Stone Mountain State Park is a state park in North Carolina. The massive granite dome at Stone Mountain State Park keeps watch on park visitors enjoying nearly every type of outdoor activity – camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding and more. There are more than 18 miles of trails, matched by more than 20 miles of designated trout waters in this park that spreads below the Blue Ridge Parkway. A campground offers 90 sites, some with utility hookups, and group and backpacking campsites are nearby. Rock climbing is allowed by permit on the towering, 600-foot granite face of the landmark mountain, and climbers look down on Hutchinson Homestead, a restored mid-19th century mountain farm. Expansive picnic grounds with shelters invite reunions and community gatherings.
Park rangers offer regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs at the park. Contact the park office to arrange a special exploration of Stone Mountain State Park for your group.
Educational materials about the park have been developed for grades 5-8 and are correlated to North Carolina’s curriculum. The Stone Mountain State Park program introduces students to basic geologic concepts including the rock cycle, geologic time, weathering and erosion, igneous rocks, geologic processes, resource use and stewardship.
Camping: Campsites for tents and recreational vehicles include a tent pad, table and firering/grill. Drinking water and washhouses are nearby. Some sites have water/electric hookups. A dump sta-
tion is located near the contact station for use by registered campers only. The campground and washhouses are open year-round. There is a fee for camping and a limit of six persons per site. Reservations are encouraged. Park gates are locked daily at posted closing hours. Please contact the park office or visit the website for more information about Group camping and Backpack camping.
Trails: Stone Mountain State Parks offers a variety of experiences for hikers, with moderate to strenuous trails.
There is also a five-mile bridle trail. All visitors with horses
must be able to provide proof of a negative equine infectious anemia. Hikers should stay on designated trails and exercise caution as waterfalls
and steep, rocky terrain may create hazardous and slippery conditions.
Picnicking: 75 individual picnic sites and three large picnic shelters offer tables, grills, drinking water and restrooms. The shelters may be reserved for a fee. A short trail connects to the main loop trail to provide access to a waterfall and Stone Mountain’s summit.
Rock climbing is permitted in designated areas on the cliffs of Stone Mountain. Participants are responsible for their own personal safety, including securing proper training and equipment and
adhering to safe practices. All climbers must register and possess a valid permit. A self-registration box is located at the climbing area. Contact the park office for additional climbing rules.
Fishing: More than 20 miles of park streams are designated trout waters. For season dates and regulations for each type of trout water, contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Regulations of the WRC are enforced throughout the park. Bullhead and Rich Mountain creeks are strictly catch and release and are open for fishing year round. A special fishing permit is required for this area and may be purchased at the Bullhead Creek parking area.
Stone Mountain State Park is located in Wilkes and Alleghany counties, six miles southwest of Roaring Gap. From I-77 North, take Exit #83/Hwy 21 North/Sparta/Roaring Gap (you will exit from the left lane). Go north about 13 miles to Traphill Road/state road 1002, (you will see a brown state park sign) and turn left. Go about 4 miles to John P Frank Parkway (you will see a brown state park sign) and turn right. Follow the parkway to the park, about two miles.
From the west, take NC 16 to NC 18 in North Wilkesboro and then turn right onto Hwy 268 East. Go about 3 miles and turn left at Airport Road. Go about 3 1/2 miles and turn left this becomes Traphill Rd (SR 1002). Follow Traphill Rd to John P. Frank Parkway about 11 miles and turn left, follow the parkway to the park.
North Carolina State Parks are open every day, with the exception of Christmas Day. Park hours vary with the seasons. Please visit the North Carolina State Park (https://www.ncparks.gov/stone-mountain-state-park/home) website or contact the park office (336-957-8185) for the most current information about seasonal hours, activities, alerts, camping fees, programs rules and weather.
Rock climbing is permitted in designated areas on the cliffs of Stone Mountain. Participants are responsible for their own personal safety, including securing proper training and equipment and
adhering to safe practices. All climbers must register and possess a valid permit. A self-registration box is located at the climbing area. Contact the park office for additional climbing rules.
Fishing: More than 20 miles of park streams are designated trout waters. For season dates and regulations for each type of trout water, contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Regulations of the WRC are enforced throughout the park. Bullhead and Rich Mountain creeks are strictly catch and release and are open for fishing year round. A special fishing permit is required for this area and may be purchased at the Bullhead Creek parking area.
Event permits. Some events—such as weddings, athletic contests, company parties, etc.—may require a Special Activity Permit. If you're unsure whether such a permit is necessary for your event, call the park office beforehand. You can download a Special Activity Permit application or obtain one from the park office.
Research and collection permits. A permit is required for any project involving the collection, removal or disturbance of any natural or cultural resource of any state park unit and for projects that require placing monitoring equipment in any state park unit. Learn more about research and collection permits or fill out a permit application online.
Welcome and on leash at all times.
