Parks, Paddling, & Pork Chops (Two-Day Outdoor and Mayberry Trip)

From paddling the Yadkin River to Ararat River tubing and touring Pilot Mountain to chomping down on some scrumptious pork chop sandwiches, this trip will have you enjoying the sights and sounds of Mayberry and Mother Nature.

Day 1

Morning Take a trip back to Mayberry in Mount Airy with visits to the Andy Griffith Museum and a cruise in the town squad car (with your own tour guide). Stroll down Main Street by the shops and sites in downtown Mount Airy. Lunch Order the famous pork chop sandwich at Snappy Lunch, a boneless, tenderized loin chop dipped in sweet batter and fried until golden crisp. Snappy Lunch was mentioned in episodes of The Andy Griffith Show and was the same diner Andy Griffith ate at as a young boy. Afternoon Tube down the Ararat River with a put-in at Riverside Park and take-out at Tharrington School Park at the south end of the river. Evening Stay overnight at Sobotta Manor House Bed and Breakfast, routinely voted as one of the top ten bed and breakfasts in the U.S. by BedandBreakfast.com

Day 2

Morning Hike the Corridor Trail at Pilot Mountain State Park, 6 miles that connect the upper and lower sections of Pilot Mountain State Park with views of the Yadkin River. Tip: For beginners, try the Jomeokee Trail, a .9-mile trail around the base of the large pinnacle with unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. Lunch Head over to downtown Pilot Mountain for lunch in the town referred to as “Mount Pilot” in The Andy Griffith Show. Afternoon Raft down the Yadkin River with rentals and shuttle provided by Yadkin River Adventures. Evening Spend the night in one of several cabins at Pilot Knob Bed and Breakfast with a stone fireplace, whirlpool, and lake with rowboats.