Pilot Mountain State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pilot Mountain State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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The distinctive Big Pinnacle of Pilot Mountain
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 Pilot Mountain State Park
Location in North Carolina
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| Location | North Carolina, United States |
| Area | 3,872 acres (15.67 km2) |
| Established | 1968 |
| Named for | Pilot Mountain |
| Governing body | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Website | Pilot Mountain State Park |
Pilot Mountain State Park is a special place in North Carolina, United States. It is located in Surry and Yadkin Counties, near Pinnacle, North Carolina. This park covers about 3,872 acres (15.67 km²) of land. Its most famous feature is the unique peak of Pilot Mountain, which stands 2,241 feet (683 meters) tall.
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History of Pilot Mountain State Park
Ancient Guides and Early Settlers
Long ago, the Saura people lived in this area. They were a Native American tribe from the Piedmont region of North Carolina. They called the mountain Jomeokee, which means the Great Guide. It helped them find their way.
Later, European settlers also used the mountain as a guidepost. They gave it the name Pilot. Around the year 1700, the Saura people left the area. This was due to illnesses and attacks from other Native American groups.
The first European settlers arrived in the late 1740s. They came from Pennsylvania. The area was quite isolated, so not many people settled there at first. Records from the Moravians in North Carolina mention groups of bandits. These groups used the mountains as a hiding place during the 1750s and 1760s.
Becoming a State Park
For some time, Pilot Mountain was a place for tourists to visit. But in 1968, it became a North Carolina state park. This was done to protect the mountain and its surrounding lands. People wanted to stop too much building and development there.
The Pilot Mountain Preservation and Park Committee helped buy the land. They raised money and received a grant from the federal government. More land along the Yadkin River was bought in 1970. Today, Pilot Mountain State Park covers about 3,703 acres (14.99 km²).
Park Management and Wildfire
Sometimes, park rangers do controlled burns. This helps keep the forest healthy and prevents bigger wildfires. On November 8, 2012, a planned burn of 70 acres got out of control. It caused a wildfire on the mountain's steep western side. However, the fire was quickly contained.
Fun Activities at Pilot Mountain State Park
Pilot Mountain State Park is a great place to visit all year round. There are many fun things to do here. You can go camping, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing, and picnicking. There are also many hiking trails. The park also offers environmental education programs.
Water Adventures on the Yadkin River
The Yadkin River flows through the park. It's a perfect spot for fishing and canoeing. The Yadkin River Canoe Trail is very long, about 165 miles (265 km). About 2 miles (3.22 km) of the river are inside Pilot Mountain State Park. The river here is wide and not very deep. You can even wade to two islands when the water is low.
If you want to fish, you need a license from the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. Common fish you might catch include sunfish, catfish, and crappie.
Camping Under the Stars
The park has a family camping area on the lower slopes of Pilot Mountain. It has 49 campsites for tents or small trailers. These sites are spread out among hickory and oak trees. Each campsite has a charcoal grill, a picnic table, and a tent pad. You'll find modern restrooms with hot water and showers nearby.
There's also a large camping area for youth groups. It's on the north side of the park's Yadkin River Section. Canoeists cannot camp on the river islands. But there is a special canoe campsite on the riverbank. You can reserve it by contacting the park office.
Picnic Spots and Rock Climbing
Pilot Mountain State Park has three picnic areas. One is close to the summit parking lot. The other two are near the Yadkin River. These areas have many picnic tables and grills. Please note that drinking water is not available in these picnic areas. Pit toilets are provided.
If you enjoy adventure, you can go rock climbing in certain parts of the park. All climbers must sign in with park staff first. Climbing and rappelling are not allowed on the main face of Pilot Mountain, called Big Pinnacle. You can get a list of all the rules from the park offices.
Hiking and Horseback Riding Trails
The park has many miles of trails. These trails are open for both hiking and horseback riding. You can get a copy of the rules and regulations for these activities at the park offices.
Nature and Wildlife at Pilot Mountain
The plants and animals at Pilot Mountain State Park are similar to those found in the Blue Ridge Mountains. These mountains are located west of Surry County.
Plants and Trees
Big Pinnacle is surrounded by beautiful Catawba rhododendron plants. In the spring, their pink flowers bloom. This makes the mountain look like it's wearing a "pink crown." You can also find Mountain laurel throughout the park. Wild blueberry, huckleberry, and grapes also grow here. The forests are mostly made up of chestnut oak, Table Mountain pine, and pitch pine trees.
Animals and Birds
The park is home to many animals typical of eastern woodlands. These include the American toad, Carolina wren, white-tailed deer, opossums, and raccoons. You will often see vultures soaring high above Pilot Knob. They use the air currents that rise from the mountain. Sometimes, you might even spot a common raven. These birds are not usually found east of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Nearby State Parks
If you enjoy Pilot Mountain State Park, you might also like these other state parks. They are all within 30 miles (48 km) of Pilot Mountain:
