In Memory of STA founder
RM Collins

To read about the fascinating history of Sauratown Trails Association and how it came to be, click here:

Current Trail Closures - 1/20/2012 -

1.  All of section 15 near Pilot Mtn State Park has been closed off because a landowner on that section no longer wants the trail to cross his property.  To get around this closure, stay on the shoulder of Pilot Knob Park Rd. (about 1.2 miles). When you reach the stop sign turn left onto Old Winston Rd. Continue for about a mile to the Old Winston/Coon Rd Parking Lot. From there you can pick up the trail at the Coon Rd end of the parking lot.

2.  Part of the Sauratown Loop is closed while Hanging Rock park determines how it will be re-routed. If you ride or hike the trail, stay to the left and only go as far as the top of Reuben Mtn. Don't go down it because it is closed at the bottom and you will have to go all the way back up and it's pretty steep. This is the only part of the Loop that can be used right now.

3.  The Rock House Road Trail Center is closed and unavailable at the present time. Please use Tori's Den parking area, Brim's Grove parking lot, Old Winston/Coon Rd parking lot or park at Mountain Trail Stables at the base of Sauratown Mtn. on Merridon Dr. The trails are still open around the trail center, you just can't park at the trail center. To get around this, stay on Rock House Rd. until you have passed the Trail Center and turn right into the field just beyond it and follow the tree line on your right.
**** We have recently gotten permission to park along side Taylor Rd by the 3 utility boxes. This is located just south of where Rock House Rd intersects with Taylor Rd. It can hold 2 or 3 horse trailers, so if you have a small group, you can use that area to park. 8/27/11.

New Trail Rule - The Sauratown Trails are closed to horseback riding if it rains enough to make the trail muddy. This is consistent with the Pilot Mtn and Hanging Rock Park rules of no riding the trails after it rains. Horses traveling on wet trails cause an incredible amount of damage resulting in deep ruts and subsequent erosion. Wait at least 24 hours before using the trails after it rains and if it is still muddy, turn around and don't ride. Wait for the trails to dry so your horses don't leave big holes in it. A significant investment of time and work has been made by STA members in maintaining these trails and we want to preserve this resource for your continued enjoyment. Please help us to do so by respecting this closure after rain.

See a map of the re-routed trail sections 3, 4, & 5, from where the trail was to where it is now, click here.

 The Sauratown Trail is an official section of the NC Mountains to the Sea Trail that connects Pilot Mountain State Park on the west side and Hanging Rock State Park on the east side. The trail is approximately 35 miles long.

Sauratown Trails Association, Inc. is a non-profit trails organization formed in 1988. STA members are avid horse & nature lovers dedicated to promoting, creating and maintaining horseback and hiking trails in Stokes and Surry counties of North Carolina. Our Association exists mainly because of the generosity of the areas private landowners who give us permission to build, use and maintain trails on their property.

The Sauratown Trails are open most of the year to all horseback riders and hikers. Bikes and motorized vehicles are not allowed. You don't have to be a STA member to use the trails. For your safety, the trails are closed only during deer hunting season (mid November to January 1st) and wet, muddy conditions. When Pilot Mtn.State Park and Hanging Rock State Park close their trails due to wet weather, Sauratown Trails are also closed. Please check the State Park websites for trail closure notices if there is any question.

If you need to contact someone regarding the Sauratown Trails, email Bob Silcott, President or Emily Grogan, Vice President.

About camping...there is no camping allowed on the trail overnight.
The Sauratown Trail is built entirely on private land owned by dozens of landowners in the area. Camping on the trail is comparable to setting up a campsite in your neighbors backyard without their permission.  Here are some places you can camp nearby the trail for a small fee. Please contact campground owners directly for accurate info and fees:

  Visitor Counter        Last edited: 04/27/2012

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