Summer hikes at River Sections of Pilot Mountain State Park
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010I have as much fun finding these trails as I do hiking on them. They’re all tucked way, way back in the countryside, and while there are reasonably direct routes (like less than a half-dozen turns from a major highway), I much prefer the challenge of navigating a mad tangle of two-lane blacktops. The brain’s more hike-ready if I’ve gotten lost three times on the way to the trailhead.
I hiked Saturday in the upper half of Pilot Mountain’s River Section and Sunday in the lower. Had the trails mostly to myself, except for one group of people on horseback and a few folks out fishing. Frankly, despite crazy-hot weather and the risk of encountering the occasional copperhead or cotton-mouth, August might well be the best time to visit because nobody else is there.
You have your bugs buzzing, birds chirping, waterways burbling, all under thick, shady tree cover. The trails are easy by North Carolina standards, though there are a few streams to cross and hills to negotiate. A hiking pole is handy.
All in all, a great place to just get away from everybody without having to drive a hundred miles and deal with a bunch of crazy-complicated mountain trails (and even more complicated human beings). (more…)







