Fees/FAQs/Permits

Additional information

Fees
 

There are no entrance fees to enjoy the park.
 

FAQs: Park shuttle
 

The park shuttle is not in service during the off-season. Please check back in the spring for the 2021 schedule.

► Why do we run a shuttle?

Pilot Mountain is visited by 10 times more people than when it opened. In the park's first year of operation in 1968, annual attendance was 58,000. In fiscal year 2019, the park welcomed 930,000 visitors. In 2020, the park is on pace to welcome 1 million visitors.

► Will the shuttle program continue forever?

This is a three-year pilot program starting in August 2020. The program will be reviewed regularly to determine its long-term feasibility. The shuttle program was developed using similar programs at other crowded mountain parks with one-way roads, such as Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (managed by the National Park Service), the Brasstown Bald Recreation Area in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests (managed by the U.S. Forest Service), and Hungry Mother State Park in Virginia. 

► Why can't you let cars up after 10 a.m. if the lot has some spaces?

The fairest and safest way to operate the roadway is to manage access by all visitors with the same process.

On a slow weekend day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., around 80 cars per hour enter the park. On a busy weekend, 300 or more cars per hour enter the park's mountain section. There are 90 spaces at the summit. The average visitor stay is 1.5 hours, and this rate fills the summit lot in around 30 minutes. This amount of vehicle traffic can make it unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists who also use the roadways. With the addition of a visitor center and increased traffic with Interstate 74, we expect visitation to increase.

We realize many visitors only want a quick scenic drive. If this is your plan, you can visit outside the shuttle times or visit during the week, when there are no vehicle restrictions. There are many low-traffic roads around the mountain with scenic views and photo opportunities. You can also visit the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway (managed by the National Park Service), a scenic 400+ mile motor road and national park. It is best accessed by taking U.S. 52 north 25 miles to Fancy Gap, Va.

► What does crowding at the top have to do with protecting the natural resources?

The summit area of Pilot Mountain was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in the early 1970s. Since then, visitation has steadily increased. The steady foot traffic in the park takes a toll on the plants and wildlife that live atop of the mountain on thin, acidic soil that is slow to recover from trampling. This is why we ask visitors to stay on the trails at the summit, besides the obvious hazards of wandering near cliffs. This also limits what visitor facilities can be built at the top of the mountain, including septic systems to support public restrooms.

► Why do I have to pay?

The shuttle is run by a private contractor (SP+ of Winston-Salem/Charlotte) and is priced at the lowest possible market rate. After bids were solicited, the state parks team picked the contractor with the most reasonable rate for the public. The shuttle service does return 10 percent of its profits to the state parks system. These funds do not go specifically to Pilot Mountain State Park but benefit the state parks system's overall needs and pays for temporary employees' salaries. While Pilot Mountain's operating budget has not grown since before the 2008 recession, facilities and visitation have grown leaps and bounds.

Rules and facilities information
 

In addition to park-specific rules, please read the systemwide Park Rules for all North Carolina State Parks.

► Fishing

Anglers need a state fishing license and must obey the regulations of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

NCWRC links:  Fishing licenses »  |  Regulations »  |  Access map »

► Climbing

The following state park climbing regulations apply at all times:

• All climbers must register with the park staff and must keep in their possession a valid rock climbing and rappelling permit.
• NC state parks do not install or maintain any climbing route or fixed anchors. New routes are not permitted.
• Climbers climb at their own risk and are responsible for obtaining proper equipment and training. Unroped climbing is discouraged.
• Route selection and the decision to rely on any fixed anchors are the climber's responsibility.
• Climbing activities are permitted in designated areas only and must coincide with the park's posted hours of operation.
• All accidents and injuries must be reported to park staff.

Note: All climbers and rappellers must schedule their activity in order to leave the park by the posted closing hour.

All commercial or organized/affiliated climbing groups must register with the park in advance via the Special Activity Permit. Commercial and climbing groups must pay a $45 fee for the permit.

► Equestrian Trail Closure Policy

• Closing of Pilot Mountain State Park bridle trails will be considered when it rains a minimum of 0.5 inch in 24 hours.
• Trail conditions will be inspected by park staff on the day of the closure.
• Once the trail conditions have been confirmed to not be suitable for riding, all horse trails, including the Corridor Trail and river section bridle trails will be closed to bridle use for a minimum of 3 days.
• After 3 days with no significant additional rain or precipitation, park staff will verify trail conditions for potential opening or continued closing.
• Trail closure status will be posted under "alerts" on the state park website and updated only when the status has changed. The phone number to call for trail closure information is 336-444-5100.
• Riding on wet trails creates low spots that hold water and widens the trail resulting in extensive damage. Keeping the trails closed when wet will allow the trails to recover and prevent further damage. Significant investment has been made in maintaining park bridle trails and these closures are made to preserve this resource for your continued enjoyment.
• Partnering with community support through trail reconstruction projects and ongoing trail maintenance, Pilot Mountain State Park's long term goal is to create sustainable, all-weather trails that are open year-round. If you are interested in volunteering to maintain the recreational resource you enjoy, email pilot.mountain@ncparks.gov or call 336-444-5100.

Permits
 

► Research and collection permits

A permit is required for any project involving the collection, removal or disturbance of any natural or cultural resource of any state park unit and for projects that require placing monitoring equipment in any state park unit. Learn more about research and collection permits or fill out a permit application online.

► Events and special activities

Hosting some events — such as weddings, athletic contests, company parties, etc. — may require a Special Activity Permit. If you are unsure whether such a permit is necessary for your event, please contact the park office beforehand.

Permit fees are listed in the table below. Please note that additional expenses incurred by the park may be charged in addition to the permit fee. A $25 fee will be charged for all returned checks.

  Download a Special Activity Permit application »