The main access point for the river section of Pilot Mountain State Park is Bean Shoals Access; take Exit 29 (Pinnacle) to get there. The trails vary considerably in length, difficulty, and scenery. Those weighing up the different options will find short, easy sections as well as moderately difficult routes and a longer, challenging trail.
Hiking Trails by the Water and in the Woods
The Bean Shoals Canal Trail is 0.5 miles long, easy, and runs along the Yadkin River. Along the way, it passes the remains of the Bean Shoals Canal. Construction of the canal began in the 1820s, but it was never completed. The route thus combines a connection to the river with the history of an unfinished construction project.
At 2.5 miles, the Horne Creek Trail is longer and rated moderate. It follows Horne Creek and meets the Bean Shoals Canal Trail. The details make the difference between the two trails clear: the Canal Trail is shorter and easy, while the Horne Creek Trail is longer and moderately difficult. Another moderately difficult option is the 3.3-mile Pilot Creek Trail. It crosses tributaries of Pilot Creek and climbs through a pine-oak heath forest to the campground.
The easy Pilot Creek Meadow Walk passes through warm-season grass meadows above Pilot Creek and is registered as part of the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail. Compared with the moderately difficult Pilot Creek Trail, the described differences lie mainly in the difficulty and scenery: meadows contrast with a forest trail that crosses tributaries and climbs to the campground.
Trails for Hiking and Horseback Riding
Length and designated use can also help you choose. The Corridor Trail is 6.6 miles long, challenging, and designated for both hiking and horseback riding. At 1.5 miles, the Yadkin Island Trail is considerably shorter, moderately difficult, and also designated for hiking and horseback riding; the route includes a stream crossing. These two trails therefore differ not only in length but also in difficulty. In addition, crossing a stream is explicitly part of the Yadkin Island Trail’s route.
A distinctive geological feature of Pilot Mountain State Park is the rocky pinnacle around which the park is laid out. Together with the different trail profiles, this creates a variety of woods, meadows, and river scenery. When planning, it is helpful to consider the stated length, difficulty, and use of each individual trail: the routes range from 0.5 to 6.6 miles, and ratings range from easy to challenging.
Rural History at Horne Creek Farm
At Horne Creek Farm, visitors can experience rural life in the northwestern Piedmont of North Carolina around 1900. The property also includes a historic apple orchard. An annual corn-shucking festival is held there. The farm thus combines a glimpse into a particular time and region with a recurring event. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the specific dates in advance.
The trails offer distinct experiences of river, woodland, and meadow; Horne Creek Farm adds its own focus on rural history. You can prioritize the subjects according to your interests without confusing the different trail profiles.
Discover more destinations: Elkin, Dobson, Mt Airy
Return to the main travel overview: Surry County.
