Same Park, different perspective.
Phase One of the ReOpen plan began this past weekend, and although State Parks were allowed to fully open, Pilot Mountain State Park decided to keep the access to the summit; the access to the main reason people go to Pilot, CLOSED.
Honestly, I had no intentions of going to the summit this weekend, as I already knew it was going to be a madhouse, much like we saw at various other parks around the state this weekend. I heard that other parking lots would be open for hikers, so we decided to explore the Corridor Trail section of the park, so we decided to go for an adventure.
When they announced they would keep the main gate closed, I was annoyed at first. But when i stepped back and looked at the park as a whole, I saw so much that I have not even explored yet. And that made me happy. And to share it with friends and family, made it one of the best memories of 2020 so far.
The Corridor Trail coincides with 6.6 miles of Segment 7 of the Mountain - to - Sea Trail that stretches the length of our great state. From the Corridor Parking Lot to the River, you will walk along a well maintained path through a green tunnel winding its way through the countryside. For the past 8 years, I have been coming to Pilot Mountain State Park, specifically to climb its walls. Not being able to climb at Pilot(and most other crags) was crushing.
You can walk towards the mountain, and connect with the other trails in the park. Or you can walk towards the river section. We chose to walk toward the river section.
The trail is easily accessible, well maintained, and a perfect start for any novice hiker wanting to explore one of State’s unique trail systems. I challenge everyone to seek to understand & appreciate the different perspectives that exist in nature, in community, in family. May that perspective help you to see
For more information on the Corridor Trail visit : https://www.ncparks.gov/pilot-mountain-state-park/trail/corridor-trail
For more information on the MST visit : https://mountainstoseatrail.org/segment/
