln, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363, USA