The Enchanting Waterfalls of Stone Mountain State Park

Stone Mountain State Park is best known for its dramatic 600-foot granite dome — but for many visitors, the park’s collection of waterfalls is the real reason to keep coming back. Set across the park’s 14,000+ acres in Roaring Gap, NC, Alleghany County, the falls range from the spectacular 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls to small, hidden cascades that reward hikers with a real sense of discovery. Three of the falls (Stone Mountain Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls) flow along Big Sandy Creek as it descends from the granite dome, while Widow’s Creek Falls and Upper Widow’s Creek Falls share a separate waterway on the other side of the park.

Below is a breakdown of all of the waterfalls. Some of the images are clickable and will take you to a dedicated page for that waterfall, which includes more pictures and a YouTube video. Before we begin, we’ve also compiled some additional resources about Stone Mountain State Park you might find useful. Happy adventuring!

Additional Resources

Lower Falls
Middle Falls
Stone Mountain Falls
Widow’s Creek Falls
Upper Widow’s Creek Falls (Secret Waterfall)
Final Thoughts

Lower Falls

🌊 Lower Falls is a sliding rock waterfall approximately 25 feet in height along Big Sandy Creek in Stone Mountain State Park.

🌳 The area around the top of Lower Falls is especially scenic — a quieter spot than either Stone Mountain Falls or Middle Falls.

🚶‍♂️ Accessible via the Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail, which branches off the main Stone Mountain Loop Trail.

📏 Lower Falls is about a mile from the main loop, and the path is mostly gravel with some moderate hills.

💦 Hikers should expect to get their feet wet — there are two on-foot stream crossings along the way.

🌲 The remote location lets visitors enjoy the peaceful beauty of the lower Stone Mountain area with fewer crowds.

⚠️ It’s important to exercise caution as the area is quite isolated.

Middle Falls

⛰️ Middle Falls is a 20-foot sliding rock waterfall along Big Sandy Creek — the same waterway that feeds Stone Mountain Falls upstream and Lower Falls downstream.

🗺️ Reachable via the Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail from the main Stone Mountain Loop Trail.

➡️ Look for the Middle Falls sign on the trail pointing to a short spur down to the falls.

🎉 A fun side trip for those exploring the park — and especially rewarding for waterfall enthusiasts.

🏊 People sometimes slide down the rocks into the pool below, though we didn’t see anyone swimming during our visits.

❓ We’ve heard about a trail leading to the base of the falls, but couldn’t find it on either of our visits.

Stone Mountain Falls

⚠️ Important Trail Notice (as of 2026): The wooden staircase descending past Stone Mountain Falls is currently being renovated, which has closed a portion of the Stone Mountain Loop Trail near the waterfall. Before visiting, call the park office at (336) 957-8185 or check the official Stone Mountain State Park website to confirm what’s open.

🌊 Stone Mountain Falls is a stunning 200-foot waterfall along Big Sandy Creek — the tallest in the park and one of the tallest in this part of the state.

🥾 Part of the popular 4.5-mile Stone Mountain Loop Trail, attracting hikers and photographers.

🚗 Two parking lots provide access, with the Upper Trailhead parking lot closest to the falls.

💧 At the bottom of the falls, a shallow pool invites visitors to dip their toes during warmer months.

🏞️ Viewing platforms at the top of the falls and great views from the base — multiple vantage points to take in the dramatic cascade.

⚠️ Safety note: Stay behind all barriers along the falls. Injuries and deaths have occurred when visitors approached the top of the falls or wandered off the marked path.

Widow’s Creek Falls

🏞️ Accessible via a short 5-minute walk, Widow’s Creek Falls is the easiest waterfall to reach in the park.

📏 The falls drop 25 feet over smooth granite rocks, with a peaceful pool at the base.

🌳 Surrounded by green forest — perfect for picnics, photography, and short, low-effort outings.

☀️ During warmer months, visitors often slide down the lower part of the falls into the pool below — slippery rocks, caution advised.

🅿️ Dedicated parking lot just past the Widow’s Creek bridge along John P. Frank Parkway — no hike required.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Especially well-suited for families with young children and visitors looking for a real waterfall payoff without the climb.

Upper Widow’s Creek Falls (Secret Waterfall)

🤫 Upper Widow’s Creek Falls is the park’s hidden waterfall — not listed on official trail maps, which is why it appears last on this list.

🚶‍♂️ Accessible via the Widow’s Creek Trail (or via a connection from the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail).

🥾 Expect a steep climb at the start of the Widow’s Creek Trail before the path levels out and winds through lush forest.

⛺ Located near Backcountry Campsite A, approximately 1.5 miles from the backpack parking area.

🌿 Spills over smooth rock into a small, inviting pool at the base — a peaceful spot tucked along the creek.

🤐 Be considerate of campers — keep noise down, stay on marked paths, and avoid disturbing those using the campsite.

🌟 Offers a much quieter experience than the more popular waterfalls in the park.

Final Thoughts

The waterfalls at Stone Mountain State Park are one of the genuine joys of visiting this corner of North Carolina. From the easy 5-minute walk to Widow’s Creek Falls to the dramatic descent past the 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls to the quiet hike toward Upper Widow’s Creek Falls deep in the backcountry, there’s a waterfall here for every kind of visitor.

Pair a day chasing waterfalls with a stop at the Hutchinson Homestead, a hike up to the granite dome, or a picnic at the meadow at the base of the mountain, and you’ve got the makings of one of the most memorable outdoor days in this part of the state. Pack water, sturdy hiking shoes, layers for the changing weather, and a willingness to slow down and listen. The water at Stone Mountain has been carving its way through the granite for a long, long time — it deserves to be heard.