Epic Views and Rugged Trails at Pilot Mountain State Park, North Carolina

OPilot Mountain State Park: A Scenic Summit Adventure in Early May

On May 5, 2023, I spent a beautiful Friday afternoon exploring Pilot Mountain State Park with my son and his girlfriend. Because it was a weekday, the park felt peaceful — busy enough to feel lively, but never crowded. We began by driving the winding road to the summit, where we stepped out to admire the sweeping views and snap a few photos before heading back down to the visitor center to start our hike.

We combined several trails — Grindstone, Little Pinnacle, and Jomeokee — for a full day on the mountain. Altogether, we hiked 7.7 miles with a gradual 1,558‑foot climb to the summit.

The Grindstone Trail (3.5 miles) is easy to moderate, well‑marked, and well‑maintained. It’s a pleasant walk in the woods, but it doesn’t offer much variety until you reach the overlook. I’d only recommend Grindstone if you want to add extra mileage or enjoy a steady forest climb.

Hanging Rock State Park North Carolina — Fire Tower

The summit is where Pilot Mountain State Park truly shines. The overlook offers expansive, panoramic views — up to 3,000 square miles, according to the park. On this clear day, we could see the Sauratown Mountains, Hanging Rock State Park, and the iconic Big Pinnacle rising dramatically from the landscape. Little Pinnacle Trail gives you another perspective of these incredible vistas.

My favorite trail of the day was Jomeokee Trail (called Pilot Knob Trail on the park map). This loop circles the base of Big Pinnacle, offering close‑up views of rugged rock formations, wildflowers, and sheer cliffs. It’s short, scenic, and endlessly photogenic.

On the way back, we took Ledge Spring Trail (1 mile), a rocky, root‑filled path shared with mountain climbers. It’s more technical than the other trails — steeper, rougher, and full of character. We paused to watch climbers scaling the rock face, and one climber, Sam, kindly let me photograph him as he ascended. His photos are included below.

By the end of the day, we had logged about 10 miles and enjoyed every moment. Pilot Mountain State Park had been on my list for a long time, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The views are stunning, the trails are varied, and the summit is unforgettable.

If You Go

Pilot Mountain State Park — Located in the Sauratown Mountains, about 20 miles from Winston‑Salem.
Summit Road — Drive to the top for panoramic views before or after your hike.
Trail Options — Grindstone (easy/moderate), Little Pinnacle (scenic), Jomeokee (loop around Big Pinnacle), Ledge Spring (technical).
Mountain Climbing — Watch climbers on Ledge Spring Trail; great photo opportunities.
Best Time to Visit — Weekdays offer fewer crowds; clear days provide the best summit views.
Trail Maps — Check the park’s website for updated trail names and distances.

Reference AllTrails’ Grindstone, Little Pinnacle and Jomeokee Trails , Pilot Mountain State Park Web page, Park’s Trail Info