Directions
1792 Pilot Knob Park Road
Pinnacle, NC 27043
336-325-2355
pilot.mountain@ncparks.gov
- December to February:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- March to April:
7:00am to 8:00pm
- May to September:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- October:
7:00am to 8:00pm
- November:
7:00am to 6:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
- November to February:
8:30am to 5:00pm
- March to April:
8:30am to 7:00pm
- May to September:
8:30am to 8:00pm
- October:
8:30am to 7:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
- March to April:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- May to September:
7:00am to 10:00pm
- October:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- November:
7:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
*PLEASE NOTE: Gates are locked promptly at closing. There is no gate entry before or after hours, including campgrounds, except in the case of a medical or law enforcement emergency. No vehicles other than those registered to campers may be left in the park overnight.
- 8:00am to 4:30pm – daily
- Closed Christmas Day
As part of a erosion control effort and to reduce visitor use conflicts, the upper part of the Grindstone Trail below the summit parking lot has been rerouted, effective immediately.
Hikers- The new Grindstone trail starts next to the picnic area, then leads downhill 1 mile to the Ledge Springs Trail. The blazes remain blue and the total trail distance is still 3 miles one way endsing at the park office. It remains a better hike to start the Grindstone Trail from the park office. The Ledge Springs trail is now only the lower trail below the cliff line, it does not parallel the Grindstone at any point.
Climbers- The approach to the routes has changed. Temproary signage is in place while permanent signage has been ordered.
For top rope access to Chickenbone/Parking lot area: The access remains the same (the climber gate just below the registration kiosk). To access the bottom of the cliff, follow the Jomeokee trail (behind bathroom) to its first right hand turn to walk to the bottom of Chickenbone.
For all other routes and areas: Use the new grindstone trail adjacent to the new picnic area. Follow the blue blazed Grindstone Trail downhill to the new shortcut trail to 3 Bears Gully. Access all routes uphill of 3 Bears - such as the Big Arete, Amphitheatre, Black Rain etc. by walking uphill from the midway point of 3 Bears Gully.
A map of the new trail route is linked here: https://files.nc.gov/ncparks/maps-and-brochures/pilot-mountain-state-park-climbing-accesses-map.pdf
Also linked from the front page of our website as the climbing map
Last updated on: Thursday, December 5, 2019Due to disturbance caused by foot traffic from photography, photo shoots, and their clients; the grassy fields at the Summit Parking Area and around the Summit Area will be CLOSED to allow the area to regrow to prevent future erosion and protect rare, uncommon plant species. Please stay on marked paths and trails at the summit.
Last updated on: Tuesday, November 26, 2019Area information
Accesses and parking:
36.32835, -80.46284 - Pinnacle Hotel Rd parking lot - North Corridor Trail and the Mountain Trail parking lot
36.26869, -80.49256 – Entrance to Bean Shoals Access - North River Section - Surry County
36.26760, -80.49548 - South Corridor trail parking - Hauser Rd - Surry County
36.25739, -80.51739 - PIMO canoe launch parking - Yadkin county, Shoals Rd.
36.25315, -80.50842 - Ivy Bluffs Trail Parking, Canoe Camp/Hike in campsite parking- Yadkin County, Shoals Rd.
Pilot Mountain State Park is located in Surry and Yadkin Counties, 16 miles north of Winston-Salem, and 14 miles south of Mount Airy. From US 52, take the Pilot Mountain State Park exit (#131) and travel west into the mountain section of the park, where the park office is located.
Onboard vehicle GPS units are not reliable in the vicinity of the mountain. The park exit is #131 and is a clearly visible brown sign. The mountain is also easily recognizable from as much as 20 miles away on the highway as it is 1400 feet taller than the surrounding area and is located adjacent to US HWY 52. Follow the signs to the park entrance.
The north River Section (Surry County) is 10 miles from the mountain section of the park. From US 52, take the Pinnacle exit and follow the signs to Horne Creek Farm. The park entrance is approximately .4 miles past the farm.
The south River Section (Yadkin County) is 20 miles from the mountain section of the park. Take NC 67 to the town of East Bend. From Main Street follow the signs for the Yadkin River Trail, turning right on Fairground Road. Turn right on Shady Grove Church Road, turn right on Shoals Road, and follow it to the park.
Directions to the Corridor Hiking and Bridle Trail parking areas. The Corridor Trail is 6 miles one way and is moderate in difficulty. Vehicles, including bikes are not allowed on Bridle Trails.
Go to park entrance gate. Turn right on Pilot Knob Rd. Go to the end. Turn right on Old Winston Rd. Go to the end. Turn right on old US Hwy 52. Pass several houses on the left, as well as, a hardware store, post office and church. After the church, turn right on Surry Line Rd. Travel 2-3 miles. Turn left on Culler Rd. The Corridor parking lot is located directly on the right after turning onto Culler Rd.
Directions to Corridor (horse trailer) parking lot on Yadkin River section (north side). Exit US Hwy 52 at Pinnacle. Follow signs for Horne Creek Living Historical Farm. Pass the farm entrance. Pass the entrance to the river section. Corridor (horse trailer) parking lot is approximately .25 (1/4)of a mile after the river entrance.
Get directions from Google.
Nearby Attractions
Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art
Horne Creek
Park Maps and Brochures:
