Visit Pilot Mountain. Stay at Jomeokee Campground (even if it's just for the day).
Jomeokee Campground in Pinnacle, NC, is one of the most beautiful places I have ever spent the night (and I have camped throughout the US, Australia, and New Zealand).
I drove from my home in Durham, NC, to the Little Pinnacle Overlook trail toward Pilot Mountain (a popular place for hiking, climbing and relaxing mountain views), stayed for the sunset, and then decided to stay for the night.
Because I was booking my weekday campsite after dark, I called Jomeokee Campground rather than just booking online. The owner, Tom Pace, told me he could sell me a bunch of good dry wood for $10 and gave me directions to the nearest ATM/store and the campground (wood required cash payment, online site reservation did not). All were easy to find, even in the dark. Tom and his 11-year-old daughter came down shortly after I arrived, and he set up and lit my campfire for me (!). We talked a bit, and then they left me to take in the quiet, fire-lit night.
I could see the shadow of Pilot Mountain across the field in front of my campsite, but I was unprepared for the majestic view that met me in the morning. It was foggy as I lit my fire, and I sat on the same bench as the night before (the one beside my fire pit) and watched the fog turn into clouds and then disappear completely, revealing the best base view of Pilot Mountain I have ever seen.
Even the bench I sat on was a reflection of spiritual well being - “May All Who Sit Here Be Filled with Love” was carved by hand (probably by pocket knife) into the back of the bench. My eyes welled with tears. I needed this hug from the Universe.
The couple beside me (campsites are very well spaced, with ample attention to privacy) gave me a cup of coffee and a packet of pop tarts, so I remained in the campground until nearly 2 o’clock, walking to the nearby pond and across the meadow, wishing I were on horseback.
When I returned to my campsite, I reserved it for another night, which was easy to do because I had better cellphone reception at the campground than I do in my own house. I went to the Pilot Mountain Visitor’s Center (a 10-minute drive), then walked the relatively flat 2.5-mile Bean Shoals Access Trail along the creek. The trees were glowing with Autumn colors.
It was easy to get lunch and ice and groceries and dinner - everything was within a ten-minute drive, and any food I ordered was well prepared, well presented, and tasty.The campground provides potable running water, electricity, and hot showers, and the bathrooms are large and well kept, as are the grounds.
I am returning with my sons soon, hopefully during the week because they can do virtual schooling at the campground using our phones as hotspots. I want them to experience the regenerating magic I was privileged to experience at Jomeokee Campground. I cannot say enough about this place.
