Hiking in Stone Mountain State Park
Overview
A 600' high slick-rock granite dome rises from a valley just east of the Blue Ridge, aptly named Stone Mountain. While domes such as this one are not uncommon in the region, Stone Mountain stands apart in the vast amount of exposed rock around its summit. The pluton itself - an igneous rock of hardened lava - covers about 25 square miles. Over time, water and other forces gradually eroded away the softer layers of rock and soil on top of the pluton, leaving behind the hard granite dome we see today.
The park is one of the closer mountain recreation areas to the larger towns of Winston-Salem and Greensboro to the east (after Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock), making it a good choice for a high-country trip if you live in one of those cities. The State Park itself was formed in 1969, and the mountain was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1975.
Facilities
Picnic Area
A large picnic area is located near the visitor center. There are 75 nice, shaded sites and three large picnic shelters which can be reserved for a fee. There are grills, a water fountain, and restrooms. A short trail from the picnic area connects to the main loop trail, making it a good starting point for hiking if you're going to eat there.
Historic Exhibits
Several historic exhibits are also located in the park. The Hutchinson Homestead, built in the mid 19th-century and restored in 1998, has a log cabin, barn, blacksmith shop, corncrib, meathouse and original furnishings. While the homestead buildings are closed during the week and in the off-season, visitors can still walk the grounds. The Mountain Culture Exhibit is in the Park Office, and tells the story of how independent mountain settlers lived. There's an old-time still, animal pelts, and other artifacts in addition to displays giving visitors the chance to learn about local wildlife.
Hiking Trails
In addition to trails that cross the mountain itself, others wind throughout the park, past scenic rivers, several waterfalls, and up the Blue Ridge to make a connection with the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Devil's Garden overlook. In total, 8 trails totaling 16 miles wait at Stone Mountain State Park, encompassing a variety of difficulties and destinations. Several loop options are available.
The main Stone Mountain Loop Trail is the one you'll want to use to access several of the main attractions in the park: the summit, the Hutchinson Homestead, and Stone Mountain Falls. It can be reached from the picnic area via the Connector Trail, the campground, or the Lower Trailhead Parking Lot on the main park road. The Cedar Rock Trail is a loop off of the Stone Mountain trail which provides access to a granite outcrop with views to the southeast and of Stone Mountain itself. The Wolf Rock and Black Jack Trails are some other high-ground trails within the park, while the stream-side Middle Falls/Lower Falls and Widow's Creek trails provide access to some of the Park's waterfalls. Finally, the Mountains to Sea Trail makes an appearance in the Park and allows hikers to access the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Devil's Garden overlook after a difficult climb of six miles.
This is just an overview of the trails that are available. For details on each individual trail accessible from the park, visit the trails page.
Places to Stay
Camping
The Family Campground contains 88 sites with all the amenities: fire rings, tent pads, picnic tables, and grills. 41 of those sites (in the B loop) also have electric and water hook-ups. Some sites are RV-sized and comfort stations have hot showers. It's open year-round.
In addition to the developed campground, there are 4 improved Group Campsites which can support up to 25 people each, with a fire pit, grill, and two picnic tables. Water, restrooms and shower facilities are also available. Along the trails, 6 primitive Backpacking Campsites are available on a first-come basis. These sites have no facilities. Backcountry camping is only allowed at the designated backpacking sites.
