The Stowe Pinnacle Trail warms up on a false-flat grade for about 0.5 miles before ascending a steep staircase-like climb through a mixed hardwood forest. Halfway up the trail, there is an overlook spur with views to the west of Mount Mansfield. The trail then continues on a short distance to the Hogback Trail junction. The trail then levels out a bit and treks through a thinner forest up to a bald rock summit. Mount Mansfield looms to the northwest and Mount Hunger to the south; on clear days other Green Mountain peaks (like Camel's Hump) are visible as well.
From the summit, hikers can either turn around and descend the way they came up, or continue on the Ridge Trail to Hogback Mountain and beyond to the Skyline Trail, which connects to Mounts Hunger and Worcester.
The Pinnacle Meadow Trail begins at the gated road adjacent to the parking area and ascends the dirt road to a clearing in the shadow of the Pinnacle. The Pinnacle Meadow trail continues into the woods at the top of the clearing and connects to the Stowe Pinnacle Trail 0.5 miles below the scenic overlook.
From either trailhead, a round-trip hike up to the summit and back is a total of just under 5 miles.
Primitive camping is allowed at designated areas within CC Putnam State Forest. For more information see the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation primitive camping webpage.
For more information on the trail or C.C. Putnam State Forest, visit the Vermont State Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation online, or contact:
From downtown Stowe, turn off of VT-100 and onto School Street and continue for 0.3 miles. Take a slight right onto Stowe Hollow Road and continue for 1.6 miles then continue straight onto Upper Hollow Road for 0.6 miles. Stowe Pinnacle parking area and trailhead are off the road on the left. This lot is plowed in the winter.
The Pinnacle Meadow Trailhead, located just north of Stowe Pinnacle and at a higher starting elevation, also provides access to the Stowe Pinnacle Trail. To reach the Pinnacle Meadow Trailhead, follow the directions to the first trailhead, but turn left just before reaching the Stowe Pinnacle Trailhead, and immediately after Upper Hollow Road turns to gravel, onto Pinnacle Road. After 0.4 miles, make a slight right onto Upper Pinnacle Road and travel for 0.6 miles. At the next fork, take the slight left onto a fourth class road that is marked "Pinnacle Meadow" and travel for 0.4 miles to the state forest sign, gate, and parking area on your left. This lot is also plowed in the winter.
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Hikers should be aware that the trail distance listed in this website is incorrect. From Meadows Parking lot, round trip is about 4.75 miles.