UPDATED FEBRUARY 2023
Chances are if you have driven around Yadkin Valley in North Carolina you have seen the Pilot Mountain Pinnacle towering over the surrounding landscape reaching for the clouds. This distinctive nature wonder was used for navigational purposes for hundreds of years by Native Americans and European settlers and it is easy to see why while looking at the massive Knob poking high in the sky and visible from far far away.
Perched centrally between of the Towns of Pilot Mountain, Flat Rock, Pinnacle and Cedar Hill with easy access to the highway the park is close to Winston Salem and Greensboro and is less than 2 hours drive from Charlotte, NC.
The State Park covers 3,872 acres of woodland including the unique Pilot Mountain Peak set at 2,241 feet above sea level. The Big Pinnacle is consisting of a quartz monadnock. The term was derived from Native Americans and describes an isolated hill or a lone mountain that has most likely survived erosion and still stands above the relatively flat surrounding areas.
You can touch the massive rock formation as you walk through the park. At places you can sit under sections of the rook that form little caves and seek shelter if the weather turns. The clouds here move quickly due to the high elevation and sun and rain mix often in spam of minutes. As advised from the Park please do not climb the rock formation for your own safety as well for the preservation of this unique phenomenon.
Quick tip before heading on this hike: double-check the weather! We did and we still got surprised by the conditions. The high elevations and the late fall mounts make for a quick change of weather. Also pack a warmer jacket and if presented with enough time a picnic too. There are a lot of places where you can sit and enjoy it while gazing at the views.
If you are not interested in hiking, the road from the entrance of the park leads straight to the summit. Once parked at the large parking lot take a short walk to any of the platforms conveniently build and located by the side of the mountain offering splendid views of the valley bellow and the surrounding towns on a clear day.
#1. LITTLE PINACLLE OVERLOOK TRAIL
LENGHT: 0.1 miles
DIFFICULTY: EASY
TIME TO COMPLETE: 5-10 minutes
This is the trail you would want to take if looking to get the best views in the Park with the slightest effort and little to no hiking needed. The trail begins on the path to the south of where the Jomeokee Trailhead begins. Following the dirt path and stone steps hugged between a wooded fencing you will reach a large boulder. Climb to the side of it and Voila! Marvelous views, the best in the Park actually, of the Big Pinnacle, Hanging Rock State Park to the east of here and Sauratown Mountains lay right before you. 3000 square miles of lush greenery, farmland and layered hills on a clear day.
#2. JOMEOKEE TRAIL
LENGHT: 0.9 miles
DIFFICULTY: EASY
TIME TO COMPLETE: 30-45 minutes
Jomeokee Trail is our absolute favorite trail to complete while visiting Pilot Mountain State Park. The trail begins right off the parking lot and loops around the base of the Big Pinnacle. It is easy for all skill levels and offers spectacular views. It is easily one of the best short hikes in EasterN United States. Rock formations, rock stairs, beautiful views and wildlife this trail has something for everyone. Kids young and older would enjoy it and pets would be thrilled to tag along as well. Highly recommend.
#3. DISCOVERY TRAIL/KIDS IN PARK TRAIL
LENGTH: 0.3 miles
DIFFICULTY: EASY
TIME TO COMPLETE: 15 minutes
This trail is for the kids specifically and a part of the Kids in Parks Program. You can learn more about their programs, initiative and how to join here. We highly suggest you check them out. They encourage kids to get active and exploring the great outdoors and reward them for their efforts. Plus it’s all free.
If you sign up on their website you can get ideas on other trails in North Carolina suitable for kids, log your adventures and miles spent outdoors and get prizes when you reach certain goals. At their locations around the State they have printed brochures you can pick and take with you on the trail. A Nature hide and seek, Animal Athletes, Hiking to find Lichen and Fire on the Mountains are few that you can choose from. The brochures helps to get the kids excited and learning about different animals, flora and fauna, wildlife and everything nature related. It is fun and educational at the same time and we have discovered that sometimes even we the adults don’t have all the answers and can learn something new.
The trail begins north of the parking lot down a dirt path. You will be able to recognize the trailhead when you see the Kids in Parks brochures before you and the stone steps where the trailhead start. The trail is easy, with a slight decline on the way down and incline on the way back. It goes mostly through the woods, following the path before opening to an overlook that is fenced for the safety of the little ones. Watch out for rocks and roots along the way and make sure to stay on the trail and do not go behind the fence no matter how tempted you might feel. The drop is pretty steep on the other side. The views here are splendid. The same as you would get if you did the Jomeokee Trail and reached the half point on the trail there.
#4 GRINDSTONE TRAIL
LENGHT: 3.5 miles
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 45min – 1hour
This trail begins across the Visitor Center where you can park. If you would like to save yourself few steps you can park at the old park office and start the trek from there. Let me say – we love this trail. Steady incline for 3.5 miles round trip with partial views along the way before reaching the parking lot and summit and getting to the good views. It is a workout but nothing too strenuous. Deep, shaded woods in the summer and lovely colorful leaf covered path in the fall. Winter gives the partial views a little better look and spring is full of renewed nature and birdsongs. Watch your steps and make sure to wear proper hiking shoes. We hope you don’t mind getting a little wet. There are several creek crossings. Due to the rugged terrain in the park there are rocks and roots and multiple stone steps you will have to keep and eye for but that is typical for this neck of the woods. Once at the top of the mountain you cam extend your hike and head to any of the previous trails we mentioned above.
We really hope you give this trail a go and enjoy it as much as we do.
The sparkling newly build Visitor Center at the front of the park is worth the visit if you have any questions at all, need a map or looking to pick up a souvenir to take home with you. Clean bathroom facilities can be found here as well as at the summit. A shuttle runs from the Visitor Center to the top of the mountain on busy days, most weekends and larger holidays when the park gets busier. It costs $5 to ride it otherwise a visit to the Park is free.
On your way back from the State Park make sure to pay a visit to the Pilot Mountain Vineyard and Winery. Relax and enjoy the distant views of where you just hiked with a delightful glass of red or white wine. Grab a snack of cheese and crackers, hummus and mini pretzels, summer sausage or guacamole and tortilla chips available for purchase at their venue. Take a sit on one of the tables or lay a blanket on their loan and rest your feet before heading back to the car. Enjoy their Sunday live music by wonderful local musicians or just the quiet of the rural area. Side note that kids under 10 are not allowed here.
Or check out Divine Lama Vineyard and Farm located in East Bend, NC for an experience like no other. Wonder the farm and meet the Lamas while sipping on red or white, rose or semi-dry. There is $10 charge for anyone 4 to 20 years old that would like to just visit with the Lamas without tasting the wine. Different food trucks provide great food choices to visitors.
If you did not get your hiking in at the Pilot Mountain State Park and still looking to get more steps in for $50 you can enjoy the rolling hills, quiet woods and fresh air in the company of a lama and take the 2 mile hike by Miller Creek here. The hike is offered during the Spring, Fall and Winter months on most Saturdays and Sundays with a recent added Fridays, begins at 1 o’clock and ends at the pavilion. Can you imagine an afternoon better spent?
For more ideas on adventures and other things to do in the area check out our WEBSITE and follow us on INSTAGRAM.