Name: Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap
Rating: 5

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Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA

LENGTH 3.4 MILES

DIFFICULTY 6.5 Easy
Medium

DURATION 2 hours

ELEVATION GAIN

930

feet

TRAIL TYPE

There And
Back Again

Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap

Take on the short version of Pinnacle Knob and hike to one of the best views in Georgia. Hike a short section of the Bartram Trail as you make your way up to 180° views from the summit. If you want something longer, try Pinnacle Knob via Warwoman Dell.

Parking is a little tricky. When I was here in 2018 there were two small parking lots, one at the power line clearing and another shortly afterward. I have been told the power line clearing area has been blocked off and the second may now be too difficult for low ground clearance cars to access. To begin the hike, head up Courthouse Gap road about 250 feet past the second parking area. Turn left onto the Courthouse Gap Trail (#47) at the green blazed post.

The trail heads up quickly, ascending several short steep switchbacks before settling in around a 500 feet per mile incline. Walk through dense rhododendron tunnels as you make your way to Courthouse Gap at .5 miles in. Turn right on the yellow-blazed Bartram Trail, continuing uphill until you get to the intersection with the green-blazed Pinnacle Knob Trail (#58) at .8 miles.

Turn right to follow the Pinnacle Knob Trail to the summit. Near the summit you may have to wade through waist high growth, but it doesn't last long. At 1.7 miles, hike out onto the rocky opening for 180° views to the northwest. A short trail behind the view heads up a few feet to the actual summit and campsite.

Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap.
When I was here in 2018 there were two small parking lots, one at the power line clearing and another shortly afterward. I have been told the power line clearing area has been blocked off and the second may now be too difficult for low ground clearance cars to access. This was the second parking area and it was difficult to park where I did. It's hard to tell from the picture but the hill in front is quite steep with loose rock.

Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap.
Walk up the road about 250 feet past the second parking area before turning left onto the Courthouse Gap Trail.

Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap.
Turn left on the green-blazed Courthouse Gap Trail (#47).

Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap.
A couple easy creek crossings along the way.

Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap.
Turn right at Courthouse Gap to head down the yellow-blazed Bartram Trail for the next third of a mile.

Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap.
Hike through thick rhododendron tunnels for the first half of this trail.

Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap.
Turn right on the green-blazed Pinnacle Knob Trail (#58).

Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap.
Heading up the Pinnacle Knob Trail. The forest thins out more near the top.

Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap.
Large rocks along the way up.

Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap.
Views from the rocky opening near the summit.

Pinnacle Knob via Courthouse Gap.
Geological survey marker at the summit behind the view.

Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)

Terrain Map Click to control map

Details

length3.4 miles

difficulty6.5 Easy-Medium

duration2 hours

features Dog Friendly Summit Views

trail typeThere And Back Again

blazeLime Green (Courthouse Gap Trail), Yellow (Bartram Trail), Lime Green (Pinnacle Knob Trail)

elevation gain930 ft.

state Georgia

park/forestChattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

ranger districtChattooga River District
9975 Highway 441 S
Lakemont, GA 30552
706-754-6221

parking feeNone

trailhead coordinates 34.896864, -83.373888 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°53.81, W 83°22.43 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°53'49'', N 34°53'49'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)

Trailhead Directions

N 34°53.81, W 83°22.43

Google Map It

When I was here in 2018 there were two small parking lots, one at the power line clearing and another shortly afterward. I have been told the power line clearing area has been blocked off and the second may now be too difficult for low ground clearance cars to access. To begin the trail, hike up the road for 250 feet past the second parking area. The trail begin at the signed post on the left.

Parking Capacity

3-4 vehicles.

Notes

The trail is quite rocky, with plenty of loose rocks. There was also some storm damage when I was there, but it was nothing you can't get around.

Nearby Hikes

Pinnacle Knob via Warwoman Dell

8.6 mi

12.6

Becky Branch & Martin Creek Falls

4.1 mi

5.1

Warwoman Dell Trail System

Similar Hikes

Crowders Mountain Pinnacle Trail

Siler Bald via Wayah Gap

3.6 mi

6.1

Rabun Bald via Beegum Gap

Reviews / Comments

Average Review Rating

5 (1)

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hikethesouth-6 years ago

Great View, Half the Hike

The better hike to Pinnacle Knob is definitely from Warwoman Dell Recreation Area. You get two waterfalls along the 8.6 mile round trip. But if you're not up for a longer hike, then hiking from Courthouse Gap is the next best thing. At 3.4 miles, this hike is less than half the distance, and the views are the same either way. Excellent shorter hike with just the right amount of difficulty to make you feel like you earned it.

Easy-Medium | Hiked Fall 2018

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Disclaimer: Hiking can be dangerous. The information on this site is meant as a guide and represents trail conditions at a given time. Always let someone know where you are going. A basic knowledge of first aid, backcountry navigation, and some common sense are highly encouraged. The difficulty and duration ratings are subjective and will not be representative of everyone's experience.

Disclaimer Disclaimer: Falling off a cliff, drowning in a river, or being eaten by a bear is still a better way to go than dying of a heart attack while sitting in traffic on the way to the office.