Pilot Mountain State Park

Located in Surry and Yadkin counties 20 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, Pilot Mountain State Park centers around the iconic geologic knob that serves as a beacon to the surrounding Piedmont, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to a vast array of activities. Once a navigational landmark for the Saura tribe, the Big Pinnacle can be viewed from the park's summit area, which also provides panoramic views of the Piedmont and the Sauratown and Blue Ridge mountains. Trails take hikers around the mountain base, up Little Pinnacle, and along the Yadkin River. The park also offers bridle trails along the trail corridor connecting the mountain and river sections. Rock climbing and rappelling are allowed on portions of the park's steep cliffs. The lower slopes of Pilot Mountain offer tent and trailer camping, while the river section has two paddle-in campsites for nights along the river. Two of North Carolina's state trails traverse the park: the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, as well as the Yadkin River paddle trail. A new visitor center with exhibits that focus on the natural and cultural history of the area augment the park's educational programs.
 

Reservations
 

  Find and book a campsite online

  Or make your reservation at 1-877-722-6762
 

Notices and alerts
 

Park shuttle service information

The park shuttle service resumes on March 6, 2021 and will run on weekends and holidays from March 2021 through November 2021. The shuttle is also scheduled to run on January 1, 2022.

On weekends and holidays, the road to the summit parking area is open to visitor vehicles until it reaches capacity. When that parking area is full, the road will be closed to additional uphill visitor traffic. At that time, the shuttle will begin running, transporting passengers from the park visitor center to the summit area and back.

Shuttle tickets are sold in front of the visitor center at the shuttle stop. Only debit or credit cards can be used to purchase tickets. The roundtrip fare is $5 for adults. Children ages 10 and under ride for free. There are no one-way tickets available.

The shuttle has a maximum capacity of 22 people, with one wheelchair lift. No pets are allowed on the shuttle. Passengers must wear a mask or face covering in order to use the shuttle.

Learn more information about parking areas and alternate locations nearby that you can visit when the park is full »

Shuttle service FAQs

Now hiring

Pilot Mountain State Park is currently accepting applications for the following seasonal positions:

• General Utility Worker
• Office Assistant

Prescribed fires

The latest information on prescribed fires is available at http://pilotmountainstatepark.tumblr.com/

Subscribe to prescribed fire notifications »

Current weather
 

27043 Pinnacle, NC