Located near Pinnacle, North Carolina on highway US 52, it covers 3,872 acres (15.67 km2)[1] and includes the distinctive 2,241 foot (683 m) peak of Pilot Mountain.

The Saura, a Native American tribe of the North Carolina Piedmont region, knew the mountain as Jomeokee meaning the Great Guide.

There are numerous accounts in the Records of the Moravians in North Carolina [3] which related to groups of highwaymen, or bandits, who used the mountains as a refuge throughout the 1750s and 1760s.

[2] The Pilot Mountain Preservation and Park Committee purchased the land from Mrs. J. W. Beasley by raising funds and acquired a grant from the federal government.

Activities at the park include, camping, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing, picnicking, hiking, and environmental education.

The river is broad and shallow at the park with two islands that can be reached by canoe or by wading when the water level is low.

A large and rustic youth group camping area is located on the north side of the park's Yadkin River Section.

[8] Many miles of trail at Pilot Mountain State Park are open to hiking and horse back riding.

Wildlife consists of animals that are typical to an eastern woodland environment including the American toad, Carolina wren, white-tailed deer, opossums and raccoons.