Stone Mountain Loop Trail to the Falls
Park Overview
The Stone Mountain Loop Trail provides numerous options for hikers at Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, North Carolina. You can trek to multiple scenic spots without taking on the entire 4.5-mile loop. Take a short hike to view the Middle and Lower Stone Mountain Falls, the historic Hutchinson Homestead, or the Stone Mountain Summit, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 14,000 acres to explore, this park includes over 30 miles of hiking trails.
View at the top of Stone Mountain Falls
Our Adventure - From Upper Trailhead
From the upper trailhead parking area, hike a ½ mile to view Stone Mountain Falls. A leafy connector trail of stone staircases leads to the top of the 200-foot falls, where we pause to enjoy the sights and sounds of clear water rushing down from the mountain top surrounded by green pines and blue skies.
Following a wooden staircase, we descend into forest of oak, pine, and magnolia trees, overstepping large roots and grey boulders along the path. The 4.5-mile, orange-blazed Stone Mountain Loop Trail is lined with green moss and mushrooms and winds up and down around the mountain with expansive views of the rushing falls. The rocky trail is strenuous as it becomes gradually steeper downslope.
Middle Falls
We decide to hike along Big Sandy Creek for a ½ mile more along the wide, blue-blazed Middle Falls/Lower Falls Trail. This trail is less traveled, and we relax for a few moments at the Middle Falls by ourselves. The cool water flows down the smooth rock through the magnolia trees and out of sight.
For a more arduous adventure including multiple staircases, hike about 2 miles one way along the Stone Mountain Loop Trail to the Middle and Lower Falls. Back on the loop trail, you can continue your hike another ½ mile north toward the viewing spot of Stone Mountain adjacent to the Hutchinson Homestead.
Hutchinson Homestead
Our Adventure - From LOwer Trailhead
If you’re looking for a shorter hike to the Hutchinson Homestead, hop on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail from the lower trailhead parking area. Trek 0.7 miles along the View Side to check out the 1855 mountain farm. Originally constructed by John and Cidney Jane Hutchinson, the family log cabin, barn, blacksmith shop, orchard, and garden were owned by the family for three following generations. In 1969, when the State of North Carolina purchased the farm as part of Stone Mountain State Park, the current resident, Jim Hutchinson, served as the first state park ranger.
Granite dome viewing spot along the Loop Trail
Just past the homestead is a viewing spot to take in the granite dome with a few benches in the sun. A boulder field at the base of the mountain serves as the launching point to a climber’s paradise. With low slopes, the granite dome features 100-foot pitches up slabs and cracks for rock climbing.
Or you can remain horizontal and hike a ½ mile south toward the Middle and Lower Falls. From the Stone Mountain Loop Trail, you can also connect to a section of the white-blazed Mountains-to-Sea State Trail (MST), and hike for another 6 miles toward the Devil’s Garden Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK Trail System
Stone Mountain Loop Trail – 4.5 miles (access via upper or lower trailhead parking lots)
Middle Falls/Lower Falls Trail – 1 mile
Wolf Rock Trail – 1.5 miles
Black Jack Ridge Trail – 1.5 miles
Cedar Rock Trail – 1 mile
Mountains-to-Sea State Trail (MST) – 11.32 miles
Widow’s Creek Trail – 2.5 miles
Bridle Loop Trail – 2 miles
Bridle Out-and-Back Trail – 8 miles
Things to Do
Hiking – 30.32 miles of trails
Equestrian Trails – 10 miles (Bridle Trails)
Stone Mountain Waterfalls
Climbing – permitted in designated areas on the cliffs of Stone Mountain
Fishing – bass & trout
Mountain Culture Exhibit & Art Museum inside the Visitor Center
Hutchinson Homestead historic site – open May to October, weekends only
Camping – 90 RV & tent sites (Loop B has electric & water hookups); group camping; backpack camping
Picnicking – 75 sites/shelters
Nearby – Stone Mountain Country Store and McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks
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