Here in Surry County and in surrounding areas, almost anybody could point the way to Pilot Mountain. This very visible landmark, which gets its name by virtue of its prominence above the Northern Piedmont landscape, is well known throughout the region. The quartzite pinnacle and ledges with their unique shapes make up what is arguably the most widely recognized natural landmark in North Carolina. Most folks in these parts also know that the mountain is a state park area, publicly-owned and open for recreational purposes during operating hours.

Less well known is the fact that Pilot Mountain State Park also has a satellite park area along the Yadkin River in the Shoals community. Referred to as Yadkin Islands Park, the River Section of Pilot Mountain State Park encompasses well over 1,000 acres in Surry and Yadkin counties. Though the Mountain Section is one of the most well-known features in the area, the River Section may be one of our most overlooked local public recreation opportunities.

Though this park section is undeveloped (it has no buildings, electricity, or running water), it does offer chances to engage in several different outdoor recreational pursuits.

There are hiking trails, and some of the trails are designated for horses as well. There are three different parking lots within the park where horses may be unloaded that afford access to the bridle trails. Both the north side (Surry County) and the south side (Yadkin County) have shaded picnic areas. The north side picnic area also has two stationary grills, or you may bring your own.

There is a parking area with canoe and kayak launch at the south side, accessible by driving through the town of East Bend, as well as an overnight canoe and kayak camping area on the north river bank. This campsite is intended for use by paddlers on the Yadkin/Pee Dee River Trail and is restricted to canoeists and kayakers with a camping permit only. Permits may be obtained by calling the Pilot Mountain State Park office.

Group camping is available in the north side for organized groups such as Boy Scouts, church and school groups, and youth organizations. Like the canoe camping, group camping requires a reservation be made through the Pilot Mountain State Park office.

In addition to hiking and camping, a wide variety of native species of plants and animals exist in the park, lending an excellent opportunity for private nature study or organized class field trips. Park rangers often facilitate environmental education programs for teachers, as well as conducting periodic hikes and nature programs which are free to the public. Information on scheduled public programs can be obtained by calling the park office.

Of course, one of the most prominent and popular features of the River Section is the river itself.

The Yadkin River, and some of its tributaries, runs through Yadkin Islands Park. This section of the river, which includes several islands, widens out and runs across a relatively shallow and rocky river bed known as the Bean Shoals. When the river is flowing at normal capacity it is fairly shallow in the Bean Shoals. Visitors who choose to do so may wade in the river or raft, and in the heat of the summer many do.

Please keep in mind that the Yadkin is a natural, wild river complete with underwater rock ledges and deep holes, along with trees, branches and debris that find their way into the river during storms. Anybody entering the Yadkin should be aware of these hazards, as well as their own abilities and limitations, when making the decision to wade in the park. Children should never enter into the river at any time without close adult supervision and life jackets, and no one should attempt to wade after periods of rain or when the water level of the river is high. Visitors should only enter the water when it is clear enough to see the river bottom, including holes or underwater hazards or obstacles.

The park does not have a designated swimming area and no lifeguards or water safety personnel are on hand, so if you decide to go in, you are on your own. Also keep in mind if you would like to tube or raft in the park, the water is generally very slow moving. You will be best off to plan on staying in the same area that you entered the river, and leaving by the same route rather than attempting to float down to another take-out point downstream. When the water is at a level that would be considered safe to wade in, it is moving slowly enough that it can take several hours to travel only a short distance on an inner tube or inflatable raft. Additionally the numerous rocks in the Bean Shoals often puncture and shred tubes and rafts people are using, leaving them stranded far away from where they started as well as where they planned to get out.

A safe wading alternative, especially for children, is to use one of the creeks in the park. Horne Creek, which flows parallel to the main park road on the north side, is generally shallow, though supervising adults should be aware that there are holes on the creek that may be two or three feet deep. In general though, the water is only a few inches deep with a wealth of crawfish, salamanders, minnows, and macro-invertebrate nymphs and larvae that kids of all ages may search out for fun. State law does not allow any plant, animal, or native material to be removed from the park (except for fish legally harvested within parameters of the fishing regulations set forth by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission), so plan on releasing any captures after getting a good look.

Fishing is also a very popular pastime at Yadkin Islands Park. All safety considerations mentioned for wading need to be applied for those who chose to enter the Yadkin on foot to fish. As long as safety precautions are adhered to, wading can be a very productive way to fish this stretch of water. Although the river is fairly shallow in most places, there are numerous holes and troughs scattered about, and almost every one of the many rock ledges that run perpendicular to the current has an eddy of deeper water behind it. These deeper spots are the best places to concentrate on.

Catchable species in the Yadkin River include catfish, bream and bass. Smallmouth bass have enjoyed a resurgence in the Yadkin River’s upper reaches, due in no small part to improved water quality. Many anglers prefer to use artificial lures in their quest for smallmouth bass, but natural bait such as night crawlers, minnows and hellgrammites work very well, also. All of these natural baits are also appealing to the large number of catfish in the Bean Shoals. Even though the catfish are numerous in the shoals, most are smaller fish.

Of course, folks can always fish from the banks. Bank fishing is much safer for smaller anglers, or those who may have unsure footing, though the heavy vegetation along the river banks can be frustrating to deal with. As with wading, people with children whom they would like to take fishing might be well advised to skip the river and use Horne creek instead. While there is not likely to be any harvestable size fish in this body of water, young anglers can still have a good time catching chubs and small bream from the deeper holes along the banks using worms and a small hook.

Keep in mind when fishing in N.C. State Parks, or in any public water, all N.C. fishing regulations apply and those 16-years-old and older must possess a valid N.C. fishing license. Live and natural bait may not be gathered in the park.

When considering what to do on upcoming summer weekends, don’t forget about the state park areas that are practically in your own back yard. They are a great place to spend the day avoiding the heat with family and friends. Just keep in mind to obey park regulations — no alcohol, no firearms, visit only during the posted operating hours, camping and fires are legal only in designated areas, pets must be on a leash, only licensed motor vehicles may operate within state park boundaries on designated park roads, and all plants, animals and native materials and artifacts are protected by law and may not be removed. Of course, all other North Carolina General Statutes also apply.

If you have any questions about park regulations, facilities, programs or operating hours, please do not hesitate to call the park office during business hours at 325-2355. You can also get information about Pilot Mountain and other state parks by visiting www.ncparks.gov.

Keith Martin is a ranger with Pilot Mountain State Park.