The hike loops the park counterclockwise and goes up to Little Pinnacle and Big Pinnacle, both with outstanding views. Big Pinnacle is the highest point of Pilot Mountain; its wedding cake top can be seen for miles, including from Hanging Rock State Park.

Though you can’t walk to the top of Big Pinnacle, you can encircle it. As you traverse Little Pinnacle, you’re practically within kissing distance of the rock formations. If you have a second car, leave it at the visitor center to save yourself almost a mile of road walking.

Length: 8.5 miles

Altitude gain: 2,000 ft.

Map: Pilot Mt. State Park map available at the visitor center

Trailhead: From Winston-Salem, take US 52 for 24.0 miles north to the Pilot Mountain State Park exit. Make a left off the exit ramp on Pilot Knob Park Rd.
(SR 2053) and after 0.3 mile, a left at the park sign. After 0.5 mile, turn right toward
the campground; it’s another 0.7 mile to the trailhead. The trailhead is between campsites 16 and 17. Make sure you don't block any campsites.

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