Stone Mountain State Park

Stone Mountain State Park, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Sparta, is named for a magnificent 600-foot granite dome estimated to be 300 million years old.  Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1975, the 13,747-acre Park features cascading waterfalls, cool mountain streams, and quiet forests teeming with wildlife – a perfect setting for outdoor activities of many kinds.

The Park's 16 miles of trails include the strenuous 4.5 miles Stone Mountain Loop Trail which takes hikers to the summit and then descends alongside the impressive 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls.  The Park is a trout fisher's paradise, with more than 17 miles of park streams designated as trout waters.  Rock climbing is permitted in designated areas on the cliffs of Stone Mountain but is not recommended for beginners unless they are accompanied by an experienced climber.  The Park offers 90 tent and RV campsites as well as backcountry camping sites along Widow's Creek. 

Stone Mountain State Park also preserves the rich history of the area, which was settled by families of English, German, Irish, French, and Scots-Irish descent.  The Mountain Culture Exhibit located at the park office tells the story of how these independent mountain settlers provided shelter, food, and clothing for their families.  The restored Hutchinson Homestead features a mid-19th century log cabin, barn, blacksmith shop, corncrib, and meat house.  Also on the park grounds is the historic Garden Creek Baptist Church, established in 1897.

Hours of Operation:
Park hours are:
November – February  8 am – 6 pm
March  8 am – 7 pm
April – May  8 am – 8 pm
June – August  8 am – 9 pm
September  8 am – 8 pm
October  8 am – 7 pm

The Park is closed on Christmas Day.

Park office hours are 8 am – 5 pm daily except for state holidays.  The Hutchinson Homestead is open to visitors Thursday through Sunday, March through October.                                                                                

The Garden Creek Baptist Church holds services on Sundays, May through October. Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds during the week and during winter, when the church is closed.

Admission Fees:
The Park charges a fee for all campsites. Picnic shelters are free on a first-come, first-served basis.  There is a charge for shelter reservations.  A $15 fishing permit (catch and release) is required for the Bullhead Stream.
*Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on this website.

Location:
Stone Mountain can be seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Stone Mountain Overlook at milepost 230.  From the Parkway, Take US 21 south to Roaring Gap. Turn right on Oklahoma Road and follow it for about three miles.  The Park entrance is on the right.

From I-77, take exit 83 and turn west onto US 21.  Veer left onto Traphill Road (SR 1002), and follow it to the John P. Frank Parkway.  Turn right and follow the parkway to the Park. 

Stone Mountain State Park
3042 Frank Parkway
Roaring Gap, NC 28668
(336) 957-8185
http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/stmo/home.html