Pilot Mountain State Park

Pilot Mountain State Park covers about 3,700 acres of protected land, dominated by the distinctive Big Pinnacle peak that rises roughly 1,400 feet (430 meters) above the surrounding area. The park includes 14 maintained hiking trails, camping facilities, fishing spots, and climbing areas spread throughout the property.

Native Americans used this prominent peak as a directional landmark for centuries before European settlement arrived in the region during the 1700s. The formation continued to serve as a navigation reference point as colonial expansion shaped the landscape.

The mountain held deep meaning for the Saura people, who called it Jomeokee, meaning Great Guide. This name reflects how the peak served as a vital landmark for finding their way through the landscape.

The park entrance is accessible via 1792 Pilot Knob Park Road, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes suitable for different fitness levels. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring, with moderate temperatures and less crowded paths.

The quartzite cliff face features dramatic vertical drops of roughly 200 feet (60 meters) and supports rare plant species found nowhere else in the area. This geological oddity creates habitat for wildlife that depends on these specific rock conditions.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: 1968

Website: http://ncparks.gov/pilot-mountain-state-park

GPS coordinates: 36.34280,-80.48270

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53