Pilot Mountain State Park - Pinnacle, North Carolina

Michael C.

Beautiful, well maintained, very accessible park. Well marked maps and trail signage. Great variety of trails and wonderful views. It's like you are in a plane or helicopter just above the plains below. Easy drive to the top. We'll marked trails and a new visitors center.

5M D.

I recommend stopping at the visitor center when you arrive so that you can get a map. There are several trails visitors can use, and the map will detail each trail.
A must for everyone is to drive up to the summit for a breathtaking view. Just be aware that it is a winding and steep drive up, and your vehicle will easily go faster than the posted speed on the way down. Make sure the driver is familiar with using your lowest gear. With that said, you do need an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle to be able to see a fabulous view!

Chanchal

Breathtaking views from the top. We were there around sunset in Feb it was quiet, less crowded, beautiful. Summit has good parking lot, well maintained restrooms, and well maintained trails, picnic areas, great overlooks. Trail to knob is easy just 0.8miles but it has some steps, wraparound trail to knob starts from a split, it has stunning views of mountain, scenic views all along the trail.

Chris M.

It's a good day trip. If you walk from the visitor center, it is about 14 miles up and back, but you can drive up to the scenic overlook and walk from there and it's only about 4 miles. Hiking trail is well maintained and they have benches too take a break periodically

Kim F.

No entrance fee! Easy drive to lookout point and gentle walk from there to a viewing platform. Want to return to walk rim of mountain when time allows. Unknowingly this was our oldest pups last adventure that day. He got to experience the warm sun on his face in a serene beautiful setting with eagles and turkey vultures soaring in the sky. Maybe i will be this lucky someday. Even if you can’t hike one of the many trails it’s worth taking in the view and majesty of this place and it doesn’t take long for the detour. We even returned the next morning just for a gentle goodbye. Rest easy Wyatt until we are joined again. 😢❤️

Connor A.

I’m not a serious hiker, but I definitely enjoy a good hike whenever given the opportunity. This was my first time here, but I was absolutely blown away by the stunning landscape, both on and surrounding the mountain. While there, however, I tripped and hurt my knee, though I can imagine this kind of event is common while hiking. Also, Pilot Mountain is supposedly a decent spot for stargazing due to the low light pollution in the area, but I wasn’t able to stay long enough past sunset to see anything. Overall, it was a nice outdoor experience, and was really refreshing for somebody like me who spends most of their time indoors.

Apurv S.

Great place for hiking!

Hiking trails are a highlight here, with options ranging from the easy Jomeokee Trail that loops around the Big Pinnacle to more challenging paths like the Grindstone Trail. Whether you’re looking for panoramic views, lush forest scenery, or a peaceful escape, the park has something to offer. The park also caters to rock climbers, making it a popular spot for those seeking a vertical adventure.

Michelle S.

The park had a great variety of hikes and there were a couple we were able to do with our elementary school age kids that they really enjoyed. It can be a challenge to help them to stick with hikes, but the views are great and it helped motivate them. The visitors center also had great exhibits and the employees were super helpful, letting us know about the upper parking lot capacity and that it closes when it's full and reopens at intervals.