Though the mountains are very low in absolute altitude compared with Western North Carolina, they rise so high from the valley floor that they are very impressive. Both parks are located north of Winston-Salem and south of Mt. Airy.

Pilot Mountain State Park is a "one hike park", but what a hike! The trail circumnavigates the mountain, climbing from the Visitor Center with side trails to the top. You can also drive to the top and take in the amazing views down into the valley.

The park was a private commercial park for many years. The owners built roads to attract paying customers - pedestrians paid 25 cents and motorists 50 cents in the 1940.