Named after a nearby mountain with prominent features, Pilot Mountain is a small town offering beautiful natural sceneries.
If you follow the hiking trails to the top of the mountain, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the area.
On top of natural beauty, the town also features great places to stay in, delicious food to try, and fun-filled activities to enjoy.
For a vacation that’s worth your while, read on for the 20 best things to do in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina.
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There is no better way to appreciate the town of Pilot Mountain than to see it from the top of Pilot Mountain, the famous landmark in which the town is named after.
Tag along with your friends and walk the trails of this gorgeous geological formation.
Do not worry, as there are different trails leading to the peak of Pilot Mountain that you can choose from that caters to different levels of hikers.
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Enjoy being close to nature and the fresh breeze as you journey to the top of the landmark.
Get ready to be rewarded with amazing views of Pilot Mountain’s towns and Mount Airy as you reach the top.
If you time your visit right, you might even be able to witness the gorgeous view of the sunset from the top of Pilot Mountain.
Do not forget to document and take photos of your trip here, as this is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
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For a relaxing holiday, do not forget to take time to spoil yourself and just spend some quality time with your loved ones.
Relax and enjoy the stunning view of JOLO Winery & Vineyards’ 80-acre property that showcases the beauty of Pilot Mountain and Cox Lake.
Known as the top winery in the Winston-Salem area, JOLO is visited by 400,000 travelers from all over the world per year to try out their award-winning wines.
If you want to drink world-class wines on a breathtaking property, you can book a wine tasting at the winery with the whole gang.
Just remember to make a reservation before going to JOLO for a hassle-free visit.
Before heading home, do not forget to buy a bottle or two of your favorite wine from their shop so you can share this experience with your loved ones back home.
Are you always on a hunt for unique things?
If you are, then you should put Mount Pilot Antiques on your itinerary.
From 1900s dressers to Coke coolers from the 1950s, you are sure to find it here.
It is usually not as crowded here as the other shops, so you will definitely have fun shopping here.
Simply visiting this store is such a great experience in itself as you can find yourself going back in time while you browse through the items from different periods here.
Items are reasonably priced as well, so it’s worth a visit, especially for those people who are always looking for good deals on collectibles and other great stuff.
Travel back in time when you visit Beroth Oil & Gas Memorabilia Museum.
The museum features a lot of displays relating to Oil and Gas that date back many years ago.
Who knows? You might even see an item or two here that would remind you of some exciting times during your childhood.
All items that can be found here are all part of Mr. Thornton Beroth’s collections, and you would be amazed by how many items he has accumulated over the years.
There is never a dull moment here, as there are plenty of things here that will definitely keep you busy.
Whether you are a fan of gasoline memorabilia, gas pumps, neon signs, or simply dropping by, you will surely find this place interesting.
Another place that shoppers would find delightful to go to is Mount Pilot Country Store.
Whether you are looking for a special item for a loved one or simply want an item for your home to bring back with you, this is a great place to visit.
Have fun exploring this two-story building as you search for some out-of-the-ordinary toys for the young ones, home decors, or even candies.
Just let their friendly staff know what you are looking for, and they will gladly help you look for that item.
After a fun day of shopping, grab an ice cream cone before heading home for a more memorable visit.
Do not miss the chance to spoil yourself when visiting Pilot Mountain.
Book a full body massage at The Art of Massage & Wellness and wash your worries away.
They offer different kinds of massage services that will surely suit your preference.
Some of those that they offer are Swedish massage, Hot Stone, and Deep Tissue.
For those on their babymoon, there is a prenatal massage offered here, which is safe during all trimesters.
They also offer couples’ massages here for travelers looking for a relaxing date night.
If you are traveling with your family and want to go on an adventure in the great outdoors with your kids, then head straight to Pilot Mountain State Park.
They offer family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy.
Marvel at the gorgeous view of the pine and hardwood forest as you enjoy a savory meal with your loved ones at the picnic area, complete with picnic tables and grills.
Do not worry, as the picnic area is shaded to ensure that guests are comfortable even during the hot weather.
Drinking fountains and restrooms are also nearby for a comfortable visit.
The picnic area is wheelchair accessible as well.
Just make sure to go early so that you can grab a good spot for yourself and your group.
For fishing enthusiasts, you can fish at riverbanks, where you can catch some smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and catfish.
Do not forget to check the regulations of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission before going to Pilot Mountain State Park.
Those who want to explore the area more thrillingly would be delighted to know that paddling and horseback riding are also available here.
So, go ahead and bring the whole family here for a fun-filled day.
Those who want to stay on track with their fitness goals can go to Armfield Civic & Recreational Center.
The center offers yogalates, yoga, Zumba, and spin classes, to name a few that are sure to keep you active and sweating.
While you are here, have fun getting to know other participants as well.
Who knows? You might just meet people who will become your lifelong friends.
If you want to go for a refreshing swim, you can do so as well.
Aside from the junior Olympic-size swimming pool, the center also has an activity room that is complete with two Wii stations, a big screen TV, café-style seating, a foosball table, and an air hockey table that you can rent.
Martial Arts classes are also offered here for those who want to learn the basics of karate or jiu-jitsu.
Whether you are a solo traveler or are traveling with family, this is a great place to visit.
Have you always wanted to go horseback riding?
Then, now is your chance.
Drop by Berman’s Trail Riding & Horse Stables and go on an exciting riding experience with the whole family.
Have fun exploring the outdoors while savoring the calmness being close to nature brings.
If it is your first time riding a horse, do not worry as their staff will guide you from selecting the right horse for you to riding the trails.
You can also bring cameras with you during this trip, and the staff will gladly take your photos on the trail for you.
You will also be assisted in getting off the horse after completing your ride.
So, there is no need to worry as Berman’s Trail Riding & Horse Stables ensures that this activity is as easy for beginners as well.
If you want to book a ride with them, you can visit their website.
Are you an avid rock climber at the gym and feel like you are finally ready to claim a natural rock?
Then, Pilot Mountain is a good place to start.
The difficulty of climbing Pilot Mountain is from beginner to expert, so you are sure to have fun here whether you are just starting or have been doing this for a long time already.
This is kid-friendly as well, so if you are traveling with young ones who are adventurous and would like to try this thrilling activity, then you can bring them along as well.
If you are looking for experts that will help on this journey, make sure to book a guided course with Blue Ridge Mountain Guides.
They provide climbing instructions and guidance for beginners to pros that will make your experience an unforgettable one.
Do you have a sweet tooth or traveling with someone who loves sweets?
Then, treat yourself to some authentic Surry County delicacy, the Sonker, through the Surry Sonker Trail.
While on this tour, you will visit eight eateries that include two bakeries, a chocolate confectionery, a general store, a winery restaurant, a social house, a casual American restaurant, and a restaurant featuring upscale Southern comfort food.
The trail will pass by The Tilted Ladder located in Pilot Mountain and other nearby places that feature the famous Sonker.
If you want to experience this unique tour, you can head to their website to book a tour with them.
Do you want to enjoy some tee-time with your friends?
You can go to Pilot Knob Park Country Club and have fun playing at one of the most scenic and well-maintained golf courses in the Piedmont region.
This golf course is a favorite for both locals and travelers worldwide, so this is definitely a great place to visit whenever you are in Pilot Mountain.
After an exciting day at the golf course, you can go to their on-site restaurant to unwind and enjoy a meal with your loved ones.
You can visit their website for their rates and reservations.
Having a nightcap is always a good way to end the day.
If your idea of a good time is to drink a glass of cold beer while watching sports, then a visit to Sportsman’s Lounge is a great idea.
Whether you are a solo wanderer or traveling with friends, this is a nice place to go to.
For guests who want to are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, there is a back deck where you can bring your drink and just sit back and relax.
If you are traveling alone and would like to drink by the bar, do not worry as there is plenty of space available for you as they have a large bar area as well.
Pilot Mountain features a charming historic downtown in addition to its abundance of nature-related activities.
Walk Pilot Tours offers a walking tour of the city’s history if you wish to learn about its past.
Discovering the beginnings of the village of Pilot Mountain, the historical tour is a journey back in time.
This guided walking tour will let you appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of this town.
As you stroll around the city, the guide explains how the structures once appeared.
Although the downtown area is commercial, it consists mainly of one- and two-story brick buildings.
They exhibit Queen Anne, International Style, Colonial Revival, and other Modernist and Historicist styles.
In addition to enjoying the architecture of the downtown area, you will meet people who molded the town’s development and hear heartwarming anecdotes.
Mayfest is a three-day celebration in the heart of Pilot Mountain.
It features plants and flowers, homemade arts and crafts, commercial/retail booths, kid-friendly games and activities, outstanding local singers and entertainers, and delectable festival fare.
This event annually attracts around 30,000 attendees downtown.
The Pilot Mountain Civic Club organizes the Mother’s Day weekend Mayfest celebration.
Proceeds of the event help finance scholarships for local youth and grants for the area’s charity organizations.
You not only get to party and have fun, but you also get to help the community flourish.
Downtown Pilot Mountain hosts a biannual food truck festival with a beer garden, live music, and more.
In June 2018, the Pilot Mountain Pig Out began, a tremendous success that attracted over 6,000 people.
Taste food from some of the Triad’s top food trucks and craft beers from local brewers.
From doughnuts to lobster rolls, to wings to burgers, and tacos and kettle corn, the event has earned a reputation for its diverse range of cuisine.
While free admission to the event, there’s a nominal cost to enter the Beer Garden.
The proceeds of which benefit the revitalization of Pilot Mountain’s downtown.
The Marketplace at Pilot Mountain, previously called “Love Me Again Furniture & Decor,” provides beautifully restored antique and unfinished furniture.
If an unfinished project catches your eye, it may be customized to match your house, or you can take it home and complete it yourself.
Its Main Street location is also home to hundreds of vendors selling old and new furniture, among other products.
The Marketplace at Pilot Mountain offers a vast selection of things, from antique to contemporary.
The store also has a fantastic deli department where you can get yummy sandwiches.
Simply Southern also carries plus-size apparel, jams, Mrs. Pumpkins meals, and baked goods.
A potter and businesswoman from Pilot Mountain founded the West End Arts Market in 2020.
Kathy George has utilized her ingenuity and enthusiasm for the arts to assemble a group of exceptional local artists and craftspeople, creating a market for all art enthusiasts.
She and her pals acquired a variety of equipment to construct a studio at 701 West Main Street in Pilot Mountain.
The facility quickly proved suitable for artists working, teaching, and collaborating.
West End Arts Market showcases the work of local artists, as well as art presentations, pottery training, and art demonstrations.
Stop by and experience Pilot Mountain’s local art scene!
Kathryn Meyer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you would like to bring the whole family on a camping trip, you can go to Jessup Mill.
Only less than 25 minutes away from Pilot Mountain, Jessup Mill features tent and hammock camping grounds on a grassy lawn.
The tent sites are also shaded to ensure that guests are comfortable in any weather.
Enjoy roasting some S’mores with your loved ones at the fire pits.
They also provide firewood, so there is no need to worry about bringing your own.
There are a few electrical outlets available here as well to make sure that your gadgets are charged properly.
If you want to go river tubing, you can also do so at the mill.
Fishing and hiking trails are available here as well, so there is something here for everyone to enjoy.
Are you looking for a fun activity for the whole family?
Then you should put Carolina Ziplines Canopy Tour on your top places to visit.
Only 15 minutes away from Pilot Mountain, Carolina Ziplines Canopy Tour is perfect for those who want to enjoy the outdoors.
They offer their regular tours that usually last from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, where you can see the lush forest and different wildlife from above through thrilling zip rides.
They also offer after-dark tours, which they call “Twilight Tours.”
For those looking for a unique experience, then going on a zip ride with only a glow stick to guide you might be the one you are looking for.
This quaint town will surprise you with the number of beautiful places that you can go to and the amazing activities that you can do here.
From wine tasting with your friends to outdoor adventures with your family, this town has something to offer you.
All in all, no matter who you are visiting with and what the occasion is, Pilot Mountain is worth seeing.
For a great time in this beautiful town, make sure to check out this list when you are planning your itinerary.
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