Pilot Rock Trail, Pisgah National Forest

[dropcap style="font-size: 60px; color: #9b9b9b;"] P [/dropcap]ilot Rock is another of the granite plutons found in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. Not as spectacular as it’s more famous cousin, Looking Glass Rock, Pilot still offers remarkable views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and national forest, including the Cradle of Forestry National Historical Site. It’s a short mile climb of almost 700 feet from the valley floor to the southern face of Pilot Rock. The forest changes along the way; from birch saplings to oak and maple, and the omnipresent laurels that embrace Western North Carolina. This hike occurred on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 11:30am to 1:00pm. My plan was to climb the Pilot Rock Trail to the pluton, then make a visit to Bradley Creek, farther down Forest Road 1206.

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Hike Length: 2.2 miles Hike Duration: 1.5 hours Blaze: Orange

Hike Rating: Moderate Hike Configuration: Up and back

Elevation Gain: 690 feet

Trail Condition: Fair. Rocky, and leaf covered in Fall.

Starting Point: Pilot Rock Trailhead #321 on Yellow Gap Road.

Trail Traffic: I did not encounter anyone else on this hike.

How to Get There: From the Brevard, NC junction of Hwys 64/276 take US 276 into Pisgah National Forest 11 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 1206 (Yellow Gap Road), drive approximately 4 miles, trailhead located on left with parking on the right.[/box]

Are you looking for a short hike to get a great view of Pisgah National Forest from above? Well, Pilot Rock is your ticket to a pleasant and enjoyable forested hike that climbs nearly 700 feet in just one mile. From the rock there are unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Cradle of Forestry National Historical Site, as well as a wide expanse of beautiful, lush, protected forest lands.

The trailhead for Pilot Rock Trail is one of many great hikes that begin on Forest Road 1206 otherwise known as Yellow Gap Road, less than a half mile beyond the Forest Discovery Center and Pink Beds off Scenic Highway 276. Once on the gravel forest road, it is four miles to the trailhead, located on the left side of the road. There is parking available for 3-4 cars.

Take note of a confusing turn in the trail just a hundred feet up. The trail appears to go straight ahead, but instead bears to the right. The straight ahead trail goes to a campsite. So bear right, and you will immediately cross Bradley Creek on a log bridge. Once across the creek, the trail begins a steady climb through an amazing forest of thin and numerous birch saplings.

This is an enjoyable area no matter the season. In winter, when the trees are bare, you can see through the forest to the base of Pilot Rock. In late September look for the bright yellow leaves to signal the start of a brand new autumn, and in spring and summer the birch is alive with a vibrant, verdant showcase. The National Forest continues to recover from the logging of the early 20th century.

You will cross an old logging road (stay on the orange blazed trail straight ahead), and the trail begins to climb in earnest. Next comes the first of two series of switchbacks that make the ascent more moderate. Watch your step, especially in late autumn when the trail is covered with fallen leaves. There are roots and loose rocks hidden beneath those leaves that will easily twist an ankle.

Once the trail straightens out again, it enters a boulder field and a change in the makeup of the forest. Look for oak here, and maple, poplar and of course mountain laurel. I was lucky to find this stretch still rocking the bright autumnal hues, so I paused for a break on the boulders and snapped off a few pictures.

Not long after clearing the boulder field you’ll hit the 2nd group of switchbacks, this one just a little bit tougher. If you start to breathe hard, fear not, you are almost to Pilot Rock. As the trail makes a sharp easterly turn, it will pop out of the forest with the granite of Pilot Rock to your right and just below.

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