Pilot Mountain

Today's picture features Pilot Mountain, the peak referred to as "Mount Pilot" on The Andy Griffith Show. Mr. Griffith grew up in the nearby town of Mount Airy, NC, so it isn't surprising that he chose to showcase Pilot Mountain on the TV show.

At 2,421 feet, Pilot Mountain's distinctive quartzite monadnock rock dome rises high above the surrounding landscape of western North Carolina's upper Piedmont plateau. In fact, the dome comes into clear view as you approach the area from any direction! Cheria took this wonderful photo through the car window as we drove past the mountain on the way to visit our daughter Amy in Wilmington, NC.

Pilot Mountain is the namesake and primary attraction of Pilot Mountain State Park, a very beautiful and extremely busy reserve that is popular among outdoor enthusiasts of all types. Pilot Mountain itself and the wooded areas that surround it offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, picnicking, camping, horseback riding and rock climbing while the nearby Yadkin River boasts excellent fishing, rafting and canoeing opportunities.

Getting to Pilot Mountain is a breeze. Simply take the Pilot Mountain State Park exit on US Highway 52, then travel west to the park office which is located in the "mountain" section of the park.

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