Stone Mountain State Park is a North Carolina state park located in Alleghany and Wilkes counties. The park’s centerpiece is Stone Mountain, a dome of exposed Devonian granite that has intruded into the Precambrian Alligator Back Formation gneiss.

Stone Mountain State Park

The name comes from the massive dome that towers over those who climb it or hike around the namesake Stone Mountain Loop Trail.

The exposed granite dome that rises roughly 700 feet above its surroundings inspired the name Stone Mountain. It is part of a large pluton, which is a bulbous, igneous rock formed hundreds of millions of years ago by lava beneath the Earth’s surface.

The mountain was designated a National Natural Landmark in May 1974 as the best example of a monadnock in massive granite in North Carolina.

Parking area in Stone Mountain State Park

Upper Trailhead Parking

If you’re coming from the Visitor Center, you’ll soon come to a fork with your first parking options. To the right will be the RV/Tent Camping Area, and to the left will be the Upper Trailhead Parking Area and nearby Picnic Area.

This is the most popular parking area, owing to its proximity to Stone Mountain Falls along the Loop. There are restrooms and water fountains here, but we recommend bringing your own water before going to the parks.

If you brought lunch to eat before or after your day at the park, the Picnic Area has 75 tables available.

Lower Trailhead Parking

As you pass the fork and enter Wilkes County, continue on to the Lower Trailhead Parking. You’ll park here for the Loop, but you’ll hike up the dome’s “Summit Side” or to the Hutchinson Homestead on the loop’s “View Side.”

People with limited mobility can drive to the homestead access point but must park in a visible area and display the required tags.

Things to do in Stone Mountain State Park

There are numerous outdoor activities available in the park. The Park has rock climbing, hiking, and camping areas.

Camping

There are three designated camping areas, each with its own set of amenities and access.

The Stone Mountain Park Campground, located just outside of Atlanta on 3200 acres of natural beauty, has over 400 RV, Pop-up, and Tent sites, as well as Yurt, Safari Tent, and RV Rentals.

Hiking Trails

Stone Mountain State Park has 18 miles of hiking trails. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail even passes through here, beginning at the Widows Creek Trail Backpack Parking area.

Stone Mountain Loop Trail has a 4.7-star rating from 2,331 reviews and is the best place to hike in Stone Mountain State Park. This trail is 4.5 miles long and gains 938 feet in elevation. Hiking takes an average of 2 hours and 17 minutes.

Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) Segment 6 is the longest trail in Stone Mountain State Park, according to AllTrails.com. This trail is estimated to be 69.6 miles long and takes an average of 27 hours and 28 minutes to complete.

Fishing

Stone Mountain Lake is open for fishing from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. The lake contains five types of fish: bass, carp, crappie, catfish, and bream.

A valid Georgia fishing license is required. Fishing is prohibited from bridges, docks, the Evergreen Pavilion, the golf course, and the beaches. There will be no fishing between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m.

Commercial fishing, as well as the buying and selling of fish caught at Stone Mountain, is prohibited.

Private boats are permitted on the lake during daylight hours every day of the week.

Rock Climbing

This is a very popular hike in the Atlanta area. Stone Mountain is not only the centerpiece of its namesake state park, but it also offers some of the best climbing in the East.

There’s a 600-foot granite dome with 100-foot pitches-up slabs and cracks, all at a welcoming low angle.

There is no fee if you enter on foot or by bike. A park-specific annual pass can also be purchased.

Swimming

Stone Mountain Lake is a large urban lake with water quality issues, particularly in the summer when high temperatures and heavy rain can have a negative impact on water quality. You are not permitted to swim in the lake because real-time water quality tests are not available.

Widow’s Creek Falls, on the other hand, is a nice swimming hole with a natural waterslide that’s smaller but similar to Sliding Rock near Brevard.

It is a stunning waterfall that is just a few hundred feet from the main park road. During the summer, the falls are a popular sliding and swimming spot. If you don’t mind getting wet, the flat, rocky area at the base of the falls is relatively safe for exploring and playing.

How much is Stone Mountain entry fee?

The entrance fee to Stone Mountain Park is $20 per vehicle. Annual passes are $40 and are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

How long is the walk around Stone Mountain Park?

Stone Mountain Park has 15 miles of hiking and walking trails of varying difficulty. Enjoy the 5-mile trail that circles the base, the 1-mile trail to the summit, and other activities!

Visitors looking for a little more adventure can take the 1-mile trek to the mountain’s summit. Unless otherwise posted, the Walk-Up Trail is open daily from dawn to dusk. Simply follow the painted yellow line along the trail and take in the spectacular scenery and views along the way.

Is there food on top of Stone Mountain?

You can cool off with an ice-cold beverage when you reach the top of Stone Mountain, whether you hiked the Walk-Up trail or took a nice, breezy tram ride. Summit Snacks has something delicious and thirst-quenching for everyone, including popcorn, pretzels, and ice cream.

Can you drink alcohol at Stone Mountain?

Alcohol may be brought into the Park, but it is not permitted on the streets, in parking lots, or in other clearly marked areas. Attractions, the Lasershow, Pavilions, the Special Events Meadow, and the Walk-Up Trail are among the other areas. Glass containers are not permitted.

What is Stone Mountain best known for?

The Venable Brothers once owned Stone Mountain and mined its granite for global use. Stone Mountain is well known not only for its geology but also for the massive rock relief on its north face, which is the world’s largest bas-relief.