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1-Day Pinnacle Itinerary

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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025

Pinnacle in 1 day

If you only have 1 day to spend in Pinnacle, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.

Pinnacle is a small community best known as a gateway to Pilot Mountain State Park, where visitors can hike, rock climb, and enjoy panoramic views of the Sauratown Mountains. The surrounding countryside offers scenic drives, farms, and access to portions of the Yadkin Valley wine region. Its location in northwestern North Carolina also makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby towns like Mount Airy and the broader Blue Ridge foothills.

With favorites like Horne Creek Living Historical Farm, Hunt Brothers Pizza, and Pilot Mountain State Park, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Hunt Brothers Pizza so you can get the best taste of Pinnacle while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.

Visiting Pinnacle? See our Pinnacle Trip Planner.

Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!

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Pinnacle in 1 day
1-day itinerary

Day 1

1-day itinerary

With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, Pilot Mountain State Park and Horne Creek Living Historical Farm with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Pinnacle without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 2 hours of your day.

Pilot Mountain State Park

4.8

(7423)

•

4.5

(777)

State park

Nature & Parks

Park

Mountains

Hiking & rock climbing on iconic, 2,400-ft. Pilot Mountain with a separate riverfront area.

I love the views from Pilot, but the overlook from the parking lot is not what it used to be. Some young trees have grown up, so if you really want to get a look at the stunning valley view you’ll need to do a little hiking or rock climbing. That said, this is a very pretty and serene place. It’s worth the effort. The trails have a lot of boulders for steps and can be challenging. Hiking poles are highly recommended, particularly if you are an active older person looking to get exercise while minimizing your risk of falling. Likewise you might want to avoid hiking up or down Three Bears Gully - which is on the scary side. I’d suggest bug spray to keep ticks at bay and sunscreen as well. Nothing out of the ordinary for warm weather hiking in the south eastern US. Ravens nest on the pinnacle so it can’t be climbed, but there is a trail that loops around the base. Hiking at Pilot can be a really great workout for your quads!

Marlys A — Google review

This is my go to place to hike because it is literally in my backyard. Trails are maintained and marked very well. There are several trails with different levels of difficulty ranging from easy too hard, so there is something for all skill levels. I love seeing people out there with their pets and young ones. It does my heart good to see young people getting away from TVs and video games.

Brandon R — Google review

We made a fall trip with bunch of friends to this gem of a place. Views and rock formations were amazing. We did a few short trails. The one called Pilot knob trail is a must, it is 0.8 mile and takes just a little to go around the top. Drive from Charlotte was easy. We didn’t have to use shuttle as there were many parking spots on top of mountain but they do have shuttles from the bottom parking lot if top one is full. State park folks has maintained this park to the top notch. Some parts were closed for rock climbers while in other part we saw many climbers.

Amit M — Google review

We hiked the Grindstone and the Pilot Knob Trails. Both trails are well maintained and marked. While Grindstone is rated strenuous, I would rate it moderately strenuous. Overall it's mostly moderate due to the trail surface itself being well maintained and use of switchbacks to ease the climb. One section above the 1.5 mile marker is more difficult as it's not switchbacked with a steeper pitch up the mountain and a bit rocky. The views from Little Pinnacle Overlook and Pilot Knob Trail are outstanding. The top is a bit like Mount Mitchell since you can also drive to the top. Pick your time to do the hike carefully to avoid the crowds at the top!

J F — Google review

I have always loved Pilot Mountain State Park! When I was little, my family would go camping here every year. I'm glad it is still thriving and loved that they have added a shuttle for more people to be able to enjoy the Knob. It was certainly busy but there are many different trails to choose from. If you bring a dog, they are not allowed on the shuttle. We took the Grindstone trail from the visitors center up to the knob (3.5 miles one way). There were definitely some strenuous sections but also some flattish sections that provided a bit of a break. Bathrooms at the top were clean and there were working water fountains outside the bathroom!

Lydia M — Google review

Arrived early for a star party with the Forsyth astronomy club at the summit parking lot. It became cloudy at night but I did get some sunset pictures. Great visibility. On a clear day, with binoculars, you can see the condos on top of Sugar Mountain, which is 79 miles away. Winston Salem and Greensboro skylines are easy. You can see the Charlotte skyline (80 miles away) also. If you hike the Little Pinnacle trail, you will see Hanging Rock/Moore's Wall and Sauratown mountains. The visitor center is tremendous and very informative. Learn about the history of the Saura Indians, animals, flora, fauna and geology of this region.

Rick M — Google review

What a very cool park. We were looking to hike up but found a road all the way to the top and do a nice hike around a few locations. What a great view.

Mind T — Google review

Majestic views. Better than I expected. The drive up to the top was beautiful with the fall leaves all around us. Then at the top there are several lookouts to enjoy the top of Pilot Mountain, trees and valley from above.

Vincent A — Google review

1721 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043, USA•https://www.ncparks.gov/pilot-mountain-state-park/home•(336) 444-5100•Tips and more reviews for Pilot Mountain State Park

27 min · 10.9 mi

Horne Creek Living Historical Farm

4.8

(213)

•

5.0

(44)

Museum

Sights & Landmarks

Gift shop

Visitor center

Historic Sites

A restored 1900s farmhouse presenting a taste of history amid crops, barns & a family cemetery.

Saw the sign & decided to check it out over the weekend. The staff was very informative on the history of the place & the reason behind the preservation. Beautiful, quiet, and easy to walk to. You could’ve taken a guided tour, but we decided to do a self tour. Loved seeing the animals and the buildings!

Janeice L — Google review

As I was leaving Pilot Mountain, I saw a sign for the Horne Creek Historical Farm. Curiosity got the better of me, so I went by to see what this was all about. Turned out to be exactly what the sign said. It was an old Homeplace with Barnes, Gardens, Sheep, Goats and Horses. I am glad I went by and will go again.

Randall M — Google review

We absolutely love this place!! Very quiet. You get to see history up close and personal, not thru a glass case. It was amazing. It's like the family left to go to church and will be returning momentarily. Literally get to walk thru history. The man in the office is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Snacks are cheap! And the cats have such personalities. Highly recommend.

Nikki K — Google review

Wonderful and unexpected experience. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable although he was not one of the usual guides. We learned a great deal as to turn of the century farming. The house and farm are well preserved without being Disnefied. It is possible to get a real sense of life in the era.

John C — Google review

We have visited the fame many times to purchase apple trees. They’re spring and fall sales are the best prices but you’re not just getting a tree you’re getting a heritage version and more knowledge than you could ever find on the Internet about how to grow apples and the varieties that are available. It’s a great half a day trip for the kids to run free and see some of the houses in Barns from the original family that lived there. If you’re ever looking for apple trees it is a must visit for their spring and fall sales .

Amber W — Google review

Very interesting place. All original structures, including two seater outhouse. You really see how life was back in the day. Volunteers were all friendly and knowledgeable. They also have events, etc, so I plan on going back at some point. No cost, no tickets. Not sure if that changes during events.

Brian H — Google review

Horne Creek Living Historical Farm is a wonderful place to visit. It takes you back in time in a very authentic way. The visitor center is very helpful. The animals were a great experience for a six-year old, it was good for a child to lean about farm animals and farm life in a setting like this. He loved the big peaceful mule, the goats, the sheep, and the chickens especially, not to mention the dogs and cats! Being surrounded by state park land, this farm is very quiet and has an authentic feel of silence among the surrounding woods. It really helps you to imagine what life must have been like here over 100 years ago! Plus, there is a great display of quilts in the friendly visitor center, and there are other events during the year that are worth checking out. We love Horne Creek Farm!

John K — Google review

Horne Creek Living Historical Farm was very interesting and educational. My husband and I enjoyed walking down and the trail and feeling like you were truly stepping back in time. We really enjoyed leisurely exploring a working farm set back in time . We also enjoyed the visitor center. We got some of their BlackBerry drink. It was very good and if we’re in the area again will definitely will be stocking up. We enjoyed talking to the people in the visitor center and listening to the history. Definitely will go back when we’re in the area again.

LeslieAnn K — Google review

308 Horne Creek Farm Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043, USA•https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/horne-creek-farm•Tips and more reviews for Horne Creek Living Historical Farm

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Where to eat

Under a 15-minute drive from Pilot Mountain State Park, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.

Hunt Brothers Pizza

5.0

(7)

Pizza restaurant

Convenience store-based pizza chain doling out create-your-own pies along with wings.

This little place is amazing. Perfect thin crust pizza and 25mg protein shakes that are AMAZING and super delicious. And at 5 bucks...super affordable. Pizza was picture perfect!!

Mom M — Google review

Best wings around!!! Literally, fall off the bone. The shaved ice 🍧 is a must too

Chasidy L — Google review

Awesome place, the staff are super sweet and kind. We will be coming back!

Tyler E — Google review

Excellent products, foods, and service.

Michael M — Google review

It is so good so freaking good

Brandy C — Google review

3532 N Old 52 Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043, USA•http://www.huntbrotherspizza.com/•(336) 444-0130•Tips and more reviews for Hunt Brothers Pizza

Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more

Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

What's the weather like in Pinnacle?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Pinnacle for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.