Sauratown Mountain is located 20 miles north of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The SMHGC regulates all hang gliding and paragliding activities at two different launch locations on the mountain's top. As with numerous other flying sites, Sauratown is a radio and television transmitting facility and is easily recognizable by it's two 700' towers. The property is accessed through a locked gate by SMHGC members and authorized personnel who will provide entry to visitors during the FLY-IN each day.

The "front" launch elevation is 2465' MSL and has a short carry-in from the parking area. There are two side by side hang gliding ramps which face SSE. Both ramps extend over the cliff's edge (one more so than the other) and are built of expanded steel which allows for smooth airflow during launch. These launches are cautiously rated for intermediate pilots but novices with mountain experience should have no difficulty. The location also accommodates paragliding from a cleared slope above the cliff's edge that faces ESE. The flying site's primary LZ is 1250' below launch at a 3:1 glide. The 20 acre grass field is divided by a shallow gully that can be used to land uphill in any wind direction. A good approach may require extra speed getting down through the gully to land uphill on the other side.

The "back" launch also has two hang gliding ramps (paragliding is not possible), one facing SW, and the other WNW. These are normally only utilized in stronger west to northwest winds. Gliders can be carried from one to the other depending on wind direction and velocity. Both of these launches are more challenging than the front side, and will only be used if conditions necessitate.

Directions: King, NC is the nearest town. It is located just off Highway 52 (future I-74) between Winston-Salem to the south and Mount Airy to the north.

• Take HWY. 52 north 13 miles.

• Take the Moore-RJR Drive exit and turn left.

• Go 4.3 miles (the road's name will have changed to Mountain View Road).

• Turn left (north) onto NC-66 and go 4 miles.

• Turn left onto YMCA Camp Road and go 2 miles.

• Turn right onto Camp Hanes Road, go only about 300 feet (not into the camp).

• Turn right next to the tobacco barn on the farmer's dirt road. This goes straight toward the mountain and takes you into the LZ to the parking area (watch for air traffic).

From the Landing Field to Launch:

• Follow YMCA Camp Road back to NC-66.

• Turn left on NC-66 and go 2.4 miles.

• Turn left on Taylor Road and go 0.6 miles.

• Turn left on Sauratown Mountain Road

• Go approx. 2.5 miles (up the road & through the open gate where the pavement ends).

• Park in the turnaround area. Follow the footpath past the FIRE TOWER to the launch.