Covid measures in North Carolina

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in North Carolina, please refer to the North Carolina Official Webpage . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get in this adventure: An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area A full day of rock climbing with a private guide All technical climbing gear What’s not included: NC State Parks charge $35.00 per day for commercial climbing access — your guide splits this expense with you Transportation Accommodations Food and snacks

How fit do I need to be?

If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

What if I’ve never climbed before?

Pilot Mountain has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun! For intermediate to advanced climbers, Pilot Mountain has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

What about required equipment?

All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need: Helmet Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them) Ropes Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.) Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag) Water bottle Food you can eat on-the-go Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Sunglasses Camera — optional Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1 and cost is per person. Costs per person decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family. Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. For most options, kids aged 8 and up can go out and try climbing! If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to the Pilot Mountain, most people fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport or Raleigh-Durham International Airport, both about 2 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Winston-Salem which is half an hour away from the climbing site. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. The exact climbing spot will be discussed after the booking. Guides determine exact locations after considering the skill level of the group and factors such as crag traffic and weather.

Pilot Mountain | North Carolina

Rock Climbing in Pilot Mountain

5.00

Pilot MountainThe pinnacle, in NC, 1400 feet above the valley floor, is quartzite metamorphic rock produced millions of years ago by pressure and heat below earth's surface, rock climbing north carolina

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

Duration

1-2 days

Season

Fall through Spring

Group size

Up to 6 people

Pilot Mountain, North Carolina is a great all around single pitch climbing crag known for its iconic Big Pinnacle and Little Pinnacle. The variety of terrain makes Pilot Mountain an excellent destination for climbers of all skill levels. Because of the area’s abundance of easier routes, it’s the perfect place to make the transition from indoor to outdoor climbing. This day of climbing is yours to customize. Be sure to let your guide know if you have specific objectives in mind or want to focus on certain techniques. Partner with your and create your ideal day on the crag.

Adventure highlights

Miles of trails, camping, climbing and spectacular scenery
Rises more than 2,000 feet in elevation
The variety of terrain makes it an excellent classroom for climbers of all levels

Highlighted reviews from other travellers

Ron H

Top Rope Anchoring Lessons

We hired BRMG to teach us top rope anchoring techniques at Pilot Mountain. Our climbing guide Grant Price exceeded our expectations. Grant is a super talented teacher and has given us the required knowledge that we desired to begin our outside climbing journey. We will definitely work with BRMG in the future and specifically request Grant as our guide and teacher. Climb on!

jeffw210

Rock Climbing Rocks!

I’m a newbie to rock climbing. Grant at Blue Ridge did an excellent job showing me the ropes and getting me to climb beyond my expectations. He’s passionate about rock climbing and an excellent instructor with the patience to walk a newbie through everything that you need to know about climbing. Have been out there with him twice already and look forward to more excursions.

ElizaSyke

Gym to crag

I had a really fun two days learning to build different anchors, clean, rappel and generally have fun climbing. Our guide Dakota was fantastic and emphasized a critical thought process behind analyzing situations beyond just memorizing information. I went with my dad and even though we climb at different levels we were both able to do challenging routes. I would recommend Blue Ridge Mountain Guides to anyone wanting to start venturing outside from the gym!

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Available itineraries

Download itineraries

A Customized Day of Climbing With a Private Guide

Explore Pilot Mountain’s quartzite cliffs and enjoy climbing routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.13a. There are truly options for everyone, whether you want to learn basic skills and techniques or build up on your knowledge on the more challenging routes. Your expert and friendly guide will tailor the day according to your needs while taking care of your safety, ensuring a day of fun on the rocks!

First Ascent With a Private Guide

Take the first step towards becoming a confident climber! Learn basic climbing skills and movements with an expert guide that will take you through the basics step-by-step. Learn skills such as tying into a climbing rope, belaying, rappelling and how to move on rock, and practice as a climbing partner to your guide and friends. Let your guide tailor the day according to your need and experience the thrill of rock climbing!

Gym to Crag With a Private Guide

If you are still a beginner but possess basic skills obtained from a climbing gym or outdoor climbing, this two-day course is perfect for you. Develop the techniques needed to climb outdoors and let your guide teach you all about gear essentials, movement on natural rock, safety, and more advanced techniques. This course is also a perfect re-introduction to outside climbing. Refresh your skills and enjoy a day of fun on the rocks!

Learn to Lead With a Private Guide

This two-day course is ideal for somewhat experienced climbers who want to climb from the ground up using only what they have brought to the climb! Learn the skills necessary to lead, belay a second, manage the ropes, and top rope climbs. Practice your placement, techniques, and anchor building under the guidance of your experienced guide.

Rock Climbing in Pilot Mountain

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Grant Price

AMGA Certified Guide

AMGA Certified guide Grant Price offers a decade of outdoor education experience and twenty years of climbing in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Hampshire. Grant is also the head guide for Blue Ridge Mountain Guides.

5.00

Blue Ridge Mountain Guides is an AMGA accredited guiding service that provides guiding and climbing instruction above and beyond expectations for beginners to pros. They guide rock climbing and ice climbing adventures across Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Hampshire — more locations than any other guide service in the South-Atlantic!

5.00(4 reviews)

Ron H

Top Rope Anchoring Lessons

jeffw210

Rock Climbing Rocks!

ElizaSyke

Gym to crag

Show all reviews

Ron H

Top Rope Anchoring Lessons

jeffw210

Rock Climbing Rocks!

ElizaSyke

Gym to crag

Keithmaj

Top Rope climbing

We highly recommend for any climbing guide needs. This was our 2nd trip climbing with BRMG and can’t say enough good about our experiences.

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in North Carolina, please refer to the North Carolina Official Webpage.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get in this adventure:
- - An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A full day of rock climbing with a private guide
  - All technical climbing gear
What’s not included:
- - NC State Parks charge $35.00 per day for commercial climbing access — your guide splits this expense with you
  - Transportation
  - Accommodations
  - Food and snacks
If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
Pilot Mountain has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

For intermediate to advanced climbers, Pilot Mountain has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.
All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
- - Helmet
  - Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
  - Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
  - Ropes
  - Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
  - Water bottle
  - Food you can eat on-the-go
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1 and cost is per person.
  - Costs per person decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
  - Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  - For most options, kids aged 8 and up can go out and try climbing!
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the Pilot Mountain, most people fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport or Raleigh-Durham International Airport, both about 2 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Winston-Salem which is half an hour away from the climbing site.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. The exact climbing spot will be discussed after the booking. Guides determine exact locations after considering the skill level of the group and factors such as crag traffic and weather.
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.