Stone Mountain Loop Trail: This strenuous loop first leads hikers .75 miles to the summit of Stone Mountain then continues 1.25 miles to the top of Stone Mountain Falls. From the falls, the trail leads two miles to the meadow at the base of Stone Mountain and back to the trailhead.

Cedar Rock Trail: Available from both Stone Mountain Loop and Wolf Rock trails, this one-mile trail leads to Cedar Rock, a large granite outcrop allowing views to the south/southeast and an excellent view of Stone Mountain.

Wolf Rock Trail: This 1.5-mile trail is entered from Stone Mountain Loop Trail and provides views of the Blue Ridge Mountain escarpment. The ridges dividing three watersheds-Garden Creek, Widow's Creek and Bullhead Creek-can also be seen from atop Wolf Rock. Signs of old field succession are evident along the trail as it leads through areas which are predominantly pine, then mixed pine-hardwood and finally mature hardwood.

Black Jack Ridge Trail: Available from Cedar Rock and Wolf Rock trails, this 1.5-mile trail follows an old road bed through heavily wooded areas. In the winter, this strenuous hike offers wonderful views of Stone Mountain.

Self-Guided Nature Trail: Beginning at the base of Stone Mountain where the meadow and wooded area meet, this moderate half-mile trail is informative and enjoyable. It travels around the boulder area, across a creek and through a shady section thick with rhododendron and mountain laurel. Information about the park's geology and vegetation is provided along the trail.

Middle Falls/Lower Falls Trail: Available from Stone Mountain Loop Trail, this trail leads hikers a half mile along Big Sandy Creek to Middle Falls and then extends to Lower Falls.

Widow's Creek Trail: This trail is entered from the backcountry parking area. The trail follows Widow's Creek for 2.5 miles to the different backcountry sites and stops. To view Widow's Creek Falls, park just beyond the Widow's Creek bridge and walk a short distance upstream.

Bridle Trail: The five-mile horseback riding trail begins at the horse trailer parking lot and ends at John P. Frank Parkway. All visitors with horses must be able to provide proof of a negative equine infectious anemia (Coggins) test while visiting North Carolina State Parks.

The terrain on the top of Stone Mountain may appear level, but it becomes gradually steeper down slope. Those who wander off the trail risk becoming stranded as the lower sections of the rock are almost vertical. Stay on designated trails and exercise caution as waterfalls and steep, rocky terrain may create hazardous and slippery conditions. Avoid steep, rocky ledges at all times, and exercise extreme caution when rocks are wet.

Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Stone Mountain State Park.

To arrange a special exploration of Stone Mountain State Park for your group or class, contact the park office.

Educational materials about Stone Mountain State Park have been developed for grades 5-8 and are correlated with North Carolina's competency-based curriculum in science, social studies, mathematics and English/language arts. The Stone Mountain program introduces students to basic geologic concepts, focusing on Stone Mountain. Major concepts covered include the rock cycle, geologic time, weathering and erosion, igneous rocks, geologic processes, resource use, and stewardship. Accompanying the program is a teacher's booklet and workshop, free of charge to educators.

Rock climbingClimbing is permitted in designated areas on the cliffs of Stone Mountain. Because of the dangers of rock climbing and rappelling, climbing is not recommended for beginners unless they are accompanied by an experienced climber.

All climbers must register with the park by completing a climbing and rappelling registration and activity permit which is available at the park office. There is no fee for this permit. Prior to activity, a copy of the permit must be deposited in a registration box or given to a park ranger. An additional copy is provided for participants and must be held in their possession while engaged in climbing or rappelling.

Participants are responsible for their own personal safety, including securing proper training and equipment, and adhering to safe practices. Basic rock climbing safety equipment and techniques must be used at all time.

The following state park climbing regulations apply at all times:

*All climbers must register with the park staff and must keep in their possession a valid rock climbing and rappelling permit.

*NC state parks do not install or maintain any climbing route or fixed anchors. New routes are not permitted.

*Climbers climb at their own risk and are responsible for obtaining proper equipment and training. Unroped climbing is discouraged.

*Route selection and the decision to rely on any fixed anchors are the climber's responsibility.

*Climbing activities are permitted in designated areas only and must coincide with the park's posted hours of operation.

*All accidents and injuries must be reported to park staff.

Note: All climbers and rappellers must schedule their activity in order to leave the park by the posted closing hour.

Exhibits and historic sites:There's more to Stone Mountain than outdoor recreation! Drop by the park office or visit one of the historical sites to open your eyes to the natural and cultural history of the park.

Check out the park's old-time still, loom and other historical artifacts in the Mountain Culture Exhibit in the park office building. Other exhibits include animal pelts and a full-body black bear mount. These exhibits tell the story of how the independent mountain settlers provided shelter, food and clothing for their families. Other displays offer visitors the chance to learn about trout, butterflies and moths, and much more. The exhibits are open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.

Walk through one of the park's historic sites, the Hutchinson Homestead. The homestead is complete with a log cabin, barn, blacksmith shop, corncrib, meat house and original furnishings. Visitors can play recordings that explain how different aspects of the farm were run. The farm was built in the mid-19th century. Restored in 1998, the homestead is representative of the lives of early settlers in the area. The homestead is open to visitors Thursday through Sunday, March through October. When the homestead is closed during the week and during winter, visitors can walk the homestead grounds.

Another park historic site is the Garden Creek Baptist Church, located on the bank of the East Prong of Roaring River. Established in 1897, the building is one of the few original churches in Wilkes County that has not undergone any major repairs or remodeling. The 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.

Stone Mountain State Park is located in Wilkes and Alleghany counties, seven miles southwest of Roaring Gap. From I-77, 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. From the west, take NC 18 north and turn right onto Traphill Road (SR 1002). Follow the road to the John P. Frank Parkway and turn left, following the parkway to the park.