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Strenuous!! Over 300 stairs. well marked and beautiful scenery throughout entire hike. I would say this is a "very" moderate hike.
Well-marked and maintained trail. Beautiful views at the summit. Counterclockwise from the upper parking lot is easiest, but for a good workout, go clockwise. Lots of stairs.
The trail was amazing! It was well marked. If you want the easiest hike around the loop, park at the lower lot and go to the left to climb up the summit first then go all the way around the falls and down to the view of the stone mountain and out. Climbing up the summit was the hardest park of it then and the rest of the trail is mostly downhill then or down steps. If you go the other way you will mostly be going up hill the whole way. beautiful view and good trail. If you get there early it's the best and least amount of people.
Although it’s a beautiful park, it’s not the easiest when you have a bad knee. I’m 40 and injured one of my knees a few years back. Steps aren’t as easy for me as they used to be and this park consists of MANY steps throughout every trail. I had read that the Lower parking lot (which goes into the Stone Mtn Loop Trail) was easier so we started there. Immediately, there’s steps on the main path (on the right hand side of parking lot). Since my map also showed a second trail from the lower parking lot, I walked towards the other (left) side of the lot and found a gravel road marked Handicapped/ emergency entrance to the Homestead. I felt weird going in there but my weak knee is considered a handicap so we walked. Not long afterwards a truck, with elderly men, drove past us. The gravel road also leads to a handicapped and 1-hr parking lot area if you drive it. Once past that small parking area, a trail takes you uphill to the Homestead area and then to the rest of the Stn Mtn Loop Trail (or to the right at fork- the harder sections like Wolf Rock, Cedar rock and Blackjack). We continued left to get to the Falls area. I anticipated a simple trail and then the 300+ steps once at the falls. I didn’t realize that there were many other sets of steps just to get to the falls. After about 5 or 6 sets of steps, I decided to stop while my husband kept going. While he made it to the top of the falls, I stayed below and enjoyed watching the water which was flowing next to the trail. I’m bummed that I couldn’t walk it like most ppl could, but it was still breathtaking and I’m glad I saw some of it.
Really enjoyed this trail. Would recommend taking the loop counter-clockwise to get to the waterfall first, and then to the summit.
reviewed One of the best state parks we have encountered. well planned out and accessible to young and old.
The trail was well maintained, lots of great views and would recommend stopping by the waterfall. A bit busy this weekend, may have been due to the holiday. Would recommend completing loop in counter-clockwise direction if you are not comfortable with hiking steep inclines.
Great trail with lots of amazing views. Decided to take the trail to the waterfall first which made a nice descend through wooden stairs and came to realize 4 miles later going around the loop, that the climb to the summit was very hard , so if you want an easier hike go to the summit first and end the loop on the waterfall. Lots of people of all ages and many with pets. Overall an amazing hike definitely worth the effort. Highly recommend.
Perfect day for a hike! Beautiful trail and the strenuous parts were not THAT strenuous. The only downside is it looked as though they have done a recent controlled burn however at least that is temporary. I plan on coming back when everything is grown back in.
Counter clockwise
The trail was well maintained. We were a bit surprised and disappointed to see all the control burning as the forest was bare. The steep steps were difficult as I felt we were actually climbing the side of the mountain face.
Loved it!
This hike was great and exactly what we were looking for. The trail is well kept and very well marked. Got to the trailhead around 9:30am and at that time there was very little foot traffic. If you do the loop, we suggest going to the left first as you approach the waterfall early on and get the payoff views at the very end. So worth it!
Stone Mountain was awesome! I recommend starting at the lower parking lot and then going to the view Hutchinson Homestead first where you can explore the old building and get a beautiful view of stone mountain from below and be sure to give the rock a good look as you may see climbers on it. Then go to the upper water fall which is great to see and will give your legs a little break before submitting. from there you can push the summit and get the amazing views from the top. I Noticed the vast majority of people just park at the upper lot and just see summit and falls then go home but I highly recommend reconsidering and seeing the Hutchinson Homestead and stone mountain from below!
Nice trail with streams along the way. Challenging in a good way.
One of my favorites so far. Great elevation change.
My husband and I had so much fun doing this trail! They recently did a lot of controlled burning so it was pretty smoky smelling our entire hiking. Lots of steps, but views/waterfalls are worth it.
Nice hike—did it counterclockwise. Peaceful walk in the woods, with views in the winter
Stone Mountain Park is a great destination in the mountains of North Carolina near Sparta. Grayson Highlands Park close by will make a good 2 day excursion.
Hard but such a beautiful hike! Started at the upper lot going to summit first, added Middle waterfalls loop. About 5.5 miles, 16k steps, 3.5 hrs with breaks and pictures. Definitely going again but will go opposite direction to climb the summit from the lower level at the lower parking lot.
The trail was clear and pretty wide in most places. The scenery was beautiful and we had great weather!
Great hike and elevation change from start to finish
