Pilot Creek Trail

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 8/30/2026 8:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 8/29/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Allison Schwartz
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: R-16, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 900 ft.
Description: Let's hike this awesome moderately easy trail out-and-back 7 miles on Pilot Creek Trail at Pilot Mountain State Park. Please bring appropriate summer hiking gear and plenty of water. From the trailhead parking lot on Boyd Nelson Road we will take the Pilot Creek Trail for 3.6 miles. Stop and have a snack, then turn around back to the cars. Take I-40 to Rt. 52 North. Head north on Rt. 52, passing Exit 132 for Pilot State Park. Exit at 134, going around the roundabouts, and head west on NC-268 for 0.2 miles. Turn left onto Shoals Rd. Go about 0.5 miles and turn left onto Boyd Nelson Rd. Look for the parking lot up the hill on the right. The physical address of the parking lot is: 301-303 Boyd Nelson Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043
Required Gear: WATER, appropriate hiking gear for summer, poles, snack