Stone Mountain State Park – Middle Falls

For one of the most rewarding waterfall stops at Stone Mountain State Park, Middle Falls is a real highlight along Big Sandy Creek. Set in a peaceful, less-trafficked stretch of the park in Roaring Gap, NC, Alleghany County, this 20-foot sliding rock waterfall rewards visitors with one of the most accessible waterfall views away from the busier Stone Mountain Falls area. Be sure to check out the YouTube video and pictures below to get a feel for the falls before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A Sliding Rock Waterfall on Big Sandy Creek

Middle Falls is a 20-foot sliding rock waterfall along Big Sandy Creek — the same waterway that feeds the dramatic 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls upstream. The water slides smoothly down an exposed granite face, with inviting pools at the base that give the falls a peaceful, almost meditative character. For visitors looking to chase waterfalls in this part of the park without committing to the longer trek down to the Lower Falls, Middle Falls is the natural first stop.

Reaching Middle Falls

Middle Falls is accessible via the Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail, which branches off the main Stone Mountain Loop Trail near Stone Mountain Falls. From the Stone Mountain Loop Trail junction, the falls are reachable along a mostly gravel path with some gentle slopes. A “Middle Falls” sign along the trail points to a short spur leading down to the falls themselves.

Compared to the longer trek required to reach Lower Falls — which involves two on-foot stream crossings — Middle Falls is the more accessible of the two waterfalls along this trail, making it a great choice for visitors who want a satisfying side-trip without the extra effort.

What to Know About Visiting

A few things worth noting from our visits to the falls:

• We’ve heard about visitors sliding down the rocks into the pool below, though we didn’t see anyone swimming on either of our visits. The granite can be slick, especially when wet, so caution is the operative word if you’re considering it.
• We’ve also read about a trail leading to the base of the falls, but couldn’t locate it on either visit. If you’re after a different vantage point, the marked viewing area along the spur off the main trail is the safest and most reliable spot to take in the falls.

A Side Trip Worth the Effort

Middle Falls is the kind of stop that earns its place as a worthwhile side adventure from the busier areas around Stone Mountain Falls. The falls themselves are scenic and peaceful, the spur trail is short and well-marked, and the experience of seeing a sliding rock waterfall in a quieter corner of the park is a nice contrast to the more dramatic 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls. If you’re already exploring the area — and especially if you enjoy waterfall hunting — Middle Falls is definitely worth the short detour.

Good to Know

• Waterfall height: 20 feet
• Type: Sliding rock waterfall along Big Sandy Creek
• Access: Via the Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail, which branches off the Stone Mountain Loop Trail
• Trailhead access: Look for the “Middle Falls” sign along the trail, pointing to a short spur down to the falls
• Difficulty: Easier to reach than Lower Falls — no stream crossings required
• Watch for: Slippery rocks, especially when wet
• Pair with: Lower Falls for a fuller waterfall outing (note that reaching Lower Falls does require two on-foot stream crossings)
• Located within Stone Mountain State Park at 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC

A Stone Mountain Highlight

Middle Falls is the kind of stop that captures what makes Stone Mountain State Park so rewarding — a peaceful, scenic waterfall just off the main trail, with the kind of quiet character that makes you want to settle in for a few minutes before moving on. Whether you’re chasing all the waterfalls in the park, adding a side trip to a longer day on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail, or just looking for a memorable stop along Big Sandy Creek, Middle Falls is one of the most worthwhile detours you can make at the park.

---

---

---

---

Resources

Stone Mountain State Park Website

---

Location

---

Social Media

---

---