Join the N.C. High Peaks Trail Association on Saturday, March 7 for a challenging hike to Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower in Tennessee. Hikers should be rewarded with tremendous 360-degree views of the surrounding terrain.

The 9.6-mile hike (total distance) is rated as very strenuous, as hikers will climb 1,400 feet on their way to the popular fire tower, which is located near Erwin, Tn. Although the hike is long and the climb significant, the trail is well-developed and not too steep, averaging a grade of less than 6 percent.

Hikers should assemble at 8:30 a.m. in the Rose’s Shopping Center Parking lot overlooking Highway19 in Burnsville. Transportation will be provided in a Yancey van for a donation of $5, reservations required. Dogs are not allowed on the vans, so if you want to bring your leashed pet you must provide your own transportation.

Bring lunch, plenty of water, snacks, warm clothes and rain gear if the forecast looks doubtful. The ride to the trailhead will take about 50 minutes. Hikers who want more information about this hike and destination can find it at: http://tehcc.org/wiki/Pinnacle_Mountain_Fire_Tower.

Please contact Hike Leader Robert Branch at rbranch54@yahoo.com or 828-682-3102 by Thursday evening, March 5 to make your van reservation. Hikers who plan to drive on their own are also asked to contact the Hike Leader so he can better plan the outing. You may also want to ask for directions to the trailhead.

As always, please check the High Peaks Facebook page or website, www.nchighpeaks.org, for last-minute changes due to weather.