STONE MOUNTAIN NORTH CAROLINA FAST FACTS
LOCATION: 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC 28668
HOURS: Open daily 7a-9p (Summer), 7a-8p (Spring/Fall), 7a-6p (Winter)
COST: Free
TIME TO COMPLETE: 2-6 hours
ACCOMODATIONS: Large parking lot, public restrooms and Visitor Center
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachians, Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina beckons adventurers with its rugged beauty and awe-inspiring vistas. This natural gem offers a plethora of outdoor activities, but none more rewarding than hiking its famed trails. While most are familiar with Georgia’s infamous Stone Mountain, its counterpart to the north is less well known but no less spectacular. With its towering granite dome, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests you’ll never run out of things to do at Stone Mountain North Carolina.
Stone Mountain, situated in Allegheny and Wilkes counties, stands as a prominent granite formation, soaring over 600’ above the encompassing landscape, reaching an elevation of 2,305’ above sea level. Enveloping the mountain is Stone Mountain State Park, a sprawling 14,000-acre expanse offering a plethora of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. The park boasts an extensive network of trails spanning 16 miles, including the challenging 4.5-mile Stone Mountain Loop Trail. This trail leads adventurers to the summit and then descends, providing awe-inspiring views of the majestic 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls along the way.
Stone Mountain Trailhead Options
When approaching the park along John P. Frank Parkway (Stone Mountain Rd), you have two trailhead options from which to choose. They both are well-equipped with parking facilities, restrooms, and informational kiosks for your convenience. The Upper Trailhead is about a 5 minute drive from the main entrance. The Lower Trailhead is where we chose to start our journey so our ascent up the Summit Side was more in the shade and the view side in the sun later in the early afternoon. It’s best to arrive early as parking fills up fast and the trails are generally less crowded in the mornings.
Stone Mountain Loop Trail
The Stone Mountain Loop Trail is approximately 4.5 miles in length, begins at the trailhead near the park’s main parking area. The trail meanders through lush forests, where the scent of pine mingles with the sounds of wildlife echoing through the trees. The trail is a combination of hard sandy clay, rock strewn paths and wooden stairs intersected by the occasional gentle flow of the Stone Mountain and Big Sandy Creeks. As you proceed, just follow the signs to have the experience you want. You can continue on the loop all the way around the mountain base or take detours to ascend the mountain, visit a waterfall, take a spur path or even visit the Hutchinson Homestead. We chose to start our way up the side of the mountain . . .
Summit Side of Stone Mountain
The morning sun will start making its way through the trees as you begin to see the granite mountain face to west. Ascending Stone Mountain’s granite dome requires a bit of effort, but the reward is well worth it. To the east you look down and across to the surrounding foothills. A plethora of wood steps help guide your path. As you ascend there are patches of rock face on both sides of the path. One of our favorite things to do at Stone Mountain North Carolina was to explore the multitude of available spur trails. You never know what you’ll discover!
Soon you come upon an open section that serves as a nice spot to rest a few moments and enjoy the amazing views. Following a short respite, get ready to test your thighs as the ascent gets a bit steeper and challenging. A lengthy grouping of stairs (with occasional corner benches) eventually spills into a much larger open area of inclined granite. As you turn south you get your best view yet down into the valley. As you proceed you’ll enjoy scenic vistas, from lush valleys to wildflower-adorned hills. Interpretive signs along the way offer insights into the park’s geological history, flora, and fauna, enhancing the overall experience.
Back on the trail the hike gets significantly easier for a spell as you wind your way around to top of the mountain. There are a few more open spots to the east that are worth exploring including a stretch that contains what appear to be ancient footprints in the rock. Even more remarkable are the small trees and bushes that seemingly sprout directly from the fissures in the rock face. Eventually you emerge from the forest and find yourself gazing out over the valley and foothills below.
This area has been named “The Bald” for obvious reasons. It provides sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys unfold before your eyes, offering a sense of awe and wonder that can only be found in the great outdoors. You could spend an afternoon exploring The Bald as it gently slopes downward until you reach a point where the incline becomes untenable. As you look back you see couples and families relaxing, taking a breather or simply enjoying a snack as they soak in the spectacular views.
After a long flat stretch you come across another somewhat open area with yet another overlook (they never get old). You pass through woods sprinkled with colorful wildflowers dancing in the wind as if following the rhythm of distant birdsong. At this point you begin the gradual descent along wide dirt paths and switchbacks showing the scars of heavy rainfall. Of course there are still a few more opportunities for overlooks as you descend including a fantastic view back at The Bald. An old burnt out fireplace and chimney provide a nice resting spot as you work your way towards one of our favorite things to do at Stone Mountain North Carolina . . . view the Stone Mountain Falls.
Stone Mountain Falls
The first view of the Stone Mountain Falls is actually at the top. You then follow a path parallel to the falls, down a long flight of stairs (reminiscent of Chimney Rock Park) to a platform that allows for a somewhat underwhelming side view of the falls. Eventually you get to the base where you can view the entire falls. Stone Mountain Falls features a 200’ cascading waterfall that descends over a smooth granite rock face. The falls are best enjoyed after a rainfall when the flow is at its peak. The falls are part of a larger stream that winds its way through the park, contributing to the lush, verdant environment that surrounds it.
Stone Mountain Middle Falls
Back on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail you’ll follow the signs for the Middle and Lower Falls out-and-back trail. It’s an easy hike on a wide trail that features some amazing rock formations scattered amongst a heavily wooded area. You’ll eventually hit a Y with a spur trail for Middle Falls to the right and straight ahead for Lower Falls. A slight downward path takes you along side the Middle Falls. A pinch between two boulders causes a steady stream that, similar to the other Stone Mountain falls, cascades down a smooth and slightly elevated slope. It then empties into a calm pool which continues until it plummets down again as the Lower Falls.
Stone Mountain Lower Falls
Back at the Y continue straight through along a gradually declining path for less than a mile. You’ll first see the top portion of the falls but continue on the path to get a better view. The last part is pretty steep until you get to the base. The Lower Falls flows over a wide smooth rock formation, forming a gentle drop that fans out into a broad pool at the base. It is much flatter than other sliding rocks like Pisgah’s Sliding Rock but the resulting pool is also much shallower. The remarkable impact of continuous water flow is never more apparent than a really cool cave like opening that has naturally evolved along the edge of the falls.
View Side of Stone Mountain
Double back on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail heading northwest for the biggest payoff of your visit. You’ll cross water, encounter some really cool tree roots along with more massive boulders. The trail features a variety of plant species, including mountain laurel, rhododendron, and numerous types of wildflowers. Wildlife is also abundant, with frequent sightings of deer, turkeys, and various bird species. Eventually you’ll reach an opening and the top part of Stone Mountain appears just above the treeline to east.
The best times to visit Stone Mountain for the views are during the fall and spring. In the fall, the surrounding forests explode in a riot of colors, providing a stunning contrast to the gray granite of the mountain. Spring offers a different kind of beauty, with blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery creating a vibrant landscape. Summer visits are also popular, although the hike can be more challenging due to higher temperatures. Winter provides a quieter experience, and on clear days, the views can be equally impressive, with the possibility of snow adding a serene beauty to the scene. On a clear day you might even see mountain climbers scaling their way to the top.
Hutchinson Homestead
Just to the west you’ll find the Hutchinson Homestead. This magnificent step-back-in-time experience dates back to the mid-19th century and represents the lifestyle of subsistence farmers in the Appalachian region. The homestead includes a log cabin, barn, blacksmith shop, corncrib, meat house, and original furnishings that offer insight into the daily lives of the Hutchinson family and their neighbors. The family farmed the land, raised livestock, and utilized the natural resources of the area to sustain themselves. The Hutchinson Homestead offers an interesting contrast to other similar restored Americana like Colonial Williamsburg and Mount Vernon.
Overlooks
About 12 miles north of the Stone Mountain State Park, along the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway, are a series of pullover overlooks that present a different perspective of Stone Mountain and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain range. Stone Mountain and Mahogany Rock Overlooks provide clear views of Stone Mountain, the massive granite dome rising prominently against the surrounding terrain. Its smooth, bare rock face stands out against the forested backdrop, showcasing the geological beauty of the region.
While there is no end of things to do at Stone Mountain North Carolina, the view from The Bald is the highlight of any visit to Stone Mountain State Park. The panoramic vistas, combined with the natural beauty and geological uniqueness of the mountain, make it a must-see destination. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates stunning natural landscapes, the view of, and from, Stone Mountain offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the region’s charm and splendor.
