Pilot Mountain — Attraction in King

Me and my two kids accompanied by two other relatives took a drive to pilot mountain on yesterday morning. It’s a little over a hour drive from where we reside. We get there with ease thanks to my gps system. So as we approach the turn in where the sign is telling you the park’s name I allow a car to exit. I see a Ranger outside his truck at the stop sign with his head down looking at a phone or the walkie talkie they use. I go ahead and make my turn. No one said a thing let alone looks at me. I precede into the roundabout and make my way into the parking lot and into a parking space. As I’m acting out my excitement with my riders on how we’ve made it safely a truck appearing to be a Ranger pulls behind me. I’m like what’s he doing, my cuz is like looks like he’s coming to us. He approaches my driver’s side and he says something to the effect of why did you do that or why did you come that way into the parking lot. I’m like what? What did I do? This is my very first time here and my gps said turn here and I just listened. Then he tells me you went around the Ranger at the top, he was there to stop you🛑 from entry because the parking lot is full, closed⁉️ I’m like what❓No one stopped me, yelled or blocked my entry at all. I had no clue he was there to stop me. He had his head down looking at his phone or whatever it is in his hands. The whole time this Ranger is talking to me with a smirk, smiling as if I’m lying and I just deliberately went around the other guy and parked. He tells me I have to leave back out. I’m like but the parking lot ain’t even full that’s a lie. He says they have to clear the parking lot before they open it back up which would be around 6pm. I’m like OMG, this is crazy and I preceded to leave and not cause a confrontation. I felt as if I was being judged without a reason. I said I’d try once more to see pilot mountain but if it goes horribly like yesterday I would not return nor recommend it to...

Beautiful state park in NC! Visited October 2020 on a Friday. Arrived at 10:30 and left at 5:00. The website states that Saturdays and Sundays are very busy, and visitors should arrive by 10:00 because the gates will be closed if the parking lots reach capacity. We had no problem finding a parking spot near the new visitors center. The center closes at 5:00, but the restrooms remain open in an attached building. A handsfree water refill station is located outside the restrooms. At this time, masks are required at all indoor areas of the park. We hiked the 3.5 mile one way Grindstone Trail (rated strenuous) through the woods to the summit. The trail crosses several streams, rocky areas, and outcroppings. The path is rocky in many places so a hiking stick is useful. Vegetation changes as you gain elevation. Ferns, laurels, tall trees and wildflowers give way to pines, bramble bushes, scrub, and stunted trees. After stopping to enjoy a picnic on a large rock, we reached an area about 1/2 mile from the summit where we were treated to an incredible view of the mountains in the distance and the valley floor below! There is a pavilion, restroom area, parking lot, and large overlook photography area at the summit. We chose to walk the 2 miles back to the visitors center along the road rather than retrace the 3.5 miles down the trail. The views along the road are amazing if you are willing to watch for traffic ! Take a lunch, snacks, plenty of water, and plan on spending the day! Highly recommend for a fall color hike! Also available: Horseback trails, rock climbing, rappelling, and family camping- we only did...

My recent visit to Pilot Mountain State Park was nothing short of spectacular. Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, this park offers breathtaking views and an abundance of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts like myself. The iconic peak of Pilot Mountain dominates the skyline, providing a stunning backdrop for hiking, picnicking, and photography. The trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of difficulty levels, making it suitable for all skill levels. Whether you're exploring the trails or enjoying a leisurely drive along the scenic overlooks, the beauty of this park is simply awe-inspiring. Plus, the park staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to offer recommendations and assistance. If you're looking for a serene escape into nature, Pilot Mountain State Park is the perfect destination. Highly recommended for anyone seeking outdoor adventure and...