Stone Mountain State Park – Stone Mountain Falls

For the signature waterfall stop at Stone Mountain State Park, the 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls is the headline draw. Set in the heart of the park in Roaring Gap, NC, Alleghany County, this dramatic cascade flows down a smooth granite face along Big Sandy Creek — one of the tallest waterfalls in this part of North Carolina and one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the state. The falls also serve as one of the central stops along the Stone Mountain Loop Trail, which connects to the park’s iconic granite dome and the historic Hutchinson Homestead at the base of the mountain. 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.

⚠️ 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.

A 200-Foot Cascade Down a Granite Face

Stone Mountain Falls plunges roughly 200 feet down a steep granite cliff along Big Sandy Creek — the same waterway that feeds Middle Falls and Lower Falls further downstream. The water slides smoothly down the exposed granite face, with the falls dropping in a way that gives them an almost ribbon-like character against the rock. They’re easily the tallest waterfall in Stone Mountain State Park, and one of the most-photographed natural features in this corner of the High Country.

A wooden staircase along the granite face provides multiple vantage points to view the falls from above, partway down, and from the pool at the base — making Stone Mountain Falls one of the most accessible 200-foot waterfalls anywhere in the state.

Wooden Steps and Important Safety Notes

Reaching the falls means navigating a substantial wooden staircase — hundreds of steps that descend along the granite face from the Upper Trailhead toward the base. Benches along the way let visitors rest, and overlook platforms provide clear views of the falls from multiple vantage points. The climb back up can be demanding, especially in warmer months.

⚠️ A serious safety note: Stay behind all barriers along the falls. Injuries and deaths have occurred at Stone Mountain Falls when visitors climbed the fences, walked onto the slick granite above the drop, or wandered off the marked path to find alternate views. The exposed granite face is genuinely slippery, especially when wet, and there is no margin for error at the top of the falls. Follow the posted warnings and never approach the top of the falls from above.

Reaching Stone Mountain Falls

Stone Mountain Falls is part of the 4.5-mile Stone Mountain Loop Trail, with two trailhead parking areas providing access. The Upper Trailhead parking lot is the closest to the falls, allowing visitors to descend the staircase directly to the falls without having to hike the full loop. The Lower Trailhead parking lot is best for visitors approaching from the Hutchinson Homestead direction, though it involves a substantially longer hike to reach the falls.

A Pool at the Bottom

At the base of Stone Mountain Falls, the water collects in a shallow pool before continuing downstream along Big Sandy Creek. In warmer months, the pool is a popular spot to dip your toes or sit and take in the view from below. The boulders and rocks around the base also make for a great picnic stop after the climb down — or before the climb back up.

Hiking the Stone Mountain Loop Trail

The waterfall is one of the highlights of the 4.5-mile Stone Mountain Loop Trail, which also takes in the park’s iconic granite dome, the historic Hutchinson Homestead, and connections to the Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail for a fuller waterfall outing. For our full first-person take on the climb, see our blog post Granite, Grunts, and Glory: A Day on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail.

It’s worth noting that the most expansive views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains aren’t from the falls themselves — they’re from the summit of the granite dome above. Visitors hoping for sweeping mountain panoramas should plan to hike the loop up to the dome rather than stopping at the falls alone.

Good to Know

• Height: Approximately 200 feet
• Source: Big Sandy Creek
• Access: Via the Stone Mountain Loop Trail — closest from the Upper Trailhead parking area
• Stairs: Hundreds of wooden steps descending alongside the falls, with benches and viewing platforms along the way
• Important safety note: Injuries and deaths have occurred when visitors approached the top of the falls — stay behind all barriers and never walk on the slick granite above the drop
• Pool at the base: Shallow and inviting for a quick dip of the toes in warmer months
• Pair with: The Hutchinson Homestead, the Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail, and the full Stone Mountain Loop Trail for the granite dome views
• Current closure (2026): Staircase under renovation — call (336) 957-8185 or check the official park website before visiting
• Located within Stone Mountain State Park at 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC

A Stone Mountain Must-Visit

Stone Mountain Falls is the kind of place that genuinely earns its reputation as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in this part of North Carolina. The cascade itself is dramatic, the staircase makes the falls remarkably accessible for a 200-foot waterfall, the pool at the base is a peaceful place to settle in, and the surrounding granite face puts the geological character of the park on full display. Whether you’re hiking the full Stone Mountain Loop Trail or making the falls your single destination, this is one of the most memorable stops you can make at the park.

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Resources

Stone Mountain State Park Website

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