The face of Stone Mountain rises 600 feet above the surrounding terrain in Roaring Gap, North Carolina, and is barren on one side, unless you wish to count Mother Nature’s artwork on the facade. Streaked with brown and gray from top to bottom, the massive granite dome may seem a bit daunting for the average hiker to conquer. But even if you’re a complete novice at trail hikes, don’t fall victim to self-doubt. Where there’s a will, there’s always a way – especially on the most popular trail at Stone Mountain State Park.
The Stone Mountain Loop Trail was created to show off all of the best parts of this state park.
alltrails/Katelyn Redfoot From start to finish, the loop trail will take you past a 200-foot waterfall, up and over the 600-foot dome, and right through an old homestead from the 1800s.
There are actually two trailheads that will lead to the loop trail.
alltrails/Sayf Albayati But if you want to see it all (and you do), take the Upper Trailhead located on the west side of the park.
When you get to the ruins of the old stone fireplace, turn left and soon you’ll descend a wooden staircase.
alltrails/ Steven Alexander Before you even begin the descent, you’ll likely hear the roar of what’s to come.
And soon, you’ll find yourself at the foot of Stone Mountain Falls.
alltrails/Tony B. At roughly the height of a 20-story building, this 200-foot waterfall is a jaw-dropping sight. Watch in wonder as water from Big Sandy Creek tumbles down the massive face of the waterfall’s surface. But admire from afar; this waterfall has claimed many lives over the years. When you’re ready, continue on the loop trail and get ready to mount the summit of the monadnock.
Luckily, you won’t need any hardcore climbing gear. The loop trail ascends a part of the mountain that isn’t bare granite.
TripAdvisor/DRoman Expect part of the trail to meander along on an uphill climb. Just prior to the summit, the trail will change to a series of easy (although uphill) switchbacks until you reach the top. In case you need reassurance the climb is officially over — there should be a sign announcing you’ve made it to the top.
Just beyond that sign is where you’ll feel on top of the world.
alltrails/Daciay Quenah Stone Mountain is plenty big enough to enjoy the grand views without getting too close to the edge. Sit, gawk, (maybe let out a Tarzan yell to celebrate your triumph) and enjoy the long-range views from up here before you continue on the loop trail and begin the descent to the valley floor below.
Stone Mountain doles out some of the best rock climbing in all of North Carolina.
Google/Jiahan Zhang As you reach the valley floor on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail, keep a keen eye out for skilled daredevils making their way to the top of the granite dome — the hard way.
Soon the trail will take you through the old 19th century Hutchinson Homestead.
alltrails/Stuart Phelps Can you even imagine living in the shadow of Stone Mountain in the mid-1800s? The homestead features a variety of buildings; some of them are open for viewing the original furnishings inside. (Buildings are open for viewing the inside Thursday through Sunday from March to October.)
The collection of Hutchinson Homestead historic buildings tell a story of life here more than 150 years ago.
TripAdvisor/jmpncsu There is a charming old log cabin, blacksmith shop, barn, meat house, and a corn crib. Wandering around the homestead at the base of Stone Mountain, you may get the same sense of awe as those who lived here oh-so long ago must have felt.
The Stone Mountain Loop Trail is ideally mapped to give visitors a sense of the best this park has to offer. The hike is a 4.5 mile loop around the park and can be completed in less than half a day if you’re walking at a leisurely pace.
TripAdvisor/rocknrungirl Have you ventured over to Roaring Gap to Stone Mountain State Park lately? And have you let out a Tarzan yell from the summit? We’d love to know!
Stone Mountain State Park also has 75 individual picnic sites – so bring lunch and spend even more time gaping at this awesome North Carolina natural wonder. The park is open year-round beginning at 7 a.m. Closing times vary by season (you can see the list here in the far right column.) Learn more about the park and its features from the official website of North Carolina State Parks. More information about the Stone Mountain Loop Trail can be found at this link on alltrails.com.
alltrails/Katelyn Redfoot
From start to finish, the loop trail will take you past a 200-foot waterfall, up and over the 600-foot dome, and right through an old homestead from the 1800s.
alltrails/Sayf Albayati
But if you want to see it all (and you do), take the Upper Trailhead located on the west side of the park.
alltrails/ Steven Alexander
Before you even begin the descent, you’ll likely hear the roar of what’s to come.
alltrails/Tony B.
At roughly the height of a 20-story building, this 200-foot waterfall is a jaw-dropping sight. Watch in wonder as water from Big Sandy Creek tumbles down the massive face of the waterfall’s surface. But admire from afar; this waterfall has claimed many lives over the years. When you’re ready, continue on the loop trail and get ready to mount the summit of the monadnock.
TripAdvisor/DRoman
Expect part of the trail to meander along on an uphill climb. Just prior to the summit, the trail will change to a series of easy (although uphill) switchbacks until you reach the top. In case you need reassurance the climb is officially over — there should be a sign announcing you’ve made it to the top.
alltrails/Daciay Quenah
Stone Mountain is plenty big enough to enjoy the grand views without getting too close to the edge. Sit, gawk, (maybe let out a Tarzan yell to celebrate your triumph) and enjoy the long-range views from up here before you continue on the loop trail and begin the descent to the valley floor below.
Google/Jiahan Zhang
As you reach the valley floor on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail, keep a keen eye out for skilled daredevils making their way to the top of the granite dome — the hard way.
alltrails/Stuart Phelps
Can you even imagine living in the shadow of Stone Mountain in the mid-1800s? The homestead features a variety of buildings; some of them are open for viewing the original furnishings inside. (Buildings are open for viewing the inside Thursday through Sunday from March to October.)
TripAdvisor/jmpncsu
There is a charming old log cabin, blacksmith shop, barn, meat house, and a corn crib. Wandering around the homestead at the base of Stone Mountain, you may get the same sense of awe as those who lived here oh-so long ago must have felt.
TripAdvisor/rocknrungirl
Have you ventured over to Roaring Gap to Stone Mountain State Park lately? And have you let out a Tarzan yell from the summit? We’d love to know!
Address: 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC, 28668
Love checking out North Carolina’s natural wonders? See the 10 easiest natural wonders in the Tar Heel State in this previous article!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Stone Mountain State Park, 3042 Frank Pkwy, Roaring Gap, NC 28668, USA
