Pilot Mountain (5,151ft.)

Views from the summit of Pilot Mountain in all directions reveal the majesty and wildness of the Pisgah National Forest. From US 276, turn west onto Davidson River Road (Forest Service Road 475- toward fish hatchery) go 6.2 miles, keeping left at junctions, to Glouchester Gap; trail begins on the west side of the road across from the junction with Cathey’s Creek Road. Climb northwest, right on Art Loeb Trail following the yellow blazes and silhouettes of hikers. Frequent switchbacks make the ascent moderate. It takes 1.5 hours to reach the summit. For a different return route, continue north from the summit, descending on the opposite side of the mountain on Jeep Road. The trail offers a moderate roundtrip of 6 miles and campsites. Several options exist to lengthen the hike by continuing to the Shining Rock Wilderness or to Farlow Gap Trail.