Stone Mountain State Park – Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail

For a quieter, off-the-beaten-path waterfall hike at Stone Mountain State Park, the Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail is one of the most rewarding stops in the park. This 1-mile path branches off the main Stone Mountain Loop Trail in Roaring Gap, NC, Alleghany County, and follows Big Sandy Creek — the same waterway that feeds the dramatic 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls further upstream — past two smaller but genuinely scenic waterfalls along the way. Be sure to check out the YouTube video and pictures below to get a feel for the trail before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A Two-Waterfall Walk Along Big Sandy Creek

The Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail is rated moderate by the park, with a mix of gentle slopes, forested paths, and a few rocky sections along the route. At 1 mile one-way, the trail is short enough for a casual outing but worth adding to a longer day on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail. The path follows the cool, peaceful sound of Big Sandy Creek through a stretch of cove hardwood forest — Eastern hemlock, yellow-poplar, hickory, birch, and Fraser magnolia line the route, giving the trail a shaded, immersive feel.

The first stop along the trail is Middle Falls, a 20-foot sliding rock waterfall with inviting pools at the base — reachable by a short spur off the main path. Further downstream, the trail leads to Lower Falls, a smaller waterfall — approximately 25 feet in height — that flows quietly through a more secluded stretch of the creek.

Reaching Lower Falls Requires a Wet Crossing

One important practical note: to reach Lower Falls, hikers need to cross a fairly wide section of Big Sandy Creek on foot. The rocks can be slippery — especially after rain — and most visitors get their feet wet making the crossing. Water shoes, sturdy hiking footwear with good grip, or a willingness to wade across are all good options. If you’re not up for the crossing, Middle Falls makes for a satisfying turnaround point on its own.

A Pairing-Friendly Hike

What makes the Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail especially worth knowing about is how naturally it pairs with the broader Stone Mountain trail network. The trail branches off the Stone Mountain Loop Trail closest to the Stone Mountain Falls section, making it easy to combine the visit with a stop at the park’s signature 200-foot waterfall. Hikers looking to extend the outing can also pick up the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, which connects through this section of the park. Many visitors build the Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail into a 3- or 4-mile outing combining several of the park’s most scenic stops.

Good to Know

Trail length: 1 mile one-way
Difficulty: Moderate (per the park rating)
Surface: Mixed — gentle slopes, forested paths, and a few rocky sections
Trailhead access: Branches off the Stone Mountain Loop Trail near the Stone Mountain Falls section
Waterfalls: Middle Falls (a 20-foot sliding rock waterfall) and Lower Falls (approximately 25 feet)
Important: Reaching Lower Falls requires crossing Big Sandy Creek on foot — bring water shoes or be prepared for wet feet
Connects to: The Stone Mountain Loop Trail and a section of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail
Hiking only — leashed dogs welcome
Located within Stone Mountain State Park at 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC

A Stone Mountain Highlight

The Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail is the kind of hike that earns its place by offering something a little different — a quieter, less-crowded stretch of Stone Mountain State Park with two beautiful waterfalls and the cool, steady company of Big Sandy Creek the whole way. Whether you’re adding it to a longer outing on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail or making it a focused, low-key waterfall walk, this trail is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the gentler side of the park.