The parks make it easy to visit some of North Carolina’s most recognizable landmarks. Pilot Mountain, Hanging Rock and Stone Mountain are all monadnocks, isolated mountains that rise prominently from the surrounding land, making them visible for miles. 

Pilot Mountain, with its distinctive summit, and Stone Mountain, a 600-foot granite dome, are also designated as National Natural Landmarks. 

But these state parks are more than their namesake mountain features, they offer diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Feel on top of the world at Pilot Mountain State Park, the closest state park at just 25 miles from downtown. The park’s defining feature, Pilot Mountain, is a summit capped by a quartzite pinnacle (i.e. Little Pinnacle) that dramatically rises 1,400 feet above the surrounding terrain. Once used by Indigenous tribes as a wayfinding marker, the ancient knob is one of the state’s most recognizable landmarks. 

Take your pick of the park’s two distinct sections, the Mountain Section and the River Section, which both offer more than 10 miles of trails and numerous recreation opportunities. Enjoy the scenic drive to each area or navigate between the sections on foot using the Corridor Trail (6.6 miles one way). 

In the Mountain Section, at the base of Pilot Mountain, you’ll find the updated 6,500-square foot state park visitor center. Start your exploration here and take advantage of the large parking lot, restrooms, water bottle fill station, exhibits and gift shop.

Mountain Section

Pilot Mountain has long served as a historic guide for the Saura Indians and travelers. As a modern-day traveler, you’ll quickly see why: You’ll begin seeing the peak from U.S. Highway 52 about 15-20 minutes into your drive from Winston-Salem. Navigate to the Visitor Center to reach this section. 

Exploring the Summit of Pilot Mountain 

There are three ways to access the summit of Pilot Mountain:

1. Drive to the top and park in the summit parking area
2. Hike to the top via the Grindstone Trail (3.5 miles each way)
3. Ride the park shuttle (offered seasonally on some higher traffic weekends/holidays) 

Good to know: Most visitors do choose to drive to the summit. The road has a gate, which is closed when the park is closed. Make sure to leave before the gates close in the evening (park rangers will make a sweep) to ensure you are not locked in.  Check the park’s website for updated hours, which vary seasonally. Park rangers may also shut the gate during park hours if the parking area reaches capacity. They’ll kindly ask you to return later. 

You can easily reach the summit’s trails, and an accessible overlook, from the summit parking lot. Explore Little Pinnacle Overlook Trail (0.1 mile) for a picture-perfect view of Pilot Mountain and the valley below. Get more up close and personal with the mountain when you hike the Pilot Knob Trail, a 0.8-mile loop around the Big Pinnacle with stunning views at nearly every turn. 

Other amenities at the Summit include a dedicated picnicking area and restrooms. 

Hiking Trails at the Pilot Mountain Visitor Center 

From the large Visitor Center lot, you can jump on a network of trails, including the Grindstone Trail to the Summit. The Fiddlehead Trail is perfect for families as it features a children’s Story Walk with interpretive signs. 

Outdoor Adventures at the Mountain Section 

With its rocky cliffs, Pilot Mountain is top destination for experienced climbers and rappellers. Register at the kiosk at the summit area before beginning to climb and climb only in designated areas, primarily along the Ledge Springs Trail. There’s no climbing on the Big Pinnacle. 

You can also experience the trails on horseback. Several area stables offer guided experiences. 

The lower slope of the mountain is where you’ll find tent and trailer camping areas.

River Section

The River Section showcases a scenic 2-mile stretch of the Yadkin River and offers a rural and less-traveled escape. There is no visitor center in this area, fewer established amenities and limited cell service, but all that only adds to the feeling that, despite being just 30 minutes to downtown, you’re in a peaceful world away. 

There are two primary entry points, the Bean Shoals Access (for most hiking trails) and the Ivy Bluffs Access (great for paddlers and equestrians). 

Hiking Trails in the River Section 

From the Bean Shoals access, lace up your boots and take a 1-mile roundtrip walk along Yadkin River to explore the remnants of the Bean Shoals Canal, a project abandoned in 1825 before completion. Or, extend your hike on the forested Horne Creek Trail. 

Outdoor adventures in the River Section 

Paddling is the best way to explore two islands (45 and 15 acres in size) that lie in this stretch of River. The paddle launch is at the Ivy Bluffs Access. 

Reel in the catch of the day when you fish from the riverbank of The Yadkin. An NC fishing license is required. 

For equestrians, The Yadkin Islands Trail is a popular place to ride. Follow the signs that clearly mark which section of the trail allows horses.

See our complete guide to trails at Pilot Mountain State Park for more state park exploration inspiration!

Established in 1935 as a New Deal initiative, Hanging Rock was hand-built by the Civilian Conservation Corps to revitalize the economy during the Great Depression. Today, it stands as one of North Carolina’s premier outdoor destinations—a gateway to stunning vistas and rugged adventure. Best of all, this natural escape is just a 30-mile drive (around 40 minutes) from downtown Winston-Salem. 

Hanging Rock is home to a string of mountain peaks in the Sauratown Mountains that offer incredible views. But even more, the park is a place for you to chase waterfalls—with five named waterfalls accessed with relatively short hikes. 

A visitor center with an extensive multi-level parking area welcomes you to explore educational and historical exhibits, and serves as the trailhead for many of the park’s top trails. 

If you’ve got some time to spend and you’re up for a challenge, take the Overlook and Waterfall challenges to visit five overlooks or five waterfalls in one day. Should you complete the Challenges, you’ll be rewarded with a chance to purchase exclusive commemorative patches. Stop in at the gift shop to pick up a slip for tracking your progress. 

Waterfalls at Hanging Rock State Park 

Park at the Visitor Center to begin your waterfall quest. From one end of the parking lot, you can take the Indian Creek Trail to both Hidden Falls and Window Falls. From the other end of the parking area, you’ll head down to Upper Cascades Falls. 

For the other two falls, you’ll need to drive to the trailheads (there’s parking at both). Lower Cascades Falls may be the most scenic, offering a refreshing, rock-rimmed swimming hole at its base, perfect for wading and cooling off! Tory’s Den Falls can slow to a trickle so it’s best seen after a period of rain. 

Summit Overlooks at Hanging Rock State Park 

Experience the park’s most iconic summit on the Hanging Rock Trail, a 1.8-mile out-and-back hike (3.6-mile roundtrip). The moderate-to-strenuous trail leaves from the Visitor Center parking lot and is well-signed and well-traveled. Take in stunning views from the rock outcroppings at the top, just keep a close eye on young children and pets. 

Moore’s Wall Trail takes you to a former observation tower via a moderate 4.6-mile loop, while the 2.2-mile Cook’s Wall Trail provides long-range views of Pilot Mountain. Wolf Rock and House Rock round out the list. 

Other Adventures at Hanging Rock State Park 

With so many cliffs and outcroppings, rock climbing opportunities abound here. Moore’s Wall and Cook’s Wall are two of the most popular climbing areas. Make sure to pre-register before you begin your climbing adventure. More information on climbing access and permits can be found here.

If the waterfalls have you craving even more ways to cool off, Hanging Rock features a picturesque 12-acre lake and access to the Dan River so you can paddle (kayak rentals available), swim and fish. Swimming in the lake is available only during the summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day), and the lake’s diving board is only open when lifeguards are on duty. Canoe and kayak rentals are available daily during the summer and on weekends during the fall and winter. 

Area mountain bikers will tell you the Moore’s Spring access leads to some of the best trails in the Winston-Salem area. All trails are intermediate to advanced. 

There are six miles of designated equestrian trails to explore, so be sure to check out the Hanging Rock website to learn more about which trails allow horses.

Pack a lunch to eat at the designated picnicking area located next to the visitor center. Campsites are also available for park explorers seeking to stay overnight and continue the fun!

For more detailed information on the park and the trail system, see our complete guide to Hanging Rock State Park.

A little bit further at about 60 miles (1 hour) drive from Winston-Salem, Stone Mountain State Park deserves an honorable mention. A daytrip here brings you to a sprawling 14,000 acres of protected land near the Blue Ridge Parkway. At the center of it all is the 600-foot granite dome that gives the park its name. 

While sometimes confused in name with Stone Mountain Park in Georgia, Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina has a distinct identity as a hiking, fishing and rock-climbing destination. Like Hanging Rock, a combination of summit trails, waterfalls and streams provide a variety of outdoor experiences. 

Hiking at Stone Mountain State Park 

Of the more than 16 miles of trail, the must-do hike here is the 4.5-mile Stone Mountain Loop, which will take you on a tour of many of the park’s best features. Those features include the summit of Stone Mountain and the base of the 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls

Important note: as of 2026 the staircase to the falls is undergoing replacement; some partial trail closures may be in effect. 

For those warm spring and summer days, bring your swimsuit with you so you can take a dip at Widow’s Creek Falls, accessible by a short walk from the parking area past the visitor’s center, or on a strenuous hike on the Widow’s Creek Trail. 

Other adventures at Stone Mountain State Park 

More than 17 miles of park streams make this park an ideal place to cast a line (with a fishing license), especially given the streams are designated trout waters. 

The dome face is an exciting canvas for experienced rock climbers to craft an adventure (must pre-register). Other popular activities include horseback riding, swimming and picnicking. 

History buffs will appreciate the restored Hutchinson Homestead that features a 19th century log cabin and other structures, perfect for creating a day full of outdoor exploration and historic charm.