It skirts around the base of the mountain. You will see the Blue Signs that say Visitors Center. And for 25 cents more, visitors could climb a set of wooden stairs to the summit. The summit picnic area is also accessible by vehicle if time or fitness levels do not align with hiking the Grindstone. Visit Main Street, check out a show at one of the town theaters, learn more about the history of Mount Airy and Andy Griffith at one of the museums, enjoy a wholesome meal or a treat (beer, spirits, wine or sweets), or explore the nature of the NC mountains. Today Wallys Service Center offers t-shirts, jams, postcards and several local goods. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of Americas Scenic By Ways and should not be missed on a Western North Carolina trip. Through a grassroots effort, the Pilot Mountain area was adopted as a North Carolina State Park in 1968. Mayberry is a great place to raise a family or retire. The Blue Ridge Parkway is great for scenic drives but not ideal for those on a tight schedule or driving an oversized vehicle. The TV-show town was based on Griffiths hometown of Mount Airy. Visitors shouldn't miss walking the quaint downtown and snapping a few pictures of the Mayberry sites. Visit "Mayberry" in Mount Airy, NC | VisitNC.com Attraction "Mayberry" Mount Airy NC Website (336) 786-6116 Directions Map Enjoy many attractions in downtown Mount Airy. Mayberry had one traffic light and little in the way of indigenous crime with the exception perhaps of moonshining and bootlegging. If you are short on time, the Ledge Spring hike from the summit parking area is a very strenuous 2-mile hike. Mayberry, as seen on TV, is not a real place but when visiting Mount Airy NC you might disagree. Pilot Mountain was the inspiration for the fictional town of Mount Pilot in The Andy Griffith Show, a nearby larger town near Mayberry. Website. [citation needed] According to the episode "The Battle of Mayberry", the town was almost named Taylortown in honor of Colonel Carleton Taylor, who was one of the first settlers in the town. There are 10.93 miles from Mount Airy to Pilot Mountain in southeast direction and 12 miles (19.31 kilometers) by car, following the US-52 S route. The Surry Arts Council is very active and provides weekly opportunities for both visitors and residents. The Saura Indians who inhabited the area knew Pilot Mountain as Jomeokee, the Pilot or Great Guide. "Mount Pilot," the metropolis closest to Mayberry, was also fictitious, although its name suggested both Mount Airy, Griffith's home town, and nearby Pilot Mountain. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Pilot Mountain State Park offers over 40 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. In episode 248 "A Girl For Goober", the towns of Manteo and Toast are mentioned. Beyond the Guidebook: Mount Airy, the Real-Life Mayberry. Miles: 12.6 miles one way in Pilot Mountain State Park Difficulty: strenuous Location: Bean Shoals Access (GPS coordinates in directions section) Surface Type: natural surfaces, railroad crossing, water crossings Blaze Trail Markers: white circles. Suite with a view is a private apartment that offers unique accommodations to those visiting Mount Airy. Today, the town pays homage to its television counterpart in many ways, but it is more than just Mayberry. Follow Pine to Renfro St., turn left. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They were made by a guy who can duplicate any patch or badge. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Wallys was definitely my favorite Mount Airy photo spot. Big Pinnacle (also called "The Knob") has high and colorful bare rock walls, with a rounded top covered by . A history of the quarry is also on permanent exhibit at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. If you are short on time, consider hiking another trail at Pilot Mountain and driving up the Little Pinnacles Overlook for great views of Pilot Mountain. In North Carolina, humidity causes summers to be hot and muggy but the winters can be very cold and wet. Mount Pilot, on the other hand, is a real town in North Carolina with a population of just over 2,000 people. "Mayberry" is mentioned many times in television shows such as Cheers, House, Criminal Minds, Supernatural, How I Met Your Mother, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Scrubs. The quaint downtown and nearby beautiful houses were his inspiration for The Andy Griffith Shows town of Mayberry. Miles: unknown Difficulty: easy Location: Pilot Creek access (GPS coordinates in directions section) Surface Type: a mowed path through a meadow Blaze Trail Markers: none. Attractions in Mayberry include the Mayberry Courthouse, Floyds Barbershop, and the Mayberry Jail. Follow Pine to Renfro St., turn left. Today thousands visit our rapidly growing town and state park. It was on my must-see list. It is not stroller or wheelchair friendly, however, the other overlooks at Upper Summit are paved and accessible. Emmits Fix-It Shop is located in the same lot at Wallys and the Mayberry Replica Jailhouse. Mt Airy NC is the hometown of Andy Griffith and many people mistakenly call in Mayberry North Carolina. Campsites are closed seasonally. Mount Airy is also known as Mayberry and called by both names by its residents. Its Andy Griffiths childhood home and the inspiration for Mayberry in the beloved 1960s sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Is Brooke shields related to willow shields? There is no food service in the park. 200 N Main Street. If you have read our other destination articles like the Ultimate Guide to Yellowstone or Grand Staircase Escalante, youll know I think Visitor Centers are cant-miss destinations. The county seat of Surry County is in Dobson; thus, this is the location of the nearest courthouse to Mount Airy. It was operated as a commercial tourist attraction. But then, you might miss some of the scenic beauty along the way! Follow Renfro Street and take a left onto Independence Blvd. The Horne Creek trail can be combined with the Bean Shoals Canal Trail for a 3-mile loop with a short section along the park road. Get driving directions . It has two separate units, the mountain and rivers sections. Sonkers are a Yadkin County local specialty available in Mount Airy. Laughing with Ole Barney, Andy and Aunt Bee. It is our top place to stay in Mayberry. Mayberry is a small town with a population of just over 6,000 people. This route is a great way to experience all that the area has to offer. A live performance, music or theater, at one of the towns venues is a great way to experience the local vibe. (Located about 1.5 miles from Mount Airy Visitors Center) Brady Country Christmas - Near Pilot Mountain in the Pinnacle community, Ricky and Nancy Brady have put up Christmas lights and decorations since 1989 at 1776 Bradley Road, Pinnacle. We wear long, lightweight hiking pants year-round to protect ourselves from poison ivy, ticks and other undesirable trail inhabitants. The unique 2,421-foot mountain is one of the most iconic natural features in North Carolina and has served as a navigational landmark for ages. The TV-show town was based on Griffiths hometown of Mount Airy. 89 East. It connects the Grindstone and Jomeokee trails if you want a longer hike. The trail surface is natural with rocks, roots and water crossings. This quaint North Carolina town was Andy Griffiths childhood home and the inspiration for Mayberry in the beloved 1960s sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. My husband, Kevin, and I are exploring North America in our 37 motorhome, Pippi. While the two towns are not explicitly compared or contrasted in the show, there are some notable differences between them.Mayberry is a small town with a population of just over 6,000 people. Miles: 2 miles within Pilot Mountain State Park (165 miles paddle route down Yadkin River) Difficulty: conditions vary based on water flow and levels Location: Bean Shoals (GPS coordinates in directions section) or one of 37 other access points outside the park Surface Type: wet (its a paddle route) Blaze Trail Markers: N/A. Located off Interstate 77, you'll be just a short drive away from popular attractions like Pilot Mountain State Park, Old Mayberry Jail, Snappy Lunch and Andy Griffith's childhood home. While visiting Mount Airy, a great outdoor thing to do is to explore nearby Pilot Mountain State Park. The unique 2,421-foot mountain is one of the most iconic natural features in North Carolina and has served as a navigational . There is a town named Mayberry in Patrick County, Virginia but if you want to visit Andy Griffiths Mayberry, youre probably looking for Mount Airy in Surry County North Carolina. They are usually staffed by locals who can share their favorite restaurants or off-the-beaten-path sites. But Grindstone will take you as far as possible. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Learn more about us and our Cheap and Cheerful travel style here. Learn more about this classically North Carolina destination, and then go beyond the guidebook with our insider tips. The small town of Mount Airy lies at the edge of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the North Carolina mountains. Mount Pilot is another fictional town that is mentioned occasionally on the show. The river can be very dangerous in high water and should never attempt to be crossed if you cannot see the bottom. Many of Andys possessions are on display including artifacts from his long TV career ranging from Sherriff Andy Taylor on the Andy Griffith Show to his days as Matlock. Visitors are welcome to visit the active granite quarry. Currently, there are over 650 miles of trail open. This is The Chamber of Commerce Building and the Visitors Center is located in the Chamber of Commerce Building at, 200 N. Main Street. (1968-1971); Mayberry was also the setting for a 1986 reunion television film titled Return to Mayberry. A monadnock is an isolated mountain rising above the surrounding area. Unrivaled Mac notes apps for fuss-free note-taking, 6 Actionable Tips for Improving Your Websites SEO, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes. Currently, it runs from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockeys Ridge on the Outer Banks. They formed the Pilot Mountain Preservation and Park Committee, Inc. to preserve the natural beauty of Pilot Mountain. Mount Pilot is a real town in North Carolina. From Highway 52 S: Take Hwy. In episode 60 "Bookie Barber", Aunt Bee states that Floyd's Barber Shop has received phone calls from as far away as Morehead City. An arts council season pass is a good bargain if you enjoy live shows and plan to attend multiple events. Let us help plan your next trip with less research and without breaking the bank. They became successful farmers and businessmen. There are also a few creek crossings on the Corridor Trail. But in the world of The Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry is much further away from Mount Pilot. Pilot from The Andy Griffith show. Most visitors to Mount Airy are there because of one man, Andy Griffith. Everyone says you have to visit the real-life Mayberry in Mount Airy. Its been in business since 1923. The brothers married sisters and had 22 children in total. Pilot Mountain was the inspiration for the fictional town of Mount Pilot in The Andy Griffith Show, a nearby larger town near Mayberry. We did this hike and enjoyed the moderate walk through beautiful forests. The walk from downtown to Wallys is through a gorgeous historic residential district. Here are a few of my favorite Andy Griffith t-shirts. However, NC State Parks is very clear that you should explore the islands at your own risk. The Yadkin Island trail is 1.5 miles one way from the Hauser Road parking area to the Bean Shoals canal trail.Many hikers explore the 2 small islands in the river as part of this hike. Mayberry is known for its friendly and close-knit community. Make sure to grab a picture of the restored squad cars from across the street and the multiple vintage tow trucks. Upcoming shows, including ticket links, are listed on the Surry Arts Council Live Theatre page. The Pilot Creek Meadow is a short path mowed through the meadow above Pilot Creek. The trail to Little Pinnacle Overlook is primarily natural surfaces including uneven stone stairs. The Gertrude Smith House is a historic Victorian house in Mount Airy North Carolina. How far is Mayberry from Raleigh North Carolina? Approach from any direction and see Pilot Mountain or as fans of the show might know it, Mount Pilot rising more than 2,000 feet above the rolling countryside of the region. Tourists are also welcome for photos. The drive up Pilot Mountain is winding and slow but can easily be done in a few minutes. Follow Main Street until you see the Big Granite Building located beside Barneys Restaurant. Hours are primarily breakfast and lunch but the diner is closed completely on Sundays and Mondays. This route will take you through the mountains and give you a chance to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the area. Follow Pine to Renfro St., turn left. Grindstone is one of the most difficult and popular hiking trails at Pilot Mountain. This is the place to eat in Mount Airy, and you cannot leave the town without a fried pork chop sandwich. So while the actual distance between Mayberry and Mount Pilot may be relatively short, in the world of The Andy Griffith Show, theyre worlds apart. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff;clear:left;font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif}

, Learn more about us and our Cheap and Cheerful travel style, Complete Listing of Hiking, Equestrian and Paddle Trails at Pilot Mountain, Summary Hiking Trails at Pilot Mountain NC, Top 3 Local Spots for Good Food plus Sweets, Beer and Wine, Best Things to do in Twin Falls: Maximizing your trip to the Idaho Magic Valley. The Ivy Bluff trail follows along the south side of the river. The best photos of Pilot Mountain are available from the Little Pinnacles Overlook which can be reached by car or hiking trail. Ledge Spring is a strenuous hike from the Pilot Mountain summit parking area. The trail is a fairly even natural surface with some rocks and stone stairs. Bees Bed and Breakfast in Mount Airy has 9.7 stars out of 10 overall and 9.9 stars based on location. 601. The family-friendlyfestival, hosted by the Surry Arts Council, features a parade, golf tournament, Andy Griffith trivia contests, screenings of show episodes, live entertainment and more. Mountain laurel and rhododendron are abundant on the Ivy Bluff Trail. While the two towns are not explicitly compared or contrasted in the show, there are some notable differences between them. What time does normal church end on Sunday? The park offers climbing, mountain biking and hiking. Pilot Mountain was the inspiration for the fictional town of Mount Pilot in "The Andy Griffith Show," a nearby larger town near Mayberry. Both the Grindstone and Ledge Spring Trail provide hikers access to the summit of Pilot Mountain. Bannertown is a few miles from Mt. After years of worldwide promotional tours, the brothers used their earnings to settle in Mount Airy. Airy. No Mayberry visit would be complete without a fried pork chop sandwich from Snappy Lunch. 89. Mayberry is a small town with a close-knit community and a number of unique landmarks. For a great weekend getaway, visit nearby Mount Airy and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Watch Allison Andrew's video coverage of her weekend trip to Mount Airy & Mayberry . There are several destinations in the park so I recommend using GPS for specific directions to your desired section. This is The Chamber of Commerce Building and the Visitors Center is located in the Chamber of Commerce Building at, 200 N. Main Street. It is a great way to see the beauty of the mountains at a leisurely pace. Wildflowers are abundant on the Grassy Ridge trail. It is the largest city near Mayberry, home to many visitors and law enforcement that have come and gone through the years. https://www.ncparks.gov/pilot-mountain-state-park. According to show episodes, the community of Mayberry was named for fictional founder John Mayberry. The iconic statue didnt disappoint. Mayberry is the fictional name of Mount Airy in the show. So, if youre driving at a reasonable speed, it would probably take you about 45 minutes to make the trip. If wondering what there is to do in Mt Airy NC, the list is pretty simple. Miles: 0.5 miles one way Difficulty: easy Location: Bean Shoals access or Hauser Road parking (GPS coordinates in directions section) Surface Type: natural surfaces with railroad crossings Blaze Trail Markers: red circles. A few years ago, correct blue and gold Mayberry sleeve patches were available at The Last Precinct, a police museum in Eureka Springs, AR. Gertrudes family owned and operated the J.D. America the Beautiful National Park Pass. Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain are 15 minutes far apart, if you drive non-stop . From I-74: Take Exit 101 to Mount Airy. Top 22 Things to Do in Mount Airy NC: How to Spend a Perfect Day in Mayberry, Best Places to Eat in Mount Airy including Bonus Recommendations for Sweets, Beer and Wine, Pinnacles National Park: Conquering a Fear of Heights on the Steep and Narrow Trail, One Day at Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument: Some of Utahs Best Hikes outside the Big 5 National Parks, What Everyone Wants to Know about Full Time RV Living: Top 23 Questions We Get Asked. With 9.0 overall out of 10 stars, the Hampton Inn offers double rooms (two queen beds) and rates include breakfast. The town of Mayberry is a small, quaint town located in the heart of North Carolina. Mayberry is also the fictional setting of The Andy Griffith Show. Guests can, The late Frances Bavier, better know as "Aunt Bee, has a room dedicated to her memory at the Mayberry Motor, Pilot Mountain was the inspiration for the fictional town of Mount Pilot in The Andy Griffith Show, a nearby larger. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Visit the "Andy & Opie" TV Land Statue. Temperatures at Pilot Mountain range from 30F to 90F throughout the year but rarely dip below 20F or above 95F. Advertisement Continue with Recommended Cookies, Pilot Mountain is one of 42 North Carolina state park sites. There are many attractions in Mount Pilot, NC. Take Exit 11 to Hwy. Pilot Mountain has 40 miles of hiking trails spread over two park sections, the Mountain Section and the River Section. Main Street. Mayberry Days started as a one-day celebration but due to popularity has expanded to a week-long festival. From I-77: Exit 100 to Hwy. In addition to Mayberry-themed attractions open year round, thousands of fans visit Mount Airy each September for its Mayberry Days celebration. This is the fastest route from Mount Airy, NC to Pilot Mountain, NC. Pilot is first mentioned in "Andy and Opie Housekeepers", where Aunt Bee has a sick relative called "Cousin Edgar". Miles: 4.3 miles one way Difficulty: strenuous Location: Visitor Center or Pinnacle Hotel/Cullen Road parking area (GPS coordinates in directions section) Surface Type: natural surfaces, water crossings Blaze Trail Markers: red circles. The trail starts at the visitor center and climbs the mountain to the summit picnic area. It was commissioned by TV Land in the early 2000s as part of a series honoring TV greats from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Mayberry, North Carolina, is a fictional community that was the setting for two popular American television sitcoms, The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968) and Mayberry R.F.D. Riverside Park in Mount Airy offers a break from tourist activities. The Grindstone Trail from the Visitor Center rises over a thousand feet in elevation to reach the summit of the mountain. Main Street is home to Floyds Barbershop, several sweets shops, souvenir merchants and antique stores, the Visitors Center, the Historic Earle Theatre and more. Some sections of the Yadkin River are suitable for rafting at times so check at the visitor center for complete details before launching. The population of Mount Pilot is 4,562. The Bryon Inn is located less than 8 miles from downtown Mount Airy. The small town of Mount Airy lies at the edge of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the North Carolina mountains. Scientists believe it was once submerged under an ancient ocean over a billion years ago. Mount Airy North Carolina is best known as the real-life home of Andy Griffith. The Pilot Creek Meadow is part of the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail and was created to benefit native pollinators. Pilot Mountain Hiking Trails: Everything You Need to Know, 15 Unique Things to Do in Nederland: Our Favorite Colorado Hippie Town, Complete Guide to the Tobacco Heritage Trail: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit this Virginia Rail Trail, Top 12 Things to Do in Winslow Arizona: Cheap or Free Route 66 Attractions, What Everyone Wants to Know about Full Time RV Living: Top 23 Questions We Get Asked. However, it is a vacation rental available for nightly rental. Home, the second episode of the fourth season of the television show The X-Files, makes frequent references to Mayberry because of the size of the town in which the investigation takes place. Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain are 15 minutes far apart, if you drive non-stop . Once completed the trail will run 1,400 miles from the breathtaking mountains to the magical coast. How far apart are Mayberry and Mount Pilot? Look closely and youll notice the cars are all different models. (19681971); Mayberry was also the setting for a 1986 reunion television film titled Return to Mayberry. Free electric car chargers (J-1772) are also available at the Pilot Mountain State Park Visitor Center. Once you turn onto Independence take the next left onto Main Street. Pilot from The Andy Griffith show. The Big Pinnacle rises 1,400 feet above the valley floor with the knob extending more than 200 feet from its base. Main Street Mayberry, Andy Griffith Museum, Floyds Barber Shop, Squad Car Tours and the Snappy Lunch Counter are some of the most popular attractions in Mount Airy. The Grindstone Trail provides hiking access to the summit of Pilot Mountain via three approaches, Ledge Spring, Grindstone or Jomeokee. If you havent seen The Andy Griffith Show in a while (or nevergasp), I recommend tuning into TV Land for a few episodes before visiting Mount Airy. They are great for those young at heart as well. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff;clear:left;font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif}

, Learn more about us and our Cheap and Cheerful travel style, Pilot Mountain Hiking Trails: Everything You Need to Know. It is located about 0.5 miles from downtown. Enjoy the views of the Sauratown Mountains and nearby Hanging Rock State Park to the east from the overlook. My husband, Kevin, and I are exploring North America in our 37 motorhome, Pippi. It is located near the parking lot and is free to visit. Though Russell Hiatt the inspiration behind the Floyd the Barber character passed away in 2016, you can still get your hair cut there today and take a look at the more than 30,000 photographs on Hiatt's Wall of Fame. Almost as much as Barney Fifes antics on the show. Mayberry, North Carolina is a fictional community that was the setting for two popular American television sitcoms, The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968) and Mayberry R.F.D. In the Lynyrd Skynyrd song Simple Life (from the album God & Guns), theres a line in the lyrics: put my feet up, watch a rerun on TV, The main street store fronts look nice and well kept. It passes through five reservoirs before reaching the convergence of the Yadkin and Uwharrie Rivers. It is home to the nations second-longest-running radio show, WPAQ Merry-Go-Round.