Stone Mountain State Park – Upper Widow’s Creek Falls -

For one of the most rewarding hidden stops at Stone Mountain State Park, Upper Widow’s Creek Falls is a real surprise. Set deep along the Widow’s Creek Trail in Roaring Gap, NC, Alleghany County, this quieter, lesser-known waterfall offers a real sense of discovery for hikers willing to put in the effort to reach it. Unlike the roadside Widow’s Creek Falls downstream — easily accessible by a 5-minute walk from a roadside parking area — this upper waterfall is a true off-the-beaten-path stop along the same creek, reached only by a strenuous hike into the park’s backcountry. 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 Hidden Waterfall Along Widow’s Creek

Upper Widow’s Creek Falls is a small, lesser-known waterfall along the upstream portion of Widow’s Creek — a quieter cascade than the more dramatic and accessible falls elsewhere in the park. The water flows over a smooth rock face and gathers in a small, inviting pool at the base — a peaceful spot that rewards hikers with one of the most genuinely tranquil waterfall experiences at Stone Mountain.

The falls’ lack of an official name and absence from most trail maps add to the sense of discovery. Coming across it for the first time, especially after the climb required to reach this section of the Widow’s Creek Trail, feels like stumbling into a quiet corner of the park that most visitors will never see.

Not to Be Confused with Widow’s Creek Falls

It’s worth being clear about the distinction: this Upper Widow’s Creek Falls is a separate feature from Widow’s Creek Falls — the 25-foot waterfall accessible from a small parking area along John P. Frank Parkway. That downstream waterfall is the most accessible falls in the park, reachable in just a few minutes of easy walking. Upper Widow’s Creek Falls, by contrast, is hidden upstream along the same creek and requires a strenuous hike along the Widow’s Creek Trail to reach. Both waterfalls share the same creek, but couldn’t be more different in their accessibility and character.

Reaching Upper Widow’s Creek Falls

The falls are reached via the Widow’s Creek Trail from the dedicated backpack parking area at Stone Mountain State Park. After a steep climb at the start of the trail, the path levels out and winds through a lush forest of rhododendrons and hardwoods, following Widow’s Creek upstream toward the primitive backcountry campsites. The falls are located near Backcountry Campsite A, about 1.5 miles from the backpack parking area.

For hikers approaching from a different direction, the Widow’s Creek Trail can also be reached by descending from a connection with the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail — making the falls accessible from multiple routes for those building longer outings.

Be Considerate of Campers

Because Upper Widow’s Creek Falls is located right next to Backcountry Campsite A, please be especially mindful of any campers who may be using the site. Keep noise to a minimum, stay on marked paths, and avoid encroaching on the campsite or disturbing personal belongings. The backcountry campsites are reservation-only spaces meant to offer a real wilderness experience, and the respect of day hikers helps preserve that experience for everyone.

Good to Know

Access: Via the Widow’s Creek Trail from the backpack parking area at Stone Mountain State Park
Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead
Difficulty: Strenuous — the Widow’s Creek Trail features a very steep climb after the first mile
Location: Near Backcountry Campsite A on the Widow’s Creek Trail
Alternate access: Can also be reached via a connection with the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail
Be respectful: The falls are adjacent to a reservation-only backcountry campsite — keep noise down and stay on the marked path
Not the same as: Widow’s Creek Falls, the easily accessible 25-foot roadside waterfall downstream
Located within Stone Mountain State Park at 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC

A Stone Mountain Highlight

Upper Widow’s Creek Falls is the kind of stop that genuinely earns its place by what it asks of visitors — a real hike, a real climb, and a real willingness to leave the easier waterfalls behind in exchange for something quieter. The reward is a peaceful, secluded waterfall that few people ever see, set in one of the most beautiful stretches of forest in the park. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker headed to the campsites, a serious hiker tackling the Widow’s Creek Trail, or simply a waterfall enthusiast chasing every cascade in North Carolina, this is one of the most rewarding hidden stops you can make at Stone Mountain State Park.