stone mountain state park

I camped here with friends from church and had a great time! The hike was great with wonderful views. The trail was challenging but we all managed with no problems. Just pace yourself and stop to rest if needed and you will be fine. I am going back this spring and taking my son. If you like to hike this is a must see attraction in NC.

We went early in the morning during the winter but it was still a great hike. We did the stone creek trail- I think that's what it was called. We saw a waterfall and followed it all the way down and continued following the creek. We ended up hiking a good 2.5 out and 2.5 back. We passed by the historic area -quaint place for a stop and rest too. The stone "face" was really neat - the side of the mtn that was purely rock.

My wife and I traveled to this park after reading about it on other camping blogs. It is so popular that we had to make reservations 6 months in advance. We stayed for 7 days, arriving and leaving on a Sunday. We were hauling our camper, so we picked our route carefully as the roads get narrow and twisty the further up in the mountains you get. Luckily I didn't trust Google directions or my GPS, but looked at the maps and satellite views to pick our route. As it was, we still missed the final turn into the campground because the sign gives no notice, just "turn here!". Once we got into the park, the roads were fine but steep and check-in was easy. The staff is friendly and helpful. We found our site easily enough amid the crowd. We could see why it was always crowded, the campground is situated in two valleys with a small creek flowing through the middle. We were too early for autumn color but the potential is there. After some hiking the trails the views in the spring would be fantastic with all the rhododendron up the hillsides. During the week the campground clears out with only a few of us sharing the views. We hiked to the top of the mountain a day after a storm front went through and the views were fantastic! We hiked from the closest trailhead and did the whole 4.5 miles in about 4 hours, taking it easy as it wasn't easy! The trail up was up a series of switchbacks...the way down was steps...a LOT of steps! We had heard about the 300 steps but these weren't them! They came later. We visited the Hutchinson homestead on the backside of the dome. The trail through the woods was very peaceful and the rhododendron were everywhere! This would be beautiful in the spring! We arrived at the falls...the bottom of the falls...and then we saw the steps, all 300 of them! That was the way back! Up we went, there was an observation point about halfway up the falls. Then up the home stretch...we made it! After looking at the top of the falls, it is easy to see how people could seriously under estimate the danger of going past all the signs, fences and warnings to get closer to the water. One slip in the slippery stuff and over you go! DON'T DO IT! The hike back to the camper was all downhill. One thing is, the nearest town or services is Elkin, about 10-12 miles away. There is a camp store with limited supplies just outside the gate. Another thing we noticed was the lack of wildlife, I guess the crowded campground keeps them all away. Our TV antenna could only pick up 3 channels...all PBS and the phones were down to barely getting service. All in all it was a wonderful place to get away. We would go back again.

This place has it all - great hiking trails and beautiful scenery. Hiked 7 miles - saw 3 waterfalls climbed rocks to face of Stone Mtn.

Stone Mountain Park is a beautiful state park. They have a couple of waterfalls and swimming holes that you can bathe in during the summer months, but watch out the water is COLD, but the kids don't mind it. There are picnic areas, and a beautiful wildlife. You can drive down the main road in the park real slow and see deer eating and looking straight at you, as if they couldn't be bothered that you were there. We hiked down to the waterfall which was beautiful and you could bathe in the small area at the end of the waterfall, and you can bring your dogs as long as they are on a leash. Overall, it was an excellent experience!!!

A short easy hike to the waterfall will leave you with a breathtaking view of this beautiful site! It is worth it to take the stairs to the bottom of the falls!

Beautiful, clean,quiet, park. We camped the last week in October and the leaves were stunning. Must see the Stone Mountain and the Hutchinson Homestead.

Its a beautiful state park with some beautiful sites like Hutchison Hermitage and a Stone mountain amidst the park. You can begin your trail from the visitor center. It will take you uptill the mountain top, then climb down the stairs, enjoy the waterfalls, continue the trek to the Hutchison Hermitage area and walk back till visitor center. Its going to be a lonnnnng trek. The park was not over crowded when we visited. We parked our car at lower head and took a trail to Hermitage and then waterfalls and then climbed up the stairs to the mountain top and walked down to another parking point. Our 4 year old got tired and my husband had to take a ride till lower head trail parking spot and get the car where we were waiting. No strollers/wheel chairs. Restrooms are at car parking spots only. There are people who do rock climbing on the mountain. Maps are available for free.

It was a beautiful trail to the Stone Mountain Falls.The waterfall area is so peaceful. I had a terrible time convincing my children it was time to go. They felt so relaxed and simply did not wish to be pulled away. It would be a great place to bring a picnic. There are 300 steps leading down (and up!!!) from the lower waterfall areas so be prepared. We also enjoyed the Blue Mountain Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze 15 minutes away. It made for a lovely fall afternoon.

Despite misty and cool conditions, enjoyed another great day of hiking at Stone Mountain. Having completed the loop trail several times, we picked several different trials and once again, had an enjoyable time. Also rode around the campground - had not view those sites before -definitely will return now to camp!

The waterfall area was beautiful, my dog enjoyed dipping his paws in the area at the bottom while I took a few pictures. The area at the summit had a beautiful view of the mountains. We sat on the dome and enjoyed the view for a while. We went towards the end of September, but I'd imagine this view is even better when the leaves begin to turn.

This is one of my favorite hikes. Very strenuous workout so don't think this is a stroll in the woods kind of hike. We did the full Stone Mountain loop which is 4.5 miles but much of it is steps and climbing so you can get tired quickly if not prepared. We also hiked the Waterfall trails towards the end of our hike. It was a very rewarding hike and the vistas and scenery keep you motivated. Views are absolutely breathtaking and unique. I would not recommend this trail when it's raining/wet as parts of it are steep, especially when you walk on the smooth surfaces of the stone mountain. The amount of steps on this trail is insane! Trails are very well maintained and it's very popular for all types of hikers and dogs. The waterfall trails were ok. To view the waterfall on the side trail you have to cross the river and the rocks can be slippery. The second waterfall trail is easy. The waterfall on the stone mountain trail is the best one so there really isn’t a need to hike this side trail unless you want to get more hiking in or need some peace and quiet.

If you are ever in this area, do yourself a favor and make some time to visit Stone Mountain.The waterfalls are breath-taking!Don't forget your water bottles and hiking shoes. The scenery is worth the energy it takes to get to them

We spent 2 nights in the campground which was very neat, trimmed and scenic. We were lucky to get a site next to a babbling brook that was great to sit by in the shade on a warm day. The rangers were nice, the bathrooms were clean the sites were paved and they're a great value. The bathhouses are actually nicely designed with paneled ceilings, skylights and large windows. As to the main attraction, it's very easy to walk to from the campground. We're in our 60's so we took our time but it was well worth it. The trail from the upper parking lot is pretty wide and gravelled most of the way up. There are several rock faces to walk on and see the view along the way. We didn't see many people and we went on a weekday in September. Then we drove a short way (still in the park) to Widow's Creek falls. Short easy hike to a great place to swim and slide while enjoying the view of the falls. We spent 2,days here and didn't get enough so we'll be back. Wildlife - deer and wild turkey. Lots of yellow flowers (ragweed?) mosses ferns and rhododendrons. Loved all the nature. Oh, and they have a visitors center with info about the mtn and learning programs.

We chose to go to the top counter clockwise which was a good choice, this left the steps on the downside. It was quite a hike but worth it when you got to the top, it was beautiful. Just take lots of water if its a hot day. A lot of fun!