The Pinnacles Loop

The Pinnacles Loop is a popular and difficult hike located in Coromandel Forest Park. This trail explores a beautiful forest and showcases a stunning rock feature. This loop is 10.7 miles long and gains 3,745 feet of elevation.

This hike starts from the Billygoat Basin parking area off of Kauaeranga Valley Rd. Begin hiking northeast along the road. After 0.2 miles, you will reach Trestle View Campsite and another parking area. There are pit toilets available here. Continue hiking on Webb Creek Track. After 0.4 miles, you will pass a spur trail to a viewpoint. This trail is very short and worth the extra mileage. You will be able to see the 180m high Billygoat Falls.

If you choose to skip the viewpoint, continue on Webb Creek Track. After 0.5 miles of uphill hiking, you will reach a junction and go left to stay on Webb Creek Track. Continue uphill enjoying the lush forest and mountain views. Another 1.5 miles of uphill trekking will bring you to another junction. Go left here to take The Pinnacles Track. 

1.1 miles down the trail, you will come to another junction and stay right. Another 0.2 miles will bring you to Pinnacles Hut. Many hikers stay here overnight and make the loop a backpacking trip. Continue on The Pinnacles Track. You will now encounter the most intense uphill portion of the hike. There are multiple sections that will have you climbing ladders up steep rock. After 0.6 miles of strenuous hiking, you will reach a viewing platform. You will have stunning views of The Pinnacles and Coromandel Forest Park.

After you have taken in the views, turn around and retrace your steps back to the junction with Webb Creek Track. This will be 2 miles of hiking. Go left at the junction to take Billy Goat Track. The next miles will be up and down hiking. Then you will be traveling downhill. There are many steep and slippery sections. Another 1.4 miles will bring you to Billygoat Basin Campsite and a junction. Turn right here to stay on Billy Goat Track.

Continue downhill for 1.6 miles through dense forest. You will then reach the Kauaeranga River. Carefully cross the river and return to the parking area.

Coromandel Forest Park is open for hiking year-round. There are no associated fees to hike here. Dogs are not allowed on this hike. The Pinnacles Loop is a fantastic adventure for determined hikers.