and mineral-rich ledges of basalt talus produce a combination of microclimate ecosystems on the mountain that support plant and animal species uncommon in greater Connecticut. Pinnacle Rock is also an important raptor migration path. (See Metacomet Ridge for more information on the geology and ecosystem of Pinnacle Rock). Recreation and conservation Pinnacle Rock is traversed by the Metacomet Trail, (maintained by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association), which extends from the Hanging Hills of Meriden, Connecticut, to the Massachusetts border. The Metacomet Trail on the mountain is open to hiking, bird watching, picnicking, snowshoeing, and other active pursuits. The ecosystem of Pinnacle Rock is most threatened by development and quarrying. In 2000, Pinnacle Rock was included in a study by the National Park Service for the designation of a new National Scenic Trail now tentatively called the New England National Scenic Trail, which would include the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail in Massachusetts and the Mattabesett Trail and Metacomet Trail trails in Connecticut. See also Metacomet Ridge Adjacent summits: References Farnsworth, Elizabeth J. "Metacomet-Mattabesett Trail Natural Resource Assessment." 2004. PDF wefile cited November 1, 2007. Connecticut Walk Book: A Trail Guide to the Connecticut Outdoors. 17th Edition. The Connecticut Forest and Park Association. Rockfall, Connecticut. Undated. Raymo, Chet and Maureen E. Written in Stone: A Geologic History of the Northeastern United States. Globe Pequot, Chester, Connecticut, 1989. U.S. Congress New England National Scenic Trail Designation Act. Google Earth sat. images 41° 41' 59"N, 72° 49' 58"W. Cited December 19, 2007. Connecticut Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, mountaineering page. Cited December 19, 2007. External links Connecticut Forest and Park Association NPS brochure for National Scenic Trail proposal. Farmington Land Trust Farmington, Connecticut Metacomet Ridge, Connecticut Tourist attractions in Hartford County, Connecticut Mountains of Connecticut Landforms of Hartford County, Connecticut Raptor migration sites