Pilot Mountain State Park is one of the most distinctive natural features in North Carolina. The mountain consists of The Big Pinnacle and the Little Pinnacle Overlook that is adjacent to it. The Overlook is accessible from a parking lot off US 52 and via a very steep climb over rocks. It is NOT a hiking path.

The peaks were formed from quartzite that survived the erosion around them for millions of years. It is one of four similar knobs in North Carolina. The view from the Overlook is similar to those in the Blue Ridge Parkway in that you can see for miles.

Pilot Mountain is part of Pilot Mountain State Park, which extends to the Yadkin River. There are hiking trails in the park. Other year-round activities include, camping, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing, and picnicking. In addition to the forest of trees, the area included rhododendron, blueberry, huckleberry, and grapes. The tree species and wildlife are typical of the Appalachian Mountains.

The area was isolated, and the nearest town of any size is Mount Airy, which served as a model for the fictional town of Mayberry in the Andy Griffith TV show. The area south of here includes wineries in the Yadkin River plain. US 52/I -74 is a good short-cut coming from Winston-Salem to I-77 north.

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