Pinnacle Rock State Park - Hiking

Review

Intro

Pinnacle Rock State Park has amazing views that will shock even the most seasoned hiker. The park has 6 short trails for a total of 6.4 miles of hiking, including views of Pinnacle Rock and Jimmy Lewis Lake. The trails reach 3,100 feet at the park’s namesake—Pinnacle Rock. While the trails are short, you will get a glimpse of typical southeastern West Virginia scenery, and some great views of the Bluestone River Valley.

What Makes It Great

Both the Cemetery and Homestead trails, which begin at the main parking area, will take you to the Overlook Trail that leads to the Pinnacle Rock overlook. Both trails are just longer than a mile, and the Overlook Trail is only 0.7 miles. These trails are steep at times, but these sections are short, so most hikers will find the work worth the view. There’s also a short, flat trail that starts at the parking area and winds .7 miles along Jimmy Lewis Lake. It’s more of a leisurely stroll than a hike.

Because the trails are short and the day-use areas are vast, it’s a great destination that requires little to no planning. If you happen to be driving by, you can pull over on a whim, and venture through the park without much time commitment. Pinnacle Rock is at the top of a stone staircase, making the climb to the park’s highest point accessible to most visitors.

Who is Going to Love It

The park has a almost 400 acres of land for day-use activities, making it an ideal destination for families, picnickers, daytrippers, and roadtrippers. It’s also a great spot for geocaching, thanks to the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which hid geocache treasures along the park’s trails in the fall of 2014.

Pinnacle Rock State Park’s trail system is great for leisurely hikers who love scenic overlooks and stunning panoramas without the technical commitment or endurance needed for longer, more challenging trails. Most of the trails are easy, including the trail that leads to the overlook, which has a vantage point that’ll make you feel like an eagle.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The park is located in southeastern West Virginia between Bluewell and Bramwell. The entrance is 14 miles from Princeton, WV and 10 miles from Bluefield, WV. From I-77, take Exit 9 toward Princeton. Follow US-19 North for a little more than 2 miles until you get to State Route 20. Take a left onto State Route 20 South, and follow the highway for 6.6 miles. You’ll take a slight right onto US-52 North. Follow this road for a little more than 2 miles, turning left onto County Highway 52/4. The park will be just 1 mile along 52/4. There is parking at the entrance.

Pinnacle Rock State Park is a day-use only park. There is no overnight use or camping. A West Virginia fishing license is required if you want to fish in Jimmy Lewis Lake.