Pilot Mountain is one of the most recognizable views in all of North Carolina. You can see it from miles away on US 52, a massive quartzite knob rising high above the surrounding Piedmont. It is the kind of landmark that stops you mid sentence and makes you pull over to take a picture. The mountain is a monadnock, which means it stands isolated above an eroded plain. It rises 1,400 feet above the terrain around it and reaches an elevation of 2,421 feet.
The park is part of the Sauratown Mountains and covers 3,703 acres. Admission is free. It sits about 30 minutes north of Winston Salem on US 52, making it one of the easiest and best day trips in the Piedmont Triad.
The Geology
Pilot Mountain is roughly 500 million years old. It formed when ancient ocean sediment was pushed deep underground during a continental collision and changed into quartzite under extreme heat and pressure. Over millions of years, the softer surrounding rock wore away while the harder quartzite resisted erosion. What remains is the dramatic pinnacle you see today.
Geologists call this kind of formation a monadnock. It is a mountain that stands alone above an eroded plain. Pilot Mountain is one of the best examples of a monadnock in the eastern United States. The exposed quartzite cliffs are striking up close and beautiful from a distance.
Jomeokee Trail
The Jomeokee Trail is the most popular hike in the park. It is a 0.8 mile loop rated easy to moderate. The trail circles the base of Big Pinnacle and gives you dramatic close up views of the quartzite cliff walls towering above. The name comes from the Saura people, who were the original inhabitants of this area. Jomeokee was their word for the mountain.
This trail connects to the Ledge Spring Trail if you want to extend your hike. Most visitors can finish the Jomeokee loop in about 30 to 45 minutes. It is well maintained and suitable for families with older children.
Ledge Spring Trail
The Ledge Spring Trail is about 1 mile and is rated challenging. It descends steep steps into a deep ravine and then climbs back up the other side. Along the way you will pass large rock formations and get valley views that most visitors never see. This trail is worth the effort if you want a more physical hike beyond the Jomeokee loop.
Grindstone Trail
The Grindstone Trail is the longest trail in the park at 9.22 miles. It is rated moderate and features a steady climb through hardwood forests and rocky outcrops up to the summit area. You can combine the Grindstone Trail with the Jomeokee Trail and Ledge Spring Trail for a full day of hiking. Bring plenty of water and plan for several hours.
Important Note About Big Pinnacle
The summit of Big Pinnacle has been closed to visitors since the late 1970s. There was once a staircase that allowed people to climb to the very top, but it deteriorated and was never replaced. Today you hike around the base of the pinnacle, not to the top of it. The views from the Jomeokee Trail are still incredible and you will get closer to the quartzite walls than you might expect.
Camping
Pilot Mountain State Park has 49 campsites available from March 15 through November 30. Each site has a charcoal grill, a picnic table, and a tent pad. The campground has modern restrooms with hot showers. Sites can be booked up to 6 months in advance, and they do fill up on weekends during peak season. If you are planning a fall camping trip, book as early as possible.
Best Time to Visit
Late October is the best time to visit Pilot Mountain if you want fall color. The hardwood forests surrounding the pinnacle turn red, orange, and gold, and the views from the trails are outstanding. Spring is also a great time to go, with mild temperatures and wildflowers along the trails. Winter and early spring are worth considering too. When the trees are bare, the panoramic views open up and you can see for miles in every direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you hike to the top of Pilot Mountain?
No. The summit of Big Pinnacle has been closed to visitors since the late 1970s when the staircase deteriorated. You can hike around the base of the pinnacle on the Jomeokee Trail, which gives you dramatic close up views of the quartzite cliff walls. The views from the trail are still incredible.
Is Pilot Mountain State Park free?
Yes. Admission to Pilot Mountain State Park is completely free. There is no entrance fee and parking is free. Camping does require a reservation and a nightly fee, but day use of the park costs nothing.
How far is Pilot Mountain from Winston Salem?
Pilot Mountain State Park is about 30 minutes from Winston Salem. Take US 52 north and you will see the mountain from the highway well before you arrive. It is an easy day trip from anywhere in the Piedmont Triad.
Pilot Mountain is one of those places that lives up to the hype. You see it from the highway and think it looks impressive, and then you get out on the trail and it is even better up close. Give it a full morning or afternoon and you will understand why it is one of the most visited state parks in North Carolina.