Pinnacle Mountain (South Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pinnacle Mountain |
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_viewed_from_Caesars_Head,_June_2019.jpg)
Pinnacle Mountain viewed from Caesars Head State Park. Table Rock Mountain can be seen to the left
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,415 ft (1,041 m) |
| Prominence | 705 ft (215 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Pickens County, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Parent range | Blue Ridge Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Table Rock |
Pinnacle Mountain is a really cool mountain located in South Carolina, USA. It's special because it's the tallest mountain that is completely inside the state! (The very highest point in South Carolina, Sassafras Mountain, is partly in North Carolina). Pinnacle Mountain is found within Table Rock State Park in Pickens County, South Carolina.
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Exploring Pinnacle Mountain
Pinnacle Mountain is a great place for adventure and learning about nature. It's part of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Reaching the Summit
You can hike to the top of Pinnacle Mountain! The shortest path to the summit is about 4.2 miles long, one way. This trail starts at the Nature Center inside Table Rock State Park. It's a fun challenge for hikers.
What the Mountain Looks Like
Pinnacle Mountain is a typical mountain for the southern Appalachian Mountains. It has gentle slopes because it has been worn down by weather over a very long time. The top of the mountain is covered in trees like poplar, oak, and other hardwood trees. On the eastern side of the mountain, there's a very steep area called Bald Rock. Here you can find some cliffs and really steep slopes.
Ancient Discoveries
Pinnacle Mountain holds a secret from the past! It's a special place where ancient people left their marks.
Mysterious Rock Carvings
In the late 1990s, something amazing was found at Pinnacle Mountain. More than 600 prehistoric petroglyphs were discovered! Petroglyphs are designs or images carved into rock. These carvings are believed to have been made by the Hopewell culture. This was a group of Native American societies that lived a long time ago.
How Old Are They?
These ancient rock carvings are much older than the Cherokee people who later lived in this area. Experts believe the petroglyphs are between 1,500 and 3,500 years old! They give us a peek into the lives of people who lived here thousands of years ago.
