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Hike to Pinnacle Peak, Indiana

Brownstown, Indiana

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

2 miles

Elevation Gain

900 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Dan Barr

An hour south of Indianapolis, Indiana's flat farmland gives way to rolling hills and hollows, and its in this setting that some of Indiana's most scenic views and hikes can be found.

Beginning at the trail head labeled for Trail 1/Pinnacle Peak, the trail changes a total of ~450 ft elevation in a mile through a rolling, hardwood forest to reach its namesake location: Pinnacle Peak. The view opens up to the southwest of the peak and shows the valley below and the distance farms beyond on the edge of Indiana's farmland. The top of the peak is held up by thick sandstone beds, that to an acute eye can find numerous brachiopod fossils embedded in the stone.

For a state such as Indiana that tends to be overlooked as a state with scenic views, this trail shows that it has some hidden gems that aren't difficult to get to. The trail is very well maintained for its length, and the campground and picnic areas near the trail head add to making Jackson-Washington an excellent park to base a weekend of day hikes out of for the region. Overall, an excellent trail for an easy day hike with great reward at the end.

The INDNR website has a map of the trails located at Jackson-Washington State Forest: http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/files/fo-JW_trail_maps.pdf

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Picnic Area
Scenic

Hike to Pinnacle Peak, Indiana Reviews

Took about a hour/hour 15 tops great starter hike in Jackson county

Set out in search of a moderately rugged hike with a view at the end and Pinnacle Peak did not disappoint! Could happily spend a day or weekend exploring the entire park.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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