Like its sister Sauratown peak Hanging Rock, Pilot Mountain is a great weekend destination for the adventurous. The park’s west-facing cliffs are a popular top-roping destination for rock climbers, 25 miles of trail take you up, down and around the mountain, there’s flatwater paddling on the Yadkin River and the two-mile drive from the park gate to the summit is a well-known training ride for serious cyclists. Great views from the top of the mountain, served by a paved road and trails.
More info: Pilot Mountain State Park
Getting there from downtown Winston-Salem
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Address: 1792 Pilot Knob Park Road
City: Pinnacle
State: N.C.
Zip: 27043
Latitude: 36.3420
Longitude: 80.4633
Distance: 45 minutes from downtown
No. of campsites: 49
No. with hookups: None
No. without hookups: 49
Primitive sites: 2
Reservations? Yes. 877.722.6762
Cost: $20, $13 for primitive sites
Year-round? March 15-Nov. 30
Gate hours: Open daily at 8 a.m., closes at 6 p.m. November-February; 8 p.m. March, April, September and October; 9 p.m. May-August.
Stuff to do nearby: Hiking, paddling, cycling, climbing, fishing