Summary:
Woodland paths lead to rock outcrops with distant views over forested mountain ridges.

The Twin Pinnacles Trail forks just a minute or so from the trailhead, marking the start of the loop. Take the left fork to follow the loop clockwise. The trail is very easy under foot – gravel to begin with, some stone steps, and then a dirt path. In just 10 minutes or so you approach boulders at the summit of Little Pinnacle (5,089 ft) with its expansive views.

Descend from the openness of Little Pinnacle and follow the undulating trail through the forest for about 15 minutes. At the trail junction, fork left for the spur to Big Pinnacle. It is a pretty steep 5 minute climb to the top, through boulders and trees and up some stone steps. Again there are expansive views over distant forest-clad hills, including Mount Rogers, the highest point in the State.

Backtrack down the spur and continue on the loop. As you head through the forest, the trail is generally level, with one short, steady climb. It takes 15 minutes to complete the loop and then it is just a short walk back to the visitor center.

To continue on the Listening Rock Trail, head right along the road for a short time, then cross over to the picnic area. Before you start the trail, walk out on the short boardwalk for a fine view over the valleys and mountains of Virginia and North Carolina.

The trail itself heads around Buzzard Rock, the huge boulder next to the boardwalk (the sign at the start erroneously indicates that Buzzard Rock is 0.5 mile along the trail) and winds through forest, skirting more boulders in places.

The trail descends and then levels until, after 20 minutes or so, you reach the apex of the loop. At the point where the path veers sharply to the left, stone steps lead up to the outcrop of Listening Rock. The name is derived from the farmers who would stand on the rock and listen for bells to help them locate their cattle.

The second part of the loop from Listening Rock is level at the start but soon starts to climb, and climbs steeply through the forest for about 20 minutes to the end of the trail at the visitor center car park.

Alternative trail access. If the approach road to the visitor center is closed by snow, these trails can be accessed from Massie Gap. Take Big Pinnacle Trail (blazed yellow), which climbs steeply for 0.4 mile and joins Twin Pinnacle Trail just below the summit of Big Pinnacle.

Directions: Take I-81 exit 19 (approaching from the west) or I-77 exit 14 (approaching from the east) onto US 58. Turn north into the Park on Route 362, about 27 miles east of Damascus and 24 miles west of Independence. Continue beyond Massie Gap (some Park trails also start from here, hence the parking areas) to the visitor center, 4 miles beyond the fee station.

Trailhead: To the left of the visitor center.

Length: 3.6 miles / 5.8 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: N/A

Duration: 2 hours

Trail Condition: Marked by blazes – Twin Pinnacles, red; Listening Rock, yellow.

Features: Forest (leaf colors in October), rock outcrops with expansive views.

Climate: Hiking best late spring through autumn. Deep snow possible in winter and early spring.

Accommodation: Tent and RV sites inside the Park. Lodging available near Abingdon and Marion off I-81; in Galax, west of I-77; and south in Sparta, Jefferson and West Jefferson, North Carolina.

Trail Notes: Sketch trail map available at the fee station or seasonal visitor center. Approach road to the visitor center may be closed in winter due to snow – see end of trail description for alternative trail access.