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Last updated: October 9, 2022 Disclaimer. This website uses demographic information, email subscriptions, display ads and affiliate links. Please see our Privacy and Disclosure Policy pages for further explanation. Located in Allegany and Wilkes counties, Stone Mountain State Park is one of the most popular parks in western North Carolina. The nickname comes from the massive dome that towers over people who climb it or travel along the Stone Mountain trail of the same name. Speaking of hiking, visitors to the 14,353-acre state park have long enjoyed 18 miles of trails leading to waterfalls (including Stone Mountain Falls and Widows Creek Falls), great views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, and rhododendron-lined paths. Throw in plenty of camping, a fantastic place to swim and fish, and youll see why Stone Mountain State Park deserves our North Carolina bucket list. It should be with you if you can handle it! In this post about Stone Mountain State Park, we share basic information about this beautiful place in North Carolina and all the things you can do here. Background (Physical Features and Previous Residents) Stone Mountain State Park Today What to Know Before You Visit Leave No Tracks and Stay on Marked Trails Park Information (and Access) Things to Do Read More: 100+ Hiking Trails in North Carolina As mentioned , lives up to its name Stone Mountain from an exposed granite dome rising some 700 feet above its surroundings. It is part of a large pluton, a bulge of igneous rock formed by lava hundreds of millions of years ago beneath the Earths surface. Its current appearance and shape are the result of the action of wind, water and other factors over time. Erosion of the dome continues slowly, and if you visit the dome immediately after heavy rains, you can see springs gushing out from parts of it. Read more: North Carolina Wish Listand Hutchinson Manor. As you walk the Stone Mountain Loop (see below) you will notice Hutchinson Manor, which is on the view side of the dome. This complex of buildings is a restored version of the 19th-century mountain settlements that once inhabited the area. The exhibits accompany the buildings and are an excellent educational tool for visitors of all ages. Todays Stone Mountain State Park Stone Mountain State Park was established in 1969 and originally acquired approximately 1,500 acres of land that makes up the present park. A series of donations and further acquisitions increased the park to its current size of over 14,000 acres. What you need to know before you visit Park information (and access information) Depending on the activities you plan to do and the sights you want to see, choosing a car park is very important. Note. There are rest stops along the road between the visitor center and the backpacker car park. As previously mentioned, look out for and respect No Parking signs. Parking at the start of the trail (and picnic area) Coming from the visitor center you will soon see a fork and the first parking spots. The campground with tents and RVs is on the right, while the Upper Trailhead Parking Lot and nearby picnic area are on the left. This is the most popular parking lot, primarily because its the closest access to Stone Mountain Falls via a loop that we cover in our hiking section. There are restrooms and fountains, although I usually take water with me before going to the park. The picnic area has 75 tables available if you bring your lunch before or after your day at the park. Lower Trail Parking Go past the fork and you will enter Wilkes County towards Lower Trail Parking. You will park on the loop here, but either climb to the top side of the dome or to the Hutchinson Estate on the view side of the loop. People with reduced mobility can take to the streets.The access point, but with the necessary tags applied, must be placed in a prominent place when parking. Widows Creek Falls Widows Creek Falls is a very popular swimming spot in the park. The mostly unpaved and gravel car park can accommodate 10 to 15 cars (maximum) and the crowds arrive early, especially on hot days. Please plan accordingly. More: 25+ beautiful waterfalls near Boone (within 2 hours) Backpack ParkingReception The last official place youll see as you drive through the park is backpack parking and registration. This is for the Widows Creek Trail, which leads to the campgrounds (see Campgrounds below) for a 2.5-mile one-way hike. Accessible Fishing Piers There are two accessible fishing piers with disabled parking along the East Fork of the Roaring River between the Bullhead Creek parking lot and the Bridle Loop Trail parking lot. Bridle Trail Parking There are two Bridle Trail Access parking lots from the mountains to the sea at John P. Frank Boulevard. If you are driving on Oklahoma Road, turn left onto Frank Parkway and soon after you will see the beginning of the trail on your right. Access to the Bridle Loop Trail and Out-and-Back Trail is at the park entrance on Longbottom Rd. Be aware of parking capacity If parking spaces are full, schedule your visit on a different day and do not park outside the designated parking spaces. . Some parks will tow vehicles outside of legally permitted areas. Cellular service is limited in Stone Mountain State Park, so your day can become very uncomfortable if your building is towed. Things to do in Stone Mountain State Park With so much land in Stone Mountain State Park, there is plenty to do. Here are the most popular activities in alphabetical order, with a focus on campsites and hiking trails under Camping and Hiking respectively. Camping There are three designated campsites, each with different facilities and access. Campsite for tents, caravans and motorhomes: 90 campsites are on the right at the junction with the campsite above.

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