Stone Mountain State Park – Stone Mountain Loop Trail -

For the signature hike at Stone Mountain State Park, the Stone Mountain Loop Trail is the route to know. This 4.5-mile loop circles the park’s iconic 600-foot granite dome — a National Natural Landmark in Roaring Gap, NC, Alleghany County — passing the dramatic 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls, the restored mid-19th-century Hutchinson Homestead, and some of the most rewarding mountain views anywhere in the park. 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.

⚠️ 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 hiking, please call the park office at (336) 957-8185 or check the official Stone Mountain State Park website to confirm which sections of the trail are open and how it may affect your planned route.

A Real Workout with a Real Reward

The Stone Mountain Loop Trail is rated strenuous by the park, with roughly 900 to 1,000 feet of elevation gain across the 4.5-mile loop. The trail combines forested paths, exposed granite, stretches of stone stairs, and a steady climb across the dome itself — a real workout that rewards hikers with one of the most varied outdoor experiences in this part of North Carolina.

The route can be hiked in either direction from the Upper or Lower Trailhead parking areas. From the Upper Trailhead, hikers descend a long boardwalk of wooden stairs alongside Stone Mountain Falls — a dramatic vantage point with its own warnings to take seriously. Falls in this area have caused injuries and deaths over the years, so it’s important to stay behind all barriers and never approach the top of the falls from above.

The Headline Stops Along the Way

The Stone Mountain Loop Trail packs more highlights into its 4.5 miles than just about any other hike in this corner of the state. Along the way, you’ll find:

Stone Mountain Falls — a 200-foot waterfall flowing down a smooth granite face, with a wooden staircase that lets you view the falls from multiple vantage points
The summit of Stone Mountain — sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge as you cross the exposed granite dome
The Hutchinson Homestead — a restored mid-19th-century farmstead at the base of the mountain, with a log cabin, barn, blacksmith shop, and one of the most iconic views of the dome rising over the meadow
A separate trail to two more waterfalls — the Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail branches off the loop and adds the modest Middle Falls and Lower Falls along Big Sandy Creek

The trail also serves as the gateway to several of the park’s other most rewarding routes. Connections to the Cedar Rock, Wolf Rock, and Black Jack Ridge Trails all branch off the loop, and a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail runs through this section of the park.

A Family-Friendly Start

While the full Stone Mountain Loop Trail is a real challenge, the first 0.4 mile of the loop doubles as the park’s official Kids in Parks TRACK Trail — an easy, well-marked walk with free kid-friendly brochures at the trailhead kiosk. Families can hike the TRACK Trail section on its own as a gentle introduction to the park before turning back, or use it as an accessible starting point for the longer loop.

For a Deeper Look at Our Experience

We’ve put together a full blog post sharing what it was actually like to hike the Stone Mountain Loop Trail — including the climb itself, the dome, the falls, and what surprised us along the way. Take a look at Granite, Grunts, and Glory: A Day on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail for the full story.

Good to Know

Trail length: 4.5-mile loop
Difficulty: Strenuous (per the park rating)
Elevation gain: Approximately 900 to 1,000 feet
Surface: Mixed — forested paths, exposed granite, and stone staircases near the falls
Trailheads: Accessible from the Upper or Lower Trailhead parking areas
K.I.P. TRACK Trail: The first 0.4 mile of the loop doubles as the park’s official Kids in Parks TRACK Trail
Current closure note (2026): The staircase near Stone Mountain Falls is under renovation, closing a portion of the loop. Call the park office at (336) 957-8185 to confirm which sections are open before hiking.
Safety: Stay behind all barriers at Stone Mountain Falls — injuries and deaths have occurred when visitors approach the top of the falls
Connects to: The Middle Falls / Lower Falls Trail, Cedar Rock Trail, Wolf Rock Trail, Black Jack Ridge 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 Must-Do

The Stone Mountain Loop Trail is the kind of hike that earns its place as one of the most popular routes in this part of the state. The climb is real, the dome views are remarkable, the falls are dramatic, and the Hutchinson Homestead grounds the whole experience in real, lived history. Whether you’re tackling the full loop, hiking the K.I.P. TRACK Trail with younger family members, or piecing together a longer outing with the Cedar Rock, Wolf Rock, and Black Jack Ridge Trails, this is one of the most rewarding hikes you can make at Stone Mountain State Park.