The Pinnacle Is the Best View in North Carolina

Playing “No, this is the best day hike in North Carolina!” is a great bar game, but if you want to play with a trump card then you need to hike The Pinnacle. Located less than an hour from Asheville, the West Fork Trail devours (and then spits out) 1,800 feet of vertical over a little less than seven leg-searing miles out and back, but the rewards at the top are plenty. From the hike’s namesake rocky precipice, you’ll have unimpeded views of the Plott Balsams and Great Smokey Mountains, as well as the Blue Ridge Parkway.

More importantly, the pics on your phone will give you the winning hand the next time someone claims to know a better day hike in North Carolina.