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Stone Mountain Loop Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult
 4.5 (45) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …Central N. Carolina
  4. …Roaring Gap
  5. Stone Mountain State Park
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“Trail rises from the picturesque stream bottoms to the lovely views at the summit of Stone Mountain. ”

Russell Hobart
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Map Key

4.4

Miles

7.1

KM

Loop

2,287' 697 m

High

1,521' 464 m

Low

884' 269 m

Up

884' 269 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

49%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Park Hours:
  • November - February: 7am - 7pm
  • March, April, October: 7am - 9pm
  • May - September: 7am - 10pm

Overview

One of Stone Mountain State Park's iconic trails, visitors won't want to miss a chance to tour the area on this loop. You'll be able to enjoy almost everything that the park has to offer, from streambeds to rocky summits, to everything in between.

Description

The Stone Mountain Loop Trail follows the orange circle markings. The trail starts behind the bathrooms at the parking lot. You'll follow the creek until you head up to a clearing made by an old homestead. Take in the views then continue down the trail.

You'll make a couple of streams crossings before you get to Stone Mountain Falls. Head up the stairs and continue for a long time going uphill until you arrive at the summit. Take in the beautiful views of Appalachia from the rocky moon-like surface of the summit. The trail is marked on the rock where there are no trees. From here, continue downhill with intermittent stairs until you arrive at a road crossing. Shortly after the road, you meet up with the beginning of the loop and head back to the parking lot.

Flora & Fauna

For more information on the flora and fauna in the park, click here.

Contacts

Land Manager: North Carolina State Parks - Stone Mountain State Park

Shared By:

Russell Hobart
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 45 votes

#1

in Stone Mountain State Park

#225

Overall
  4.5 from 45 votes
5 Star
56%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Stone Mountain State Park

#8

in North Carolina

#225

Overall
49 Views Last Month
6,996 Since Oct 16, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

Stone Mountain Falls.
Oct 16, 2016 near Thurmond, NC
Looking up at Stone Mountain.
Oct 19, 2016 near Thurmond, NC
The top of the falls brings beautiful views.
May 9, 2017 near Thurmond, NC
A human-sized chimney marks the intersection of the Stone Mountain Loop Trail and the spur to the upper parking area.
Mar 9, 2017 near Thurmond, NC
Taking a breather.
Oct 19, 2016 near Thurmond, NC
Stopping for a photo-op on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail.
Oct 27, 2016 near Thurmond, NC

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Check-Ins

Apr 15, 2022
Miguel S
7.7mi
Feb 19, 2022
GINO DIFARNECIO
Nov 7, 2021
Nicole Mohney-Marshall
MST
Aug 14, 2021
Kevin Heimbrook
#6 of 41 of NC State Park challenge. Hiked with Emily. Hutchinson Homestead was a cool detour. Lots of steps on the way down.
Jul 12, 2021
Juan Sanchez
6.4mi — 5h 12m
Jun 27, 2021
Taylor Browning
2h 00m
Apr 11, 2021
Noah E
Mar 13, 2021
Daniel daniel.ryan.paulsen@gmail.com

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