Pilot Mountain State Park features great views of the Piedmont and the surrounding mountains. You’ll see the rest of the Sauratown Mountains, of which Pilot Mountain is a part. The countryside spreads out below the namesake mountain. Winston-Salem is even visible on a clear day.
Pilot Mountain State Park Trails
It is a very popular hiking destination about 30 minutes from Fancy Gap. There are two sections, with lots of trails to choose from — 40 miles in total.
The Trying to Unwind blog is a great source for information about the park. You’ll find directions, park hours, a map of both the mountain and river sections, a list and description of the trails and more. Here’s a helpful list of the trails from their blog.
| Section | Pilot Mountain Trail | Hiking (one way) | Equestrian | Paddle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River | Bean Shoals Canal Trail | 0.5 | ||
| Both | Corridor Trail | 6.6 | 6.6 | |
| Mountain | Grassy Ridge Trail | 1.7 | 1.7 | |
| Mountain | Grindstone Trail | 3 | ||
| River | Horne Creek Trail | 2.5 | ||
| River | Ivy Bluff Trail | 1.3 | ||
| Mountain | Jomeokee Trail | 0.8 | ||
| Mountain | Ledge Spring Trail | 1.6 | ||
| Mountain | Little Pinnacle Overlook Trail | 0.1 | ||
| Mountain | Mountain Trail | 4.5 | ||
| Mountain | Mountain to Sea (segment) | 12.6 | ||
| Mountain | Pilot Creek Meadow | |||
| Mountain | Pilot Creek Trail | 3.3 | ||
| Mountain | TRACK Trail | 0.3 | ||
| River | Yadkin Island Trail | 1.5 | 1.5 | |
| River | Yadkin River | 0.2 | ||
| Pilot Mountain | Total Miles | 40.3 | 9.8 | 0.2 |
Jomeoke Trail
The Jomeoke Trail circles Big Pinnacle and features long-range views of the Sauratown mountain chain and the surrounding Piedmont. It’s an easy trail that begins at the peak-top parking lot. A side trail to Little Pinnacle provides the best views of Big Pinnacle.
Other Things to Do at Pilot Mountain State Park
Other popular things to do at Pilot Mountain include camping, rock climbing, kayaking, fishing and horseback riding.
Places to Stay
If you need a place to stay in the area, check out Pilot’s Perch Cabins.
Other Particulars
- Location: 1792 Pilot Knob Park Road; Pinnacle; NC; 27043
- Travel Time from Fancy Gap: ~30 minutes
- Distance: multiple trails (40 miles total; .1 mile to 12.6 miles)
- Skill Level: multiple trails easy to strenuous
- Highlights: Big Pinnacle of Pilot Mountain
