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.

There is no scheduled public bus service.

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.

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.

• Pilot Knob Inn, 361 New Pilot Knob Lane, Pinnacle, ☏ +1 336 325-2502, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM.