Last March, I had hip replacement surgery and about a month later I was getting cabin fever and wanted to get out and do something. Still on a cane so nothing strenuous but still a place where I could appreciate the beauty and walk around and enjoy myself.

Had driven by Pilot Mountain many times but never stopped so put in on my "some day" list. Pilot Mountain may sound familiar because Andy Griffith switched in around and it became Mount Pilot.

Beautiful spring day and the gloom of winter was retreating and the soft green of Spring Foliage was coming out. Beautiful day.

As we approached the Park from the Southeast on US 52 coming out of Winston Salem, Pilot Mountain looms in the distance. The formation itself is an old volcano and the rock surround the central plug has eroded away leaving today what is Pilot Mountain.

Turned out to be an excellent choice. When you drive into the park, you can drive almost all of the way up to a shoulder abutting the main peak. Without much effort you're suddenly hundreds of feet above the valley below and it all spreads out like a carpet beneath your feet.

Ample parking with well maintained trails and panoramic vistas and a lot of photo opportunities.

Looking to the Southeast, you're looking at US 52 leading back into Winston Salem. Looking to the Northwest, you're looking at Mount Airy aka Mayberry and in the distance, the edge of the Appalachian/Blue Ridge Escarpment. There is a guide at one of the benches that helps you identify the peaks in the distance. To the west, you're looking toward Elkin and the lush Yadkin Valley basin.

For the novice, the trails are easy but there are opportunities for the more adventuresome for some Rock Climbing experiences. I did some Rock Climbing 30 years ago but since I was recovering from Hip Replacement Surgery, that was the last thing I needed to try.

Ample parking, pet friendly, easy relaxing trails with great vista, it a great place to relax.

From Winston Salem. it's about 20 to 25 minutes away. From Mount Airy / I-77 coming out of Virginia, again about 20 minutes away. From Charlotte, probably about 1 1/2 hours away but a pleasant drive.

One of the most relaxing places I have been too in a good while and sorry I did not write this earlier.

Great Place

Beautiful park..you can walk for hours. Can't wait to go back and spend more time...So many trails..Loved it...

The place is really beautiful and good for hiking. Its really calm and the view from the top is mesmerizing.