Pilot Mountain

Rising 2,421 feet above sea level and 1,400 feet above the Yadkin River, Pilot Mountain is part of the Sauratown mountain range located 20 miles north of Winston-Salem.

Originally settled by the Saura tribe of Native Americans, Pilot Mountain was historically referred to as Jomeokee, meaning the “great guide” or “pilot.” Over the years, the land near the mountain has been owned by a number of families, including the English aristocrat and surveyor William Byrd.  Eventually in 1968, Pilot Mountain State Park was established, preserving 3,872 acres of land for public recreation.

There are a number of bird species that use the park as they migrate on journeys as far north as Canada and as far south as Belize. The local Audubon Society conducts bird watches each fall to monitor hawk migrations. Other raptors, vultures, and ravens are often seen soaring above the summit throughout the year.

I visited a couple of weeks ago after it had snowed and hiked the Pilot Knob and Ledge Spring Trails.  Beautiful views in all directions. I’ll look forward to exploring the Yadkin River section of the park in the future as well.