The Long Way Up
Well, we really earned those climbs.
The Park announced that it would NOT be opening the gate that provided access to the summit until May 18th, but instructed anyone willing to hike up to go climbing to park at Pinnacle Hotel Rd. Going on almost 2 solid months of not climbing(long time, I know) we decided to take this trail up to the top last Saturday. I mean, how hard can it be?
Just when my mind started to ask the “i wonder how far we’ve gone so far” we came up to another intersection. This made me quickly realize we hadn’t gone that far UP yet. Ugh. As we connected with the Grindstone trail at the intersection of Grassy Ridge trail, I could see the new visitors center off to the right, meaning we had only walked around to the FRONT DOOR of the park, we still had the Grindstone to go…….
If you have walked up the Grindstone trail at Pilot Mountain, you know. This trail lives up to its name. We made our across the lower parking lot(i was thinking to myself how weird it looked to not have any cars in the lot) and headed up the trail. The elevation quickly came into the picture. After what feels like forever you pass another parking lot and then the campground. After the campground is when it really picks up, winding its way through the draws and spurs of the mountain side. Pilot Mountain may not be that tall, but they sure make you feel it in a short distance. Right before the intersection of ledge springs and grindstone is what I call “The Gauntlet”. A fairly steep section of the trail that just goes forever.
We started at about 830am on a beautiful sunny Saturday. I was surprised to see so FEW cars in the lot, especially since hearing that most other parks were already “at capacity”. But that didn’t stop us, after gearing up and topping off we hit the trail. We would walk the Mountain trail and follow it until it met with the Grindstone trail, then take the Ledge Springs Trail to the lower climbing areas like Pool Hall and The Beach.
The trail is well-maintained and as wide as the Haw River, but it isn’t a flat one. After 1/2 mile we came to our first intersection, where we went right(first look showed this being the faster way) which was bringing us around toward the parking lot. The elevation was fairly level at this point. So far, just a nice walk through the woods. The field of view throughout the park is incredible due to the lack of low growing plants, and as you wind through the hills you can hear all sorts of animals coming alive for their day in the park.
Reaching the bottom of ledge springs was a welcome sight, as we knew we were very close to the lower climbing areas. At this point I was ready to drop my pack and get to climbing!! We follow Ledge Springs until it ran into the climbing area and sang out victoriously!! We were so proud of the accomplishment we had made!! It was then that we heard rustling in the wood line below, and out popped a climbing party of four! When I asked what they were doing, they gladly told me, “We’re taking the shortcut”.
Needless to say we follow there route back out. All in all a 6.5 mile day. In my opinion, I am glad I took the time to walk the trail and make it to the top. While it is not the hardest ascent i’ve ever done, convincing myself to take the route was proving difficult as I had gotten used to certain comforts like short approaches. Taking the time to explore this side of the park gives me even more respect and compassion for all the work done here. I hope to continue to enjoy its bounty for years to come.
If you plan to take this trail, remember it is a strenuous walk. Take plenty of water, a small jacket and light. Let someone know where you are going.
Have fun and leave no trace. Learn more at https://www.ncparks.gov/pilot-mountain-state-park/home
