The reality is that Oak Ridge, N.C., resident Jonathan Beaver doesn’t need much extra incentive to hike or run on the many trails in the NC Triad. Since his days as a track and cross-country runner at Western Guilford High School, he’s enjoyed wearing out shoes on trails from Pilot Mountain to Pleasant Garden and routes in between. But now

The Ivy Bluff Trail is one of the trails in Pilot Mountain State Park.  You’ll find the Ivy Bluff Trail south of the Yadkin River in Yadkin County.  This trail has less foot traffic than the trails in the main section of the park.  Park in a gravel lot off of Shoals Road (GPS: 36.254240, -80.508324).  Follow the red circles as you will