Beginning from the trailhead on Upper Hollow Road, the trail heads uphill right away and only gets steeper as you go. It’s a cool hike through typically moist Vermont forest, where you’ll navigate rocks, roots, and mud the whole way. In places, you’ll find rock stairs, wooden ladders, and even steeper parts that require hand-and-foot scrambling. The steepest part comes just before the summit, but caution and determination will see you through to the top. Note that children and dogs can complete this trail, but maybe not the smallest or timider among them. Use your good judgment and don’t take unnecessary risks.

When you’ve had your fill of the views (or had enough of the weather–it can be quite cold and windy), return the way you came, being extra careful descending the steep parts. Instead of turning back right away, you can continue your hike up the mountain on Hogback Trail, which eventually reaches Skyline Trail and the top of Hogback Mountain.

The Stowe Pinnacle trailhead has very limited parking, so it’s best to come early in the morning or on a weekday when it won’t be as popular. If parking is full, you can instead do the Pinnacle Meadows Trail, which is shorter and a bit easier, but still includes the exciting final scramble to the summit.

Sources: https://gostowe.com/activity/hiking/ https://fpr.vermont.gov/putnam-cc-state-forest https://www.summitpost.org/stowe-pinnacle-trail/162722