Description: Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve in Russell County has waterfalls, limestone cliffs and an abundance of wildflowers, including several state and globally-rare species. It is owned and managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Claiborne Woodall, with DCR’s Natural Heritage Program, will lead a 6-mile roundtrip hike to Big Falls, Grapevine Hill, and the Clinch River. Some portions of the hike are very strenuous.
Details: Participants must bring lunch, drinking water, and sturdy hiking boots. Also perhaps bring a camera, field guides, rain gear, and binoculars. Limit 20 participants.
Directions: From Abingdon, take ALT 58 west through town to U.S. Highway 19 north. Go about 20 miles to Business 19 into Lebanon. At the second light, turn left on Highway 82 west. Go 1.1 mile to Route 640 (River Mountain Road) and turn right. Go 4.2 miles and turn left on Route 721 (a gravel road). Go 0.8 mile to the parking area on the left.
Reservations required: Contact Claiborne Woodall at 276-676-5673 by 5 pm on Thursday, July 29.