Pilot Mountain State Park

Pilot Mountain State Park 

1792 Pilot Knob Park Road
Pinnacle, NC 27043
Map to trailhead

Estimated driving time: 2 hours from Raleigh

Suggested route distance: 9 miles

Pilot Mountain is one of my favorite places to go for a nice view. Located just off Highway 52 outside of Winston-Salem, it’s the closest and most accessible place where you can get above it all. The park offers several trails, as well as an option to drive to the top. This description is for a 9-mile loop that will take you up and down and get you a good workout, as well as some great views.

Start at the Park Office. It’s the first parking lot on the right after you enter the park. Cross the street, and you’ll be on the Grindstone Trail. Make a left on the trail. Less than half a mile along, there will be a split going to the left that heads to the new Visitors Center (another parking option). At this point, make a right on Mountain Trail. The trail winds up and around the back of the mountain for about four miles. Most of it is fairly gradual up and down, though there are a couple of steeper sections. Depending on the time of year (and presence or absence of leaves) you will have some great views of the surrounding area. Toward the end of the trail, it starts to widen at the little bit.

At the first major junction, take a sharp right onto the Grindstone Trail, which is wider, more like a (very bumpy) gravel road. After a couple of short, steep sections, stay right on the Ledge Spring Trail. You’ll descend slightly, before coming to the final one-mile climb to the top, much of which is essentially climbing rock steps. (You probably won’t be running much at this point, unless you’re in much better shape than I am.) On the left, you’ll usually see rock climbers scaling vertical walls. To the right, you’ll have more great views.

At the top, proceed straight ahead, and make a loop of the big pinnacle on the Jomeokee Trail. Then follow signs up to the summit parking lot and take in the view from the Little Pinnacle Overlook. Cross the parking lot and pick up the Grindstone Trail, which will take you all the way back down to the bottom. I usually plan to run most of the way down, just walking the especially rough or steep sections.

You can find a full list of Pilot Mountain's trails here. 

Packing list: Make sure to carry adequate food and water. For this distance, I usually wear a hydration pack with a 1.5-liter bladder, and bring a few gels and energy bars if I’m running, or a sandwich and an apple if I’m hiking. I also carry a Ziploc bag with band aids and alcohol wipes—just in case! Also Body Glide! I tend to overheat, especially when I’m pushing hard uphill, so I usually dress for warm weather—running cap, running shorts, sleeveless running shirt—at any temperature above 40 degrees, but if it’s chilly and there’s a chance I’ll slow down, I throw in an extra lightweight jacket. I’ve got one of the Brooks jackets that packs into its own pocket so it’s easy to stow. I’ve done this hike in regular running shoes before, but it’s rocky enough that I’d recommend wearing trail running shoes for extra protection and comfort if you’ve got them. I usually run in the Hoka Speedgoat.

Other notes: I’ve always done this run/hike as a day trip from Raleigh. There are a couple of restaurants and coffee shops in the nearby town of Pilot Mountain, but I’ve also used this as a way to explore restaurants and food trucks in Winston-Salem and Greensboro, both of which you drive through/around on the way home. Recently, I’ve been scheduling my trips around the Mike’s Vegan Cookout food truck schedule.

Submitted by Jacob Dagger