Climbing the Pinnacle Trail at Crowders Mountain with Simba the Adventure Pup!

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, back with another exciting hike from the road.

This time, Simba (my golden retriever and fearless trail partner) and I took on the Pinnacle Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain, North Carolina — a challenging, rocky hike that leads all the way to Kings Pinnacle, the highest point in the park.

Spoiler: Simba crushed it, and the summit views were absolutely worth every step.

🗺️ The Pinnacle Trail: A Must-Do North Carolina Hike

The Pinnacle Trail is about 2 miles one way (4 miles round trip) and rated moderate to strenuous — and they’re not kidding! The trail winds through beautiful forest, past rocky outcrops, and up steep, rugged sections before delivering you to the top of Kings Pinnacle, where you’ll get stunning panoramic views over the Carolina Piedmont.

We hit the trail early in the day to beat the crowds, and Simba was full of energy from the start. The final stretch, where you scramble over boulders near the summit, was his favorite part — it was like a big doggy jungle gym!

🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friendly Highlights

✔️ Leash-friendly trail — dogs are welcome, but keep them leashed and under control, especially on the rocky sections.
✔️ Water, water, water — there’s no water on the trail, so bring plenty for both you and your pup.
✔️ Paw safety — watch for sharp rocks near the summit that can be tough on sensitive paws.
✔️ Summit success — Simba loved the breeze and open space at the top; we spent a good while just soaking it all in.

🚐 RV Traveler Tips

While Crowders Mountain State Park doesn’t offer RV camping on-site, there are several RV parks and campgrounds nearby, making it a perfect day trip destination. We parked the rig, hit the trail, and were back in time for a well-earned rest and dinner.

🎥 Watch Our Full Adventure


Check out our latest video, where we tackle the Pinnacle Trail, scramble up the summit, and share tips for hiking challenging trails with your dog.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on RV life, epic hikes, and golden retriever adventures.

📲 Follow us everywhere → @lifeonpawsandwheels

Why We Recommend This Hike

✔️ Stunning summit views over the Carolina Piedmont.
✔️ Challenging, fun trail — great workout for you and your pup.
✔️ Dog-friendly adventure — Simba gives it four muddy paws up!
✔️ A North Carolina gem for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Thanks for joining us on this latest adventure! We’re traveling full-time in our RV, crisscrossing the country in search of the best trails, campgrounds, and dog-friendly spots. Got a must-hike trail or hidden gem we should check out next? Drop a comment and let us know!

Until next time, happy trails and wagging tails! 🐾⛰️🚐
Location: Kings Mountain, NC, USA

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