Hiking

The Bird Trail is one of the park's original trails that is accessed by hiking to the end of the 350-Yard Trail and then crossing the Mill Creek boardwalk. The Bird Trail joins the Galax Trail and takes hikers near another section of the park's cliffs along the Neuse River. Near this section of  trail, the woods were occupied by both Union and Confederate soldiers in 1862 following the Battle of Whitehall (Seven Springs) and an undetermined number of pickets have been found on the park in more recent years.

This foot trail begins at a small parking area near the visitor center and connects to Turkey Ridge Trail. With gentle slopes and a narrow tread, this is an excellent location to observe wildlife, including deer and turkey.

This trail offers many fine views of Clear Creek Lake. Hikers will enjoy multiple small stream crossings, as well as a small waterfall.

This trail has moderate to steep slopes covered with mountain laurel and rhododendron along the south edge of the Yadkin River. Trail begins at the Ivy Bluff parking lot.

100 yards long, up a moderate grade to the Little Pinnacle bluff for a beautiful view of the Big Pinnacle, Sauratown Mountains and Hanging Rock State Park to the east. On a clear day, one can view 3,000 square miles from this point. A great place to take pictures. Located above the stone wall on the upper side of the summit parking area.

This moderately sloped hiking trail begins at the picnic area and meanders along Horne Creek, where many varieties of spring wildflowers can be found. The trail then closely follows the Yadkin River until it meets up with the Bean Shoals Canal Trail. You can make a 3.5-mile loop by returning to the picnic area on the park road.

This moderately sloped hiking and biking trail meanders through pine and hardwood forests connecting the mountain section and river section of Pilot Mountain State Park. Parking lots for this trail are located at Hauser Road and Pinnacle Hotel Road.

Note: Horse and rider must remain on marked bridle trail. No horses may cross the Yadkin Valley Railroad. Horses may only be unloaded and trailers parked in the lots located at each end of the Corridor Trail (Hauser Road and Pinnacle Hotel Road parking lots).

A moderately sloped trail on the north shore of the Yadkin River that begins at the turnaround parking area. Turning right when you reach the river, this trail weaves a railroad trestle, as well as along the ruins of the unfinished Bean Shoals Canal. Note: The railroad track is active. Use extreme caution when crossing.

This trail starts at Boyd Nelson Road and ends at the family campground, where you can connect to the Grindstone and Mountain Trail to make a long loop around the mountain. The trail crosses tributaries of Pilot Creek and ascends through pine oak/heath forest to the campground. This trail was built by the friends group, Friends of Sauratown Mountains, at no cost to the park. A parking lot is located on Boyd Nelson Road. Parking at the campground is prohibited.

A moderate rolling trail that connects to the Grindstone Trail to complete a 6-mile loop. Trail starts across the road from the park office and is to the left. Parking for this trail is at the park office. The Mountain Trail can also be accessed from the Pinnacle Hotel Road parking lot.