This Is the Quietest Part of This North Carolina State Park

Pilot Mountain is one of North Carolina's most recognizable landmarks. Standing 2,400 feet above sea level, it has served as a beacon for explorers throughout history, and today, it's the crown jewel of Pilot Mountain State Park. Consistently among North Carolina's most-visited state parks, it receives an average of one million visitors annually. And while the mountain is certainly worth climbing up, visitors should note that there are other, more secluded parts of the state park that prove just as magnificent.

You'll find Pilot Creek Trail in the park's quieter northern section, accessible from the Pilot Creek Access section of the park. Pilot Creek Trail isn't an easy trail, but it isn't particularly grueling, either. Over the course of six miles, you'll gain just shy of 700 feet in elevation, but most of it is gradual. It takes the average hiker about two and a half hours to complete, but of course, this depends on pace and whether you prefer taking breaks along the way. You'll want to park at the Pilot Creek Access, at 382 Boyd Nelson Road in Pinnacle, North Carolina. The trail begins at Boyd Nelson Road, making its way through hardwood forests and over tributaries of Pilot Creek before reaching the park's family campground.

Whereas other trails in the park, for example, the Pilot Mountain Trail, are enjoyed for their stunning views, the Pilot Creek Trail is beloved for something hikers consistently mention: atmosphere.

It's peaceful, secluded, and rarely crowded. It's also remarkably quiet, giving hikers the chance to focus on the woodsy surroundings and truly disconnect. While I'm always drawn to hikes with big pay-offs, such a stunning mountain views or an epic waterfall, I also appreciate the trails whose effect is almost meditative. By all accounts, that's the exact experience you can look forward to when hiking the Pilot Creek Trail.

A few things to note when hiking: the trail is made of completely natural surfaces, with a fair amount of roots and a couple of stream crossings. Therefore, a sturdy pair of hiking boots is a must. It can also get a bit buggy, especially in the middle of summer, so be sure to plan accordingly. It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with a trail map of the area, or better yet, download AllTrails+ so that you can have access to maps even when cell service gets spotty.

Have you ever visited Pilot Mountain State Park? When you visit, do you plan to hike the mountain or explore the park's quieter side? Feel free to share this article with a fellow hiking enthusiast and let the planning begin! Need a place to stay while you're exploring the area? Check out this adorable Airbnb near Pilot Mountain State Park—it's the perfect home base for all your hiking adventures.

For more adventures around the Tar Heel State, take a look at this list of hidden gems in North Carolina that we keep coming back to.