Outdoor Adventures In & Around Mt. Airy

Mount Airy, North Carolina, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities and attractions that showcase the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From hiking and biking to wine tasting and scenic drives, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque region. Here’s a guide to some of the top outdoor destinations and events in and around Mount Airy.

Pilot Mountain State Park

Pilot Mountain State Park, located just a short drive from Mount Airy, is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. The park’s most iconic feature is the distinctive rock knob that rises 2,000 feet above the surrounding landscape, offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Getting There: Pilot Mountain State Park is located at 1792 Pilot Knob Park Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043, about a 20-minute drive from Mount Airy. The park is open daily from dawn until dusk, and admission is free.

Activities: Pilot Mountain offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including:

  • Hiking: The park features over 20 miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some popular trails include the Grindstone Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the Ledge Spring Trail, which leads to a historic stone quarry.
  • Rock Climbing: Pilot Mountain is a popular destination for rock climbing, with over 100 established routes ranging from beginner to expert levels. Climbing is allowed by permit only, and all climbers must register at the park office before beginning their ascent.
  • Horseback Riding: The park features over 6 miles of bridle trails, offering a unique way to explore the park’s scenic beauty. Horses are not available for rent, so visitors must bring their own.
  • Canoeing and Fishing: The Yadkin River, which runs through the park, offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park has several river access points, and visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from local outfitters.

Special Events: Pilot Mountain hosts several special events throughout the year, including:

  • Pilot Mountain Star Gazing (August): A guided stargazing event led by local astronomers, offering a chance to view the night sky from the summit of Pilot Mountain.
  • Pilot Mountain Naturalist Niche (Year-Round): A series of guided hikes and nature programs led by park rangers, offering a chance to learn about the park’s ecology and wildlife.

Yadkin Valley Wine Trail

The Yadkin Valley, located just south of Mount Airy, is home to over 45 wineries, making it one of the largest and most diverse wine regions in North Carolina. The Yadkin Valley Wine Trail offers a chance to sample some of the best vintages in the state while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Getting There: The Yadkin Valley Wine Trail is located along the I-77 corridor, with wineries stretching from Mount Airy to Elkin and beyond. Visitors can pick up a map of the trail at any participating winery or at the Mount Airy Visitors Center.

Activities: The Yadkin Valley Wine Trail offers a variety of activities for wine lovers, including:

  • Wine Tastings: Most wineries along the trail offer tastings of their latest vintages, ranging from dry reds to sweet dessert wines. Tasting fees vary by winery but are generally around $5-10 per person.
  • Winery Tours: Many wineries offer guided tours of their vineyards and production facilities, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process. Tours are generally offered on weekends and require advance reservations.
  • Food Pairings: Some wineries along the trail offer food pairings or have on-site restaurants that serve local cuisine designed to complement their wines.

Special Events: The Yadkin Valley Wine Trail hosts several special events throughout the year, including:

  • Yadkin Valley Wine Festival (May): A two-day festival featuring wine tastings, live music, and artisan crafts, held at the Elkin Municipal Park.
  • Yadkin Valley Grape Festival (October): A celebration of the grape harvest, featuring wine tastings, grape stomping competitions, and live entertainment, held in downtown Yadkinville.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” is a 469-mile scenic highway that runs from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The parkway passes just a few miles west of Mount Airy, offering access to some of the most stunning views and hiking trails in the region.

Getting There: The Blue Ridge Parkway can be accessed from several points near Mount Airy, including the intersection of US 52 and the parkway at milepost 199.5, about a 20-minute drive from downtown.

Activities: The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a variety of outdoor activities, including:

  • Scenic Drives: The parkway itself is the main attraction, offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can stop at any of the numerous overlooks to take in the scenery and snap photos.
  • Hiking: The parkway provides access to over 100 hiking trails, ranging from short nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some popular trails near Mount Airy include the Groundhog Mountain Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the Cumberland Knob Trail, which leads to the site of the parkway’s groundbreaking ceremony in 1935.
  • Picnicking: The parkway features numerous picnic areas, many with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can pack a lunch and enjoy a scenic meal in the great outdoors.

Special Events: The Blue Ridge Parkway hosts several special events throughout the year, including:

  • Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflower Bloom (Spring): A celebration of the parkway’s diverse wildflower population, with guided hikes and nature programs led by park rangers.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Color (October): A chance to see the parkway’s stunning fall foliage, with guided hikes and scenic drives led by park rangers.

Outdoor Activities & Races in Mount Airy

In addition to these nearby outdoor destinations, Mount Airy itself hosts several outdoor activities and races throughout the year, including:

Walk to Defeat ALS (April): A 2-mile fundraising walk held at Riverside Park, with proceeds benefiting the ALS Association. The walk is open to participants of all ages and abilities, with a $25 registration fee.

4th of July Parade and Fireworks: A patriotic celebration held in downtown Mount Airy, featuring a parade, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display over the city. The event is free and open to the public.

Granite City Greenway Races (October): A series of races along Mount Airy’s greenway trails, including a 5K, 10K, and 1-mile fun run. The races start and finish at Riverside Park, with a post-race celebration featuring live music and food trucks.

Mayberry Half Marathon (October): A scenic 13.1-mile race through Mount Airy’s historic neighborhoods, starting and finishing at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. The race is open to runners of all abilities, with a $60 registration fee that includes a commemorative medal and t-shirt.

In Summary

With its stunning natural beauty, flora and fauna, diverse outdoor activities, and vibrant community events, Mount Airy is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike, a refreshing kayaking adventure, or a leisurely or challenging bike ride, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors in this charming North Carolina town. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and come discover the natural wonders of Mount Airy for yourself!