Panthers Outdoors Pinnacle Mountain Hiking Trip

On May 3rd, 2025, the National Park Trust College Ambassadors teamed up with the Panthers Outdoors crew to take an unforgettable trip to Pinnacle Mountain. With 18–20 students in attendance, the day was packed with energy, laughter, and meaningful connections that brought our campus community even closer together.

We kicked off the day at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Cox Building on campus, where students were welcomed with goodie bags filled with snacks, water, and Gatorade — the perfect fuel for the journey ahead. Before departing, we led a brief info session, giving everyone a rundown of the trail, safety tips, and what to expect during the hike.

By 10:00 a.m., we had divided into Uber and Lyft groups and hit the road. We arrived at Pinnacle Mountain around 10:30 a.m., and even before setting foot on the trail, the scenic views had us all pulling out our phones for a spontaneous round of group photos and videos. The fresh air, open sky, and excitement in the air set the tone for the rest of the day.

We hiked the East Summit Trail — a moderately challenging route that rewarded our efforts with sweeping views and moments of shared accomplishment. Along the way, we played games, danced to familiar tunes, encouraged each other on tough stretches, and paused often to soak in the natural beauty around us. Some students even faced their fear of heights or hiking for the first time, which made the experience all the more empowering.

With support from the National Park Trust, this event was part of a larger mission to get students outdoors and engaged with the outdoor spaces. By helping college students access nearby green spaces like Pinnacle Mountain, it is so encouraging to see that the outings we host are planting the seeds for others’ connection to parks and public lands. For many of us, it’s relaxed, low-stress adventures like this one that make hiking and outdoor recreation feel approachable and fun.

After 2–3 hours of hiking, we wrapped up the day with more dancing, games, and well-earned rest while we waited for our rides back. Spirits were high, and so was the sense of community we had built by simply stepping outside together.