Stone Mountain State Park is located in north-west North Carolina, near the Virginia border. Stone Mountain Falls, Middle Falls, Lower Falls, and the Stone Mountain dome (which the park is named for) can be seen from a trail starting at the upper or lower parking areas. The 4.3-mile loop trail will take you to the mountain’s summit. You can take a shorter hike out-and-back to the waterfall and still see a view of the mountain.
The upper parking lot fills up fast so get there early or visit during the week. There is a restroom at the end of the lot.
Stone Mountain Falls
From the upper parking area, take the spur trail 0.3 miles up to the Stone Mountain Loop Trail. At the loop, head left and follow the orange-blazed path to reach the top of the falls which is fed by Big Sandy Creek. The narrow chute flows along a wooden fence before it starts its major drop. Take care here as the whole path is a slanted exposed rock. There is a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains from this vantage point.
Hundreds of stairs lead to the base of the 200-foot waterfall. These are well maintained staircases with benches to rest if you need. Partway down the slope, there is an overlook to view the upper cascade.
At the base of the falls, there is a small viewing area next to the stairway.
Visitors scramble on boulders to get a better view although there are signs discouraging this.
Middle Falls and Lower Falls
After viewing Stone Mountain Falls, continue downstream on the loop trail to see two additional waterfalls – Middle Falls and Lower Falls. These are much smaller waterfalls and not worth a trip just to see them by themselves. You will pass several smaller cascades along the trail.
As you reach a fork on the road, take the sharp left turn back along the creek on the out-and-back Middle and Lower Falls Trail. Blue-blazes mark this route which is also part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (white blazes).
It is half a mile to Middle Falls and almost a mile to Lower Falls. About 0.25 miles along the path, you will see a sign to the left with directions to each waterfall. Turn right to reach the 20-foot Middle Falls. It is only a few minutes down the trail. There is a short drop followed by a long cascade down the rockface.
If you backtrack to the main trail, head straight to visit Lower Falls. The trail dead-ends here so you will need to return to the Stone Mountain Loop Trail. I didn’t get to see this 10-foot waterfall when I went in April because Big Sandy Creek was a little flooded and I didn’t feel comfortable trying to cross the creek on unstable rocks.
Stone Mountain
This 600-foot granite dome was formed beneath the Earth’s surface. Wind and water gradually eroded the softer layers above the granite to reveal the exposed outcrop. You can rock climb in the park but only with a permit.
Turn left on the loop trail from the Middle and Lower Falls Trail. You will cross four wooden bridges. There will be a little break in the trees which gives your first look at the south side (view side) of Stone Mountain. If you cross into the field, this is the best view of the mountain.
Not much further down the loop trail, the woods open up to the field. It is about 2 miles from Stone Mountain Falls to the meadow located at the base of the mountain. A spur trail takes you to Hutchinson Homestead.
Hutchinson Homestead
The homestead represents the lives of the area’s early settlers. There are several buildings including a log cabin, barn, blacksmith shop, corncrib, and meat house. Visitors can wander around the sites and learn from information boards.
You can continue the loop up to the dome’s summit or return the way you came. Another popular waterfall to check out is Widow’s Creek Falls. There are several other activities in the park including camping, climbing, fishing, horseback riding, and more than 18 miles of trails.
Looks amazing!
It was incredible! Highly recommend 🙂
Steph Purk has the best travel blog for outdoor adventures. Always has the best tips and tricks to make travel that much more exciting and less confusing.
Thanks Cheri! That is so kind of you to say 🙂 I’m glad you find my tips and tricks helpful