Stone Mountain State Park – Widow’s Creek Trail

For one of the most rewarding backcountry experiences at Stone Mountain State Park, the Widow’s Creek Trail is the route to know. This 2.5-mile one-way trail in Roaring Gap, NC, Alleghany County, follows its namesake creek through the park’s quieter northwest section — passing primitive backcountry campsites, a small cascade tucked near the first campsite, and a stretch of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail 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 Strenuous Trail With a Gradual Start

The Widow’s Creek Trail is rated strenuous by the park — but it earns that rating gradually rather than all at once. For the first mile or so, the trail follows Widow’s Creek at a gentle, almost flat slope, with plenty of easy access to the water for splashing, cooling off, or letting kids play in the creek. This early stretch is genuinely family-friendly and welcoming.

About a mile in, the path splits — the Widow’s Creek Trail bears left toward the backcountry campsites, and a stretch of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail branches right toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the split, the trail’s character changes quickly: the slope rises sharply and stays steep for about a mile before leveling off near the campsites. Hikers who don’t intend to camp are welcome to turn back at any point along the way — even the first mile-and-a-half is a peaceful, scenic outing on its own.

A Hidden Waterfall Along the Way

Tucked near the first backcountry campsite (Site A), hikers will find Upper Widow’s Creek Falls — a small, hidden waterfall along Widow’s Creek and one of the genuine surprises of the trail. It’s a quiet, lovely stop worth pausing for, even if you’re not headed deeper into the backcountry. The waterfall isn’t marked on the trail map, so coming across it for the first time feels like a real discovery.

Backcountry Camping at Stone Mountain

The Widow’s Creek Trail is the gateway to the park’s primitive backcountry campsites — a quiet, no-frills introduction to overnight outdoor camping. Reservations are required through the North Carolina State Parks system, and each campsite accommodates up to six people. The campsites are spaced along the trail roughly 1.3 to 1.8 miles from the backpack parking area, so the hike in is substantial — pack accordingly.

There are no facilities at the campsites: no toilets, no running water, no trash service. Visitors should expect a true backcountry experience and follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out everything they pack in.

Good to Know

• Trail length: 2.5 miles one-way (5 miles round-trip)
• Difficulty: Strenuous (per the park rating)
• Surface: Natural, with a gradual slope along the creek that becomes very steep after the trail split about a mile in
• Trailhead: Backpack parking area at Stone Mountain State Park
• Backcountry campsites: Reservations required through the NC State Parks reservation system; no facilities; pack out what you pack in
• Hidden waterfall: Upper Widow’s Creek Falls, a small waterfall along the creek near Backcountry Campsite A — not marked on the trail map
• Connects to: The Mountains-to-Sea State Trail (which branches off about a mile in and continues toward the Blue Ridge Parkway)
• Hiking only — leashed dogs welcome
• Located within Stone Mountain State Park at 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC

A Stone Mountain Highlight

The Widow’s Creek Trail is the kind of route that earns its place by offering something genuinely different from the park’s headline experiences. Where the Stone Mountain Loop Trail delivers headline views and the Cedar Rock and Wolf Rock trails open onto dramatic granite outcrops, the Widow’s Creek Trail offers something quieter — a peaceful creekside walk, a hidden waterfall, and a real chance to spend a night in the backcountry. Whether you’re a serious backpacker headed to the campsites, a family enjoying a gentle creekside outing, or someone after a peaceful afternoon away from the busier areas of the park, this trail is one of the most rewarding lesser-known stops at Stone Mountain.

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Resources

Stone Mountain State Park Website

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Location

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Social Media

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