5 stars
A Must-Visit Gem in North Carolina!
Pilot Mountain is absolutely breathtaking! The views from the top are stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset. There are several well-maintained trails for all levels, and the iconic knob makes for amazing photos. The park is clean, peaceful, and perfect for hiking, picnicking, or just enjoying nature. Definitely one of my favorite spots in North Carolina - can't wait to go back!
This 2024.12.23 morning, did another "below-freezing" hike at Pilot Mountain SP NC?
Encountered a young couple and their toddler at the Ledge Spring rock climbing area; the toddler wasn't climbing .. was there to watch his/her parents Rock Climb ?
At the Pilot Knob Trail area area, encountered a total of ~20+ people and 4 dogs. Then 3 people on the Mountain Trail. Everyone's courteous and friendly.
The Trails were in good condition. And the Restrooms at the Visitor Center were v clean - many thanks to the Pilot Mountain SP folks ?
Excellent park for beginner and advanced hikers. The scenic views and trails are very nice. Eagles nest on top of the mountain and there are different areas where visitors can take majestic pictures of eagles in a natural habitat. Accessibility for handicapped and children. Large main building and a building with bathrooms and ample parking at the top. Hiking tours are available. Take a ride go check out the leaves in fall or just stand and breath for a moment.
Beautiful Park. It had a short hike to view the peak. It was not paved and had lots of small boulders to climb over. It was an easy hike though, even toddlers were doing it. Probably not suitable for people with balance issues or difficult walking.
If youre looking for an amazing view then this is the place. Overlooks take a little bit of a hike. The park rangers are extremely friendly and helpful. If youre in the area I recomend checking it out.
My recent visit to Pilot Mountain State Park was nothing short of spectacular. Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, this park offers breathtaking views and an abundance of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts like myself. The iconic peak of Pilot Mountain dominates the skyline, providing a stunning backdrop for hiking, picnicking, and photography. The trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of difficulty levels, making it suitable for all skill levels. Whether you're exploring the trails or enjoying a leisurely drive along the scenic overlooks, the beauty of this park is simply awe-inspiring. Plus, the park staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to offer recommendations and assistance. If you're looking for a serene escape into nature, Pilot Mountain State Park is the perfect destination. Highly recommended for anyone seeking outdoor adventure and natural beauty!
Their "first come first serve" system to gain gate entry to the top of the mountain would benefit from some tweaking. Perhaps take a number or implement a shuttle bus, even.
Regardless of that clustered mess, the hikes are fun, and we were passing through just at the end of the peak for viewing autumn leaves. It was beautiful, and my boyfriend even spotted a painted rock!!
It's also worth mentioning that the Gift Shop attendant was extremely kind, cheerful, and helpful. She really made the experience feel like we were visiting a distant relative.
Pilot Mountain is a great place to visit. Great views, great trails and an all around wonderful place to spend the afternoon. This Mountain was the inspiration for the name Mt. Pilot of Mayberry fame. I go once a year whether I need to or not.
Beautiful place to enjoy nature, breathtaking view, fresh air and spend quality time with your better half. The place offers you so much to do, camping hiking etc. There's a ride on bus that takes you to the mountain overlook, the ticket is $5.00 per person. You can also use the trails to hike and go up. At the bottom of the mountain there's restrooms and water fountain next to the new and pretty welcome center.
When I visited here for the first time a couple months ago, my friend and I really enjoyed ourselves! I enjoy hiking. I typically go to Hanging Rock but wanted to try a new place. I got there pretty late in the day as it was about 4pm. They have a shuttle to take you straight to the top but it was over my the time we started. The shuttle cost $5 as well. The visitor center was open and was a little busy. They also have an area for the restroom.
I did a mix of three trails. It was a route that I found via All Trials. I made the mistake by choosing the rock path for one trail… my advice: don’t do it lol. Boy was it exhausting! However, the views were AMAZING once I got to the top. I can’t wait to return and try another trail.
I have been to this place several times after a hectic week and to relax in nature. It is an amazing place for hiking. It has different trails with different level of intensity. Tranquil and relaxing place with scenic views!
Beautiful state park in NC! Visited October 2020 on a Friday. Arrived at 10:30 and left at 5:00. The website states that Saturdays and Sundays are very busy, and visitors should arrive by 10:00 because the gates will be closed if the parking lots reach capacity. We had no problem finding a parking spot near the new visitors center. The center closes at 5:00, but the restrooms remain open in an attached building. A handsfree water refill station is located outside the restrooms. At this time, masks are required at all indoor areas of the park.
We hiked the 3.5 mile one way Grindstone Trail (rated strenuous) through the woods to the summit. The trail crosses several streams, rocky areas, and outcroppings. The path is rocky in many places so a hiking stick is useful. Vegetation changes as you gain elevation. Ferns, laurels, tall trees and wildflowers give way to pines, bramble bushes, scrub, and stunted trees. After stopping to enjoy a picnic on a large rock, we reached an area about 1/2 mile from the summit where we were treated to an incredible view of the mountains in the distance and the valley floor below! There is a pavilion, restroom area, parking lot, and large overlook photography area at the summit. We chose to walk the 2 miles back to the visitors center along the road rather than retrace the 3.5 miles down the trail. The views along the road are amazing if you are willing to watch for traffic ! Take a lunch, snacks, plenty of water, and plan on spending the day! Highly recommend for a fall color hike!
Also available: Horseback trails, rock climbing, rappelling, and family camping- we only did the day hike.
This mountain is truly gorgeous! Please go and visit. The drive all the way up was gorgeous as well. So worth the two hour drive from South Carolina. The only thing I would recommend is more safety at the highest point. It’s way too open and needs to be more secure or at least warning signs for small children. My six year old daughter slipped on the rock up there and it felt like she could have quickly gone through the opening. Thank God she didn’t. Still left us very scared though.
Super friendly staff at welcome center, we were greeted by the ranger who shared information about the trails and what to expect. Great trails with amazing views. Highly recommend for kids and adults of all ages to be able to enjoy wonderful views. You’re able to drive to the top then choose from several trails.
Did some climbing and hiking here. Really enjoyed the location and routes. Tones of great routes from trad to sport to TR. some nice 90’ routes and all levels of difficulty. Was pretty when we headed there on a Sunday afternoon, though still plenty of routes open to climb. Can’t wait to go back. Easy parking, cold working fountains, bathrooms and well maintained bolts and anchors.
Very beautiful if you look from the overlook, also going the path around the protruding top is very beautiful and very easy hike they are mostly stairs going a 0.8 of a mile its very nice and didn't take to long so that it makes it get to it.
