Pinnacle Retreat Center

Pinnacle Retreat Center began as a summer camp in 1947. It sits in the Appalachian Mountains of Rabun County, Georgia, near Clayton, among lakes, mountains and forest. Its owner and operator is Baptist Woman's Missionary Union of Georgia, an auxiliary to the Georgia Baptist Convention, and the center describes its work as a ministry. The mission is stated plainly: creating environments to encounter God, develop disciples and impact the world for Christ.

For its first fifty years, Pinnacle was a camp. In 1997 the ministry expanded into a year-round facility for Christian church group retreats and training events. In 2003 it adopted a $10 million capital campaign, and since then seven new buildings have gone up. In 2011 the historic Pinnacle Chapel was completely restored and upgraded. In 2012 the gym became a meeting space with a stage, 175 seats and AV equipment. A master plan calls for more buildings, and the campaign remains open.

The campus covers 47 acres and can host several groups at once, though groups are booked only if they fit the mission statement. The main lodge has 36 private rooms, most with three single beds, plus a Queen Suite and a King Suite for guest speakers. Cabin lodges, with bunk beds that are separated into single beds outside the summer months, house adults, students, youth and children. Guest rooms have no televisions or telephones, a choice made for a more restful retreat. Guests may fish on site without a license, and the Pinnacle Store sells snacks, drinks and souvenirs.

Meals are served in the full-service dining room, with a salad bar at lunch and dinner and a fruit and yogurt bar at breakfast. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options are available with advance notice. The minimum group size is 25. Alcohol, tobacco, profanity and controlled substances are prohibited on the grounds.

Each June and July the center hosts Camp Pinnacle, which it describes as Georgia's only missions-focused summer camp for girls. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association.