Last updated: September 2026 | By Sarah Marchwiany

Pilot Mountain State Park has 15 trails spread across three sections — Mountain, Corridor, and River — and it’s easy to end up hiking the same 2 or 3 everyone else does without realizing what else is out there. This is the complete breakdown: every trail, mileage, difficulty, and who it’s actually good for. You can check the trails status before you go.

(Planning the logistics of your visit — hours, parking, lodging, when to go? That’s all in our Pilot Mountain Day Trip guide. This post is just the trails.)

Quick Picks

Best view for the least effort: Little Pinnacle Overlook
Best first real hike: Pilot Knob Trail
Best for young kids: Sassafras Trail or Grassy Ridge Trail
Best for a serious hike: Grindstone Trail, or link it with Mountain Trail for a 6-mile loop
Best with a dog: Any trail — leashed dogs are allowed park-wide
Best on horseback: Corridor Trail or Yadkin Islands Trail

Pilot Mountain State Park Trails

Mountain Section

Grindstone Trail

3.5 miles one-way | Strenuous | 1.5–2 hours

Rocky slopes and shady forest leading to summit-area views. This is the trail for hikers who want a real workout — natural surface throughout, with rocks, roots, and creek crossings. Best suited to experienced hikers and older teens.

Ledge Spring Trail

1 mile one-way | Strenuous

Only accessible via Pilot Knob or Grindstone Trail — this one hikes along the base of the cliffs, and it’s where you’re most likely to see climbers on the rock face above. Rocky, uneven footing throughout; experienced hikers and adventurous teens only.

Little Pinnacle Overlook

0.1 mile | Easy

The view everyone comes for — Big Pinnacle up close, plus the Sauratown Mountains, Hanging Rock, and the Blue Ridge in the distance on a clear day. It’s short but steep, and it is not stroller-friendly, despite how easy the mileage sounds.

Mountain Trail

4.3 miles | Moderate to strenuous

Links up with Grindstone Trail to form a 6-mile loop for hikers who want to make a full day of it. A quieter, more remote feel than the trails near the main overlook.

Pilot Knob Trail

0.8-mile loop | Moderate

Circles the base of Big Pinnacle over natural surface with some stone steps and rock. A good match for school-aged kids who want an actual hike without a huge time commitment — this is the one we’d point most families to for a proper trail (not just an overlook stroll).

Fiddlehead Trail

0.4 miles | Easy

A short, kid-friendly walk — and home to the park’s rotating StoryWalk®. Pages from a children’s book are posted along the route so families can read together as they walk. Start at the Visitor Center and follow the Fiddlehead and Grassy Ridge Trail loop, reading each page as you go.

As of September 2026, the featured book is Señorita Mariposa by Ben Gundersheimer, illustrated by Marcos Almada Rivero (September 1–30). The featured title rotates monthly, so check with the Visitor Center for the current book before you go — we’ll aim to keep this updated, but the park is the definitive source.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, Vermont. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Grassy Ridge Trail

1.5 miles | Easy

Rolling through lowland forest, and gentle enough for younger children. Pairs with Fiddlehead Trail for the StoryWalk loop above.

Corridor Section

Corridor Trail

6.6 miles | Strenuous

The connector between the Mountain and River sections, open to both hikers and horseback riders. A serious undertaking end to end — most families hike a portion of it rather than the whole thing.

River Section

Pilot Creek Trail

3.3 miles | Moderate

Starts at the Pilot Creek Access (382 Boyd Nelson Road, Pinnacle) — a separate entrance from the main Mountain section, so plan your GPS accordingly.

Pilot Creek Meadow Walk

Short loop | Easy

Part of the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail — genuinely excellent for spotting butterflies and birds. A nice, low-effort add-on if you’re already at the Pilot Creek Access.

Horne Creek Trail

2.5 miles | Moderate

A creekside hike through the River section with some history along the way.

Bean Shoals Canal Trail

0.5 miles | Easy

A peaceful, flat walk along an old canal route — good for a quick, easy stop.

Yadkin Islands Trail

1.5 miles | Moderate

Open to horseback riders as well as hikers, tracing the edge of the Yadkin River.

Ivy Bluff Trail

1.3 miles | Moderate

Follows the Yadkin River and is known for mountain laurel and rhododendron blooms in season — worth timing a visit around if you’re a wildflower person.

Sassafras Trail (Kids in Parks Track Trail)

0.15 miles | Easy

A short, self-guided interpretive trail designed specifically for kids, and eligible for the Kids in Parks TRACK Trail program — look for the brochure box at the trailhead, which typically has a themed activity guide kids can follow as they walk. (We’re working on confirming the current TRACK Trail activity for this location and will update this section once we have it.)

Top Pilot Mountain Trails

Pilot Mountain offers a great variety of hiking trails, whether you’re chasing a workout or a relaxing nature walk with the kids. From challenging climbs to peaceful strolls with scenic overlooks, these trails make the park a top spot for hiking in North Carolina. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular routes:

Grindstone Trail – For the Adventurous Hiker

If you’re up for a workout, the Grindstone Trail is your challenge. This strenuous 3.5-mile trail (one way) climbs steadily from the visitor center to the summit picnic area, gaining elevation through beautiful wooded terrain. Along the way, the vegetation changes noticeably, making this hike especially scenic in spring and fall. The trail has a natural surface with rocks, roots, creek crossings, and some steeper sections, so good footwear is a must.

You can start this trail at either the summit parking area or the visitor center, depending on how intense you want your hike to be. Climbing up from the visitor center is a serious uphill trek—great for active families with older kids or teens who enjoy a physical challenge.

This hike is ideal if you’re looking to earn your views and enjoy the satisfaction of a summit picnic at the top.

Pilot Knob Trail – A Scenic Loop Around the Big Pinnacle

Previously known as the Jomeokee Trail, the Pilot Knob Trail is a beautiful 0.8-mile loop that circles the base of the iconic Big Pinnacle. It’s considered moderate in difficulty and is a great fit for families with school-aged kids or anyone looking for a short but rewarding hike at Pilot Mountain State Park.

The trail begins at the upper side of the summit parking area, crosses the narrow gap between the main overlook and the Big Pinnacle, and then loops around the towering quartzite formation before returning via the same path. Along the way, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the sheer cliffs, unique rock formations, and even a few rare and interesting plants that thrive in the rocky soil.

Expect a natural surface with plenty of rocks, roots, stone steps, and even a few boulders. While the trail isn’t paved, it’s very manageable for most hikers with a little mobility and proper footwear.

Climbing on the Big Pinnacle itself is prohibited to protect its fragile ecosystem, so please stay on the trail and enjoy the scenery safely. This trail is a favorite among visitors for its close-up views and serene forest setting—don’t skip it if you’re visiting the summit area.

Little Pinnacle Overlook – The Most Scenic Spot

Little Pinnacle Overlook Pilot Mountain State Park

Pilot Mountain view from Little Pinnacle Overlook

For some of the best views in the park with very little effort, head to the Little Pinnacle Overlook. This short 0.1-mile trail leads to a panoramic viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the Big Pinnacle, the Sauratown Mountains, Hanging Rock State Park, and even the Blue Ridge Mountains on a clear day.

This is a great spot for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset. The trail starts on the upper side of the summit parking area and includes a natural surface with some stone steps, roots, and rocks. It’s a gentle climb that’s accessible for most visitors.

If you’re visiting with small kids or grandparents, there are two additional overlooks nearby that are accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, or anyone with limited mobility. One faces the south toward the Piedmont, and the other looks west toward the Blue Ridge.

Little Pinnacle Overlook is the ultimate payoff for minimal effort—and a must-stop during your visit.

Ledge Spring Trail – Where Hikers and Climbers Meet

If you’re up for a challenge and want to explore one of the most rugged areas of Pilot Mountain State Park, the Ledge Spring Trail is a must. This strenuous, 1-mile (one-way) trail winds along the base of the cliffs and ledges west of the Little Pinnacle and offers a front-row view of the park’s popular climbing area.

The trail can only be reached by hiking part of either the Pilot Knob Trail or Grindstone Trail, both accessible from the summit parking lot. Along the way, expect a natural surface with uneven terrain, including roots, rocks, stone steps, and boulders. This trail definitely requires good footwear and a bit of agility, so it’s best suited for experienced hikers, adventurous teens, or families with older kids.

The Ledge Spring Trail travels beneath towering cliffs where climbers frequently ascend the quartzite rock faces. It’s common to see people roped in and scaling the ledges, so be sure to share the trail respectfully and keep an eye out for gear, ropes, and climbers.

This trail is ideal for hikers looking to enjoy a more secluded and rugged part of Pilot Mountain while getting a glimpse of the park’s rock climbing scene up close.

Pilot Mountain Rock Climbing

Climbers frequent designated zones near Ledge Spring Trail, and registration is required for group climbing. If you’re hiking rather than climbing, you’ll likely see climbers on the cliffs from the Ledge Spring and Little Pinnacle trails — a fun bonus view, even if you’re not the one on the rock.

Pilot Mountain State Park Hours

Pilot Mountain State Park is open every day except Christmas Day, with hours that vary seasonally:

March to November: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December to February: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Visitor Center is closed on Christmas Day but open during all other state holidays.
The visitor center is typically open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes restrooms, maps, and helpful staff.

Pilot Mountain Trails Map

Before setting out, stop by the visitor center to pick up a Pilot Mountain trails map or download one from the NC State Parks website. Trail markers are color-coded, and each trailhead is clearly marked. Pay close attention at trail intersections some trails overlap or connect. You can download the Mountain Section Map, River Section Map, or Climbing Map.

FAQ: Visiting Pilot Mountain State Park

No, mountain biking is not permitted in Pilot Mountain State Park.

Yes. You can drive to the summit parking area when space is available. When full, a shuttle operates from the lower lot.

Equestrians are welcome on the Corridor Trail and Yadkin Islands Trail, but must use specific loading areas and have a negative Coggins test for their horses.

The Grindstone Trail from the bottom is about 3.5 miles one-way and takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on pace.

Yes. Try Fiddlehead, Grassy Ridge, or Little Pinnacle Overlook for short, easy hikes. The StoryWalk and Kids in Parks trails are especially fun for children.

Bring your own water. While there are fountains at the visitor center and campground, there are no water sources on the trails themselves.

Yes. Leashed dogs are allowed on all trails. Please clean up after them and pack out waste.

Spring and fall for mild weather. Early mornings or weekdays help avoid crowds.

The Big Pinnacle rises to 2,421 feet above sea level, offering sweeping views of the surrounding Piedmont and Sauratown Mountain range.

With towering views, shady paths, and trails for all skill levels, Pilot Mountain State Park trails offer the perfect escape for families across the Triad. Whether you’re up for a rugged Pilot Mountain hike or a gentle walk through wildflowers, adventure is just a short drive away.

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