Pinnacle Peak

Brownstown, IN
4.7
3 Reviews
Pinnacle Peak
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Details

Distance
2.39 miles
Elevation Gain
289 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Forest
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Scenic
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About this place

Added by Dan Barr

An hour south of Indianapolis, Indiana's flat farmland gives way to rolling hills and hollows, and its in this setting that some of Indiana's most scenic views and hikes can be found.

Beginning at the trail head labeled for Trail 1/Pinnacle Peak, the trail changes a total of ~450 ft elevation in a mile through a rolling, hardwood forest to reach its namesake location: Pinnacle Peak. The view opens up to the southwest of the peak and shows the valley below and the distance farms beyond on the edge of Indiana's farmland. The top of the peak is held up by thick sandstone beds, that to an acute eye can find numerous brachiopod fossils embedded in the stone.

For a state such as Indiana that tends to be overlooked as a state with scenic views, this trail shows that it has some hidden gems that aren't difficult to get to. The trail is very well maintained for its length, and the campground and picnic areas near the trail head add to making Jackson-Washington an excellent park to base a weekend of day hikes out of for the region. Overall, an excellent trail for an easy day hike with great reward at the end.

The INDNR website has a map of the trails located at Jackson-Washington State Forest: http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/files/fo-JW_trail_maps.pdf

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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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The Dude
5/30/2025
Still one of my favorite hikes in IN!!
Not Crowded
Amazing Views
Great Conditions
Well Marked
Easy To Park
Bathrooms
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Christy Tormoehlen
3/1/2023
Great hike
Took about a hour/hour 15 tops great starter hike in Jackson county
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The Dude
4/26/2017
Short 'n Sweet!
Set out in search of a moderately rugged hike with a view at the end and Pinnacle Peak did not disappoint! Could happily spend ...
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