Pilot Mountain State Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Pilot Mountain State Park | |
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| North Carolina State Park | |
| Natural Monument (IUCN III) | |
 The distinctive Big Pinnacle of Pilot Mountain
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| Named for: Pilot Mountain | |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| Counties | Stokes, Yadkin |
| Location | |
| - coordinates | Coordinates: |
| Area | 3,703 acres (1,498.6 ha) |
| Highest point | |
| - location | Big Pinnacle |
| - coordinates | |
| - elevation | 2,241 ft (683 m) |
| Lowest point | |
| - location | Yadkin River |
| - coordinates | |
| - elevation | 794 ft (242 m) |
| Dedicated | 1968 |
| Managed by | North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources |
| Nearest City | Pinnacle, North Carolina |
  Location of Pilot Mountain State Park in North Carolina
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| Website : Pilot Mountain State Park | |
Pilot Mountain State Park is a North Carolina state park in Surry and Yadkin Counties, North Carolina in the United States. Located near Pinnacle, North Carolina, it covers 3,703 acres (15 km²) and includes the distinctive 2,241 foot (683 m) peak of Pilot Mountain.
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[edit] History
Pilot Mountain was known to the Saura, a Native American tribe of the North Carolina Piedmont region as Jomeokee meaning the Great Guide or Pilot. It served as a guidepost for the natives and the European settlers of the Carolina.[1]
The Saura were driven out of the area by the Cherokee. The first European settlers in the area were Moravians, a religious group that settled in the Thirteen Colonies seeking freedom of religion and to evangelize among the Native Americans. Settlement, in the area, was slowed until after the American Revolutionary War due to tense relations between the Cherokee, the British and local setters.[1]
Pilot Mountain became a North Carolina state park in 1968 having previously served as a commercial tourist attraction. It was established as a state park in order to protect the mountain and surrounding lands from being over-developed.[1] The Pilot Mountain Preservation and Park Committee purchased the land from Mrs. J. W. Beasley by raising funds and acquired a grant from the federal government. Additional lands along the Yadkin River were purchased in 1970. Further purchases have brought Pilot Mountain State Park to a total size of 3,703 acres (14.99 km²).[1]
[edit] Recreation
Pilot Mountain State Park is for year-round recreation. Activities at the park include, camping, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking and environmental education.[2]
The Yadkin River provides opportunities for visitors to the park to fish and canoe. The Yadkin River Canoe Trail is 165 mile (265 km) long and follows the course of the river to its confluence with the Uwharrie River at the Pee Dee River in south central North Carolina. Two miles (3.22 km) of the river pass through Pilot Mountain State Park. The river is broad and shallow at the park with two islands that can be reached by canoe or by wading when the water level is low. All anglers need to have a license from the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. The common game fish are sunfish, catfish and crappie.[2]
A family camping area is on the lower slopes of Pilot Mountain. It has 49 campsites that are open to tents or trailers that are scattered in a forest of hickory and oak trees. Each campsite comes equipped with a charcoal grill, picnic table and tent pad. Modern restroom facilities with hot water and showers are located nearby. A large and rustic youth group camping area is located on the northern floodplain of the Yadkin River. Canoeists are permitted to camp at two campsites on the islands of the river.[2]
There are three picnic areas at Pilot Mountain State Park. One picnic area is near the summit parking lot and two are near the Yadkin River. The area has many picnic tables and grills. Drinking water is provided as are rustic toilets.[2]
Rock Climbing is permitted in some designated sections of the park. All climbers must register with park staff. Climbing and rappelling are not permitted on the face of Pilot Mountain, Big Pinnacle. A list of rules and regulations can be obtained from the park offices.[2] Many miles of trail at Pilot Mountain State Park are open to hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding. Rules and regulations can be obtained at the park offices.[2]
[edit] Ecology
The ecology of Pilot Mountain State Park is similar to the ecology of the Blue Ridge Mountains which are west of Surry County. Big Pinnacle is ringed by rhododendron catawbiense which has pink blossoms in the spring making the mountain appear as if it is wearing a "pink crown".[3] Mountain laurel can be found throughout the park as can wild blueberry, huckleberry and grapes. The forests are comprised of mainly Chestnut oak, Table Mountain Pine and Pitch Pine trees. Wildlife consists of animals that are typical to an eastern woodland environment including the American toad, Carolina Wren, ravens, White-tailed deer and raccoons.[3]
[edit] Nearby state parks
The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Pilot Mountain State Park:
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d Pilot Mountain State Park: History. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
- ^ a b c d e f Pilot Mountain State Park: Activities. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
- ^ a b Pilot Mountain State Park: Ecology. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
