Pilot Mountain State Park
"Mount Airy visitors can pair a park outing with a scenic drive through the Yadkin Valley. The park is close enough for a half-day adventure or an easy family picnic."
Pilot Mountain State Park is known for its unmistakable summit, the Big Pinnacle, which dominates the skyline for miles. The park also offers river access, picnic areas, camping, and a variety of outdoor activities in the foothills of northwestern North Carolina.
Stone Mountain State Park
"Mount Airy is close enough for an easy outing to Stone Mountain’s granite dome and picnic areas. Visitors from this area often come for climbing, fishing, and family hikes."
Stone Mountain State Park features the 600-million-year-old granite face of Stone Mountain, a dramatic waterfall, and preserved historic structures from an early mountain community. Its mix of rugged scenery and family-friendly recreation makes it one of North Carolina’s most visited mountain parks.
Hanging Rock State Park
"Mount Airy visitors often pair a park visit with a scenic drive through the foothills. The waterfalls and overlooks make it a convenient outdoor excursion."
Hanging Rock State Park features five waterfalls, a lake, and more than 20 miles of trails through forested ridges and rocky outcrops. Its signature overlook from Hanging Rock offers one of the most iconic views in North Carolina's Piedmont.
Fairy Stone State Park
"Mount Airy visitors can reach the park easily for a scenic mountain outing. The park appeals to families and nature lovers looking for a relaxed day outside the city."
Fairy Stone State Park offers a mix of natural history and classic Virginia outdoor recreation, centered around its namesake staurolite crystals and a 168-acre lake. The park features forests, picnic areas, camping, swimming, boating, and seasonal programs in a tranquil mountain setting.
Grayson Highlands State Park
"Mount Airy visitors often cross into Virginia for a memorable Blue Ridge outing. The park’s wild ponies and panoramic overlooks make it especially appealing for photographers and families."
Grayson Highlands State Park offers some of Virginia’s most iconic mountain scenery, with open grassy balds, spruce-fir forests, and access to Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. It is especially popular with hikers, photographers, and campers seeking cool temperatures and expansive views.