A quick 4 mile out-and-back trail is all it takes for excellent views from the top of King’s Pinnacle in Crowders Mountain State Park. At half an hour west of Charlotte, the park makes a great escape from the city. Of course, everyone has the same idea, so expect crowds on the weekends.

Both the Pinnacle and the Crowders trails start to the left of the park office. For the first section until the two trails diverge, you will see several blazes, including a white diamond (Crowders Trail), red circle, and orange circle with a white hiker silhouette in it. At the junction, stay to the left.

From here, the trail slowly begins to gain elevation and eventually becomes very rocky, passing through a small boulder field. Climbing up onto some of the rocks affords views to the south in the winter when not obscured by trees. Along the way are several side trails, however, it is easy to recognize and follow the main trail. At halfway, the trail comes to its second junction with the Turnback trail, which, as its name implies, takes you back toward the parking area. Again, the junction is well marked with a sign and map to guide you.

Here the trail continues to gain elevation, gradually increasing the incline. This is the only difficult section of the hike, but doesn’t last long. Shortly before the trail end, the path crosses its third junction, this time with the Ridgeline trail. Continuing along the Pinnacle trail, the path ends at a large rock outcrop. Climb the rock and explore several open areas for great views to the northwest.