Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve | |
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IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
Location | Russell County, Virginia |
Nearest city | Lebanon |
Coordinates | 36°57′32″N 82°03′07″W / 36.959°N 82.052°W [1][ dead link] |
Area | 1,147 acres (4.64 km2) |
Governing body | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation |
Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve is an 1,147-acre (464 ha) Natural Area Preserve in Russell County, Virginia. Located at the confluence of the Clinch River and Big Cedar Creek, the preserve's namesake and centerpiece is the Pinnacle, a dolomite formation rising 400 feet (120 m) above the creek. [2]
At least nine rare species and two rare natural communities make their home within the boundaries of the preserve. [2] It is home to the globally rare Big Cedar Creek millipede ( Brachoria falcifera), known only from the preserve and several nearby locations. Two globally rare plants, Canby's mountain-lover ( Paxistima canbyi) and Carolina saxifrage ( Saxifraga caroliniana), grow upon the preserve's limestone cliffs, where they are joined by American harebell ( Campanula rotundifolia), which is rare in Virginia. The preserve's creek banks host the rare glade spurge ( Euphorbia purpurea). [3]
Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve is owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. The preserve includes improvements such as a parking area, four miles (6.4 km) of hiking trails, and a suspension foot bridge. [2] [3]