
Stone Mountain State Park, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Sparta, North Carolina, is named for a magnificent 600-foot granite dome estimated to be 300 million years old. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1975, the 14,000-acre park features cascading waterfalls, cool mountain streams, and quiet forests teeming with wildlife.
Stone Mountain State 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
November – February: 8 am – 6 pm
March – April: 8 am – 8 pm
May – August: 8 am – 9 pm
September – October: 8 am – 8 pm
The park is closed on Christmas Day.
Park office hours are 8 am – 5 pm daily. The office is closed on weekends December through mid-March and closed on state holidays.
The Hutchinson Homestead is open to visitors on weekends, March through October. Visitors are welcome to walk the homestead site grounds when the site is closed.
The Garden Creek Baptist Church holds services at 9am every Sunday, May – October and first Sundays, November – April. Visitors are welcome to walk the church grounds when the church is closed.
Admission Fees
The park charges fees for all campsites. Picnic shelters are free on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a charge for shelter reservations. A $22 fishing permit (catch and release) is required for the Bullhead Stream.
Hours of operation and fees are subject to change. Contact directly for most current information.
Location
Stone Mountain can be seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Stone Mountain Overlook at milepost 230.
From the Blue Ridge 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