Overview
In a distant corner of North Carolina's Piedmont is an unusual mountaintop that has been used as a navigation aid since time immemorial. Named Pilot Mountain, the peak is now the main feature of a state park, and gives its name to a nearby town.
1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 32°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Mar. (climate data from nearby Piedmont)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- GSO Piedmont Triad International Airport, Greensboro — 36 mi away (major hub). Directions
- USA Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, Concord — 70 mi away. Directions
There is no scheduled public bus service. From Winston-Salem, which is the nearest city, you can take the 52N to get to the state park.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
There are no restaurants or food stalls within the park. There are picnicking areas - some in the open, others with roofs where people can consume food that they bring into the park.
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Get in
There is no scheduled public bus service. From Winston-Salem, which is the nearest city, you can take the 52N to get to the state park.
Winston-Salem does have a small airport with infrequent commercial flights.
Do
Pilot Mountain State Park supports hiking, rock climbing, and equestrian activities on many multi-purpose trails. Its main trail is the Grindstone trail, which is a 3.5 mile (one-way), out and back trail that runs from the Visitors center to the parking lot close to the top of the mountain. There is a 1000+ feet elevation gain on this trail which can be a moderate to a strenuous hike. The parking lot at the end of the Grindstone trail is also at end of the Pilot Mountain Park Road. The Pilot Knob trail, which loops around the summit of the mountain, leads off of it.
No climbing, or climbers are permitted to summit the mountain as it would disturb the natural flora and the nesting birds at the top. All rock climbing activities are on lower parts of the park, and require a permit.
On the lower slopes of Pilot Mountain camping and trailer parking are allowed in designated areas. The camping area is open from March 15 to November 30.
The river section of the park supports fishing and paddling. Anglers must have a state fishing license.
Eat
There are no restaurants or food stalls within the park. There are picnicking areas - some in the open, others with roofs where people can consume food that they bring into the park.
Sleep
Nearby
King
City / town · 2 listings · 10 mi away
Mount Airy
City / town · 2 listings · 11 mi away
Hanging Rock State Park
Park · 11 mi away
Pfafftown
City / town · 4 listings · 17 mi away
Winston-Salem
City / town · 42 listings · 23 mi away
Union Grove
City / town · 1 listings · 33 mi away
Floyd
City / town · 37 mi away
High Point
City / town · 13 listings · 39 mi away
My experience
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