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Pilot Mountain State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,768 Google reviews · Running trail in Pinnacle, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pilot Mountain State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Pilot Mountain State Park
“Both trails are well maintained and marked.”
“You can drive all the way up to the top with some great views of the surrounding area, then for just a couple of short hikes, you can see even more from the other side.”
“It’s well‑kept, easy to navigate, and perfect for a quick hike, a scenic drive, or just a quiet moment outdoors.”
“The iconic knob rising above the landscape is stunning from every angle, and the trails offer an easy mix of peaceful forest walks and wide, panoramic views.”
We hiked the Grindstone and the Pilot Knob Trails. Both trails are well maintained and marked. While Grindstone is rated strenuous, I would rate it moderately strenuous. Overall it's mostly moderate due to the trail surface itself being well maintained and use of switchbacks to ease the climb. One section above the 1.
Lovely spot to catch a sunset! Three Bears Gulley Pics are from 11/9/25 Several trails with varying levels of difficulty are offered here. Parking can get full on weekends, but there are other satellite lots you can park at and use to hike in. They also offer a free shuttle at various times.
Absolutely beautiful place. We really enjoyed our visit to Pilot Mountain State Park. We drove all the way up to the overlook, and it was very easy to reach the top, even for older people or anyone who doesn’t want a difficult hike. The view from the top is breathtaking.
Beautiful park, overlooking the world below. Some of the best scenery you'll ever see. Park in overlook area and take a short hike up to the summit for a view that is out of this world. Restrooms and a visitor center on site. 2 mile drive from the roadway to the overlook area. Clean and well-kept.
Trail conditions & character
“You can drive all the way up to the top with some great views of the surrounding area, then for just a couple of short hikes, you can see even more from the other side.”
“Pilot Mountain is probably one of the more frequently visited state parks in NC, parking and the main trail fill up fast.”
“Overall it's mostly moderate due to the trail surface itself being well maintained and use of switchbacks to ease the climb.”
“Bathrooms at the visitor center and port-a-potties in the parking lot, plus bathrooms at the top.”
“First thing only the visitor center is wheelchair accessible.”
“The iconic knob rising above the landscape is stunning from every angle, and the trails offer an easy mix of peaceful forest walks and wide, panoramic views.”
“5 mile marker is more difficult as it's not switchbacked with a steeper pitch up the mountain and a bit rocky.”
Plan your run at Pilot Mountain State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitencparks.gov
- Phone+1 336-444-5100
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Pinnacle
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Long Creek Park Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 52 reviews
Park featuring kid-friendly hikes, walking trails, picnic tables, and restrooms.
C G Hill Memorial Park
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Paved walking trails at a large park with duck-filled ponds and a playground.
