Stone Mountain Loop

Stone Mountain Loop is the crown jewel trail of Stone Mountain State Park, circumnavigating a massive exposed granite dome that rises 600 feet above the surrounding piedmont forest. The route climbs the southwest face of the dome on a route marked by yellow paint blazes on bare rock, with cables and iron rungs assisting hikers on the steepest sections. The summit plateau spans several acres of open granite, offering unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge foothills and Piedmont to the south. Midway through the loop the trail passes Stone Mountain Falls, a 200-foot cascading waterfall that slides down a granite apron into a lush gorge below. The descent winds through rich cove hardwood forest with large tulip poplars, basswoods, and several champion-sized trees. Stone Mountain itself is a National Natural Landmark, one of the largest exposed granite plutons in the eastern United States. The rock surface is colonized by colorful lichen communities including chartreuse, orange, and black species that add striking color to the gray granite. The $7 vehicle fee is collected at the park entrance. This is one of the most popular day hikes in the NC mountains, so early arrival is essential on weekends.