Pilot Mountain State Park

Map of TRACK Trail at Pilot Mountain State Park

The Pilot Mountain State Park TRACK Trail follows the Sassafras Trail. This moderate 0.3 mile trail offers scenic views of the pilot mountain pinnacle and vistas of the surrounding mountains, while leading hikers through a unique fire-based forest ecosystem.

For centuries Pilot Mountain has served as a landmark for Native Americans, early explorers, and migrating wildlife. This iconic peak is the most recognizable mountain in North Carolina and forms the centerpiece of Pilot Mountain State Park. Rising to an elevation of 2421 feet, this solitary quartzite mountain, part of the ancient Sauratown Mountain range, was dedicated as a National Natural Landmark, and now serves as a beacon to hikers, rock climbers, and nature lovers.

A 6.5 mile wooded corridor trail joins the Mountain Section of the park with the Yadkin River Section which includes the north and south side of the river and a dozen small islands. This scenic section of the Yadkin provides hiking trails, fishing, and includes a canal wall built in 1825 that was designed to deliver boat traffic above the rocky shoals that form islands in this portion of the river.

Since 1968, a portion of the wild piedmont and a geological wonder has been preserved for you to enjoy at Pilot Mountain State Park.

Track an adventure here
Collectible sticker for Pilot Mountain

Location Details

Recreational Features: Camping, Picnic Tables, Interpretive Programs, Birding
Amenities: Restrooms
ADA Compliant: Partial
Seasonality: Open all year
Peak of Pilot Mountain
A stalk full of purple flowers
Pilot Mountain towering over the landscape
View from the summit at sunrise
Sassafras Trail through trees

Adventures for Pilot Mountain State Park

Hiking

Nature's Hide & Seek

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
0.30
The Nature's Hide & Seek brochure is designed so that kids of all ages can walk along the trail and discover common things that are often overlooked in nature. Some of them are hard to find, others are easy. Best of all, the adventure never ends because every time you walk the trail you will discover new things hiding in nature.
Hiking

Animal Athletes

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
0.30
The Animal Athletes adventure challenges kids to exercise with the animals. This brochure gives kids eight different animal exercises they can do along the trail. From hummingbird hand-swings to frog hops, kids are sure to have fun getting in shape with the animals during their outdoor adventures.
Fire on the Mountain brochure
Hiking

Pilot Mountain: Fire on the Mountain

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
0.30
The Fire on the Mountain adventure brings kids close - but not too close - to the world of wildfires! Kids will discover how wildfires can be good for a forest, and why fires are "prescribed" for forests. They will also learn how to look for signs showing that there has been a fire in the forest.
Hiking

Let's Explore - ecoEXPLORE

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
0.30
Scientists need your help! Use this brochure to learn how to be an ecoEXPLORER and share your nature observations with real scientists.
Hiking

Bug Out

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
0.30
The "Bug Out" brochure is an investigation into the creepy crawlies of the forest. This adventure will help you learn how to identify the difference between insects, spiders and other arthropods.
Hiking

Flower Power

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
0.30
Many flowers depend on relationships with pollinators to reproduce. Use the clues in this brochure to see how a flower’s size, shape, color and smell have the power to attract unique pollinators.

Directions

1792 Pilot Knob Park Road
Pinnacle, NC 27043
Latitude: 36.342370000000
Longitude: -80.463520000000

Partners

This TRACK Trail was made possible through a partnership formed with North Carolina State Parks, Pilot Mountain State Park, and with funding provided by the BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation.