Pilot Mountain
Area Rep: Paul Klem pklem@carolinaclimbers.org
Land Manager: State of NC, Pilot Mountain State Park
Guides and Info : Downloadable guidebook for Pilot
Easy access and pleasant winter temps make Pilot one of the most popular crags in the state, particularly during cooler days. It can get hot here in the summer.
Directions
From Winston Salem, follow Highway 52 North. Look for signs for Pilot Mountain State park. Take that exit, turn left and follow the signs to the park entrance just down the road on the left. Follow the park road all the way to the top and park in the back of the parking area near the overlook to be closest to the trail. Please note that as of December, 2019 the Grindstone Trail has been moved away from the cliffs, the old trail has been closed permanently. Only permitted climbers are allowed access to the cliff edge for setting up top ropes. Recreational hiking is no longer allowed along the cliff edge. You will notice on the map that the permit box has been moved to the new trail and a new connector trail has been added for Three Bears Gully access. It is passable but still under construction. The most common descent is at the Three Bears Gully, use caution on the descent, it can be slippery at the top. The gully puts you at the Three Bears / Any Major Dude area, the Amphitheater is to climber's right from here and Eight Ball is to climber's left.
What to expect
Primarily sport climbs on quartzite rock ranging from slabs to roofs. Mostly face climbing, with a few crack moves thrown in from time to time. Top ropes are easy to set up, please do not use trees for top rope anchors there are new bolted stations at the top of just about every climb. All routes can be climbed with a 60m rope. Use caution as there have been problems with people throwing rocks and other objects from the top of the cliff.
Climbing Management Plan and Policy
Please review the NC State Park Climbing Management Plan here. Contact your area CCC representative with any questions regarding the climbing policy on State Park lands.
Camping
Camping is available in Pilot Mountain State Park.
Access notes
Please make sure to descend via the 3 Bears Gulley and be considerate of others, particularly non-climbers, and don't block the trail at the base with gear. Do not set up anchors of off trees or other vegetation. Be sure to fill out a permit at the kiosk. Read more about why the big pinnacle is closed to climbing here.
Guidebook
In addition to the free guide available above, routes at Pilot are covered in Carolina Rocks - the Piedmont.