Kings Pinnacle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Pinnacle |
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|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,705 ft (520 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Gaston County, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Topo map | USGS Kings Mountain, NC |
The Pinnacle is a cool mountain peak found inside Crowders Mountain State Park. It's one of two main peaks there, the other being Crowders Mountain. This park is in the western part of North Carolina, between the cities of Kings Mountain and Gastonia.
How The Pinnacle Was Formed
The Pinnacle is a special type of mountain called a monadnock. Imagine a really old, hard rock ridge made of quartzite. This ridge formed about 400 to 500 million years ago! Over millions of years, the softer rocks around it slowly wore away. This left the super hard quartzite standing tall.
Today, The Pinnacle rises about 800 feet (244 meters) straight up from the land around it. Its highest point is 1,705 feet (520 meters) above sea level. The Pinnacle is part of a group of similar rock formations called the Kings Mountain Belt. Many of these can be seen from the top of The Pinnacle.
A Look Back in Time
The Pinnacle and nearby Crowders Mountain were important landmarks. They separated the hunting grounds of two Native American tribes: the Cherokee and the Catawba.
Later, in 1780, a very important battle happened southwest of the mountain. This was the Battle of Kings Mountain, where American soldiers won a big victory against the British Army during the American Revolution. Today, you can visit this historic spot at Kings Mountain National Military Park.
Visiting The Pinnacle Today
Many people enjoy hiking to the top of The Pinnacle. There's a special trail that leads all the way to the summit. From the top, you can see amazing views!
On a clear day, you might spot the much taller Appalachian Mountains far to the west and north. You can also see the tall buildings of Charlotte, North Carolina, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) to the east. It's a great place to enjoy nature and see far into the distance.
