Permit required.
Pinnacles of Dan Trail is a 5.4 mile lightly trafficked out-and-back trail that features a waterfall and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best from April until November.
This is a difficult and potentially dangerous off-trail scramble that requires navigation skills. Do not attempt if you are looking for a regular hike.
This starts at the Dan River Hydro Facility where a permit must be obtained before going beyond the powerhouse. The trail follows the river upstream for about 1/2 mile where it forks. The right fork continues to follow the river while the left-hand fork starts heading almost straight up the mountainside.
Few switchbacks make this a very strenuous hike. Once you have gained the ridge, go right along the crest and continue to the top. Beautiful views of the peaked Pinnacles of Dan, the start of the Dan River, are a sweet reward for your efforts on this extreme hike.