Topics Related to Pilot Mountain State Park

Come join us for a sticky situation- literally! In this hands-on program, kids will get creative and make their own spider-adorned pinecones using natural materials and craft supplies. We’ll explore the fascinating world of spiders and learn about their habitats, behaviors, and importance in nature.

Several animals in the park have become another animal's dinner! Join us in being a detective as we look for clues to figure out what animals have been on the hunt at the park. To solve this mystery, we will be learning about animal tracks, seeing real animal bones, and solving a few puzzles along the way. Think you can crack the case?

Join a Ranger for a walk along the remnants of the Bean Shoals Canal wall.  This failed project attempted to make the Bean Shoals navigable by small bateau in the 1820s.  Come hear the story of this attempt to make the Yadkin a thoroughfare of commerce.  Duration – 1-hour, total distance 1 mile.  Meet at the Bean Shoals Canal Trail in the Bean Shoals Access of Pilot Mountain State Park.

Join Forsyth Audubon and park staff at the 2025 Pilot Mountain Hawk Watch September 19th - 30th.

Come join at the visitor center picnic tables where we will play a game that illustrates the challenges faced by monarchs that migrate to Mexico. These challenges include finding enough to eat, avoiding external sources of mortality and dealing with adverse weather conditions. 

Come join us at the summit parking lot. We will have multiple activities such as skins and skulls, a smell test table, and vulture obstacle courses - hop, soar, and throw slime at pictures of predators, pesticides, and powerlines.

June 25th Tree ID- 11:00 AM Meet at the visitor center and take a short hike (0.75 miles) on the Grassy Ridge and Fiddlehead trails to learn about how to identify the common trees in the area.

June 24th Cloud Chasers - 10 AM - 11 AM Join us for another Tots Tuesday for a kid friendly program where we'll spend the morning with our heads in the clouds - literally! Learn about weather, water, and how clouds form with an amazing cloud making demo and games, enjoy some cloud spotting outdoors, and even make an amazing rainbow craft to take home. Program may include some play with water, so dress accordingly or prepare a change of clothes!

June 21st - Lantern lit evening hike around the Pilot Knob: 6 PM - 8 PM. Kick off the summer by bringing history to light! Join us as we explore the history of the Moravian Settlers in the region through a family friendly punch tin lantern making station (candles included) followed by a guided hike around Pilot Knob. All materials are provided, and young children are encouraged to participate with an adult's help. Lantern making and colonial era children's games will be available from 6 pm to 7 pm and hike will follow starting at 7 pm on the summit.

June 19th- Creek Critters: 1:00 PM Meet at the Bean Shoals access of the park to explore a creek and learn about what lives in it, and how we can tell water quality based on what we find. This program is designed for kids. Please sign up by emailing Pilot.mountain@ncparks.gov.