Distance: 5.0 miles one-way
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Change: gain-1565′; loss-1076′
source: Great Day Hikes of North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail
The hike through Stone Mountain State Park is the first of the 40 Hike Challenges in the “Piedmont” section of the Mountains to Sea Trail. There are many trail options in and around Stone Mountain- from summit trails to waterfalls. The main road through Stone Mountain Park (John P. Frank Pkwy) gives access to many different drop off points and trailheads for various opportunities.
Living in the western end of North Carolina, I had always heard of Stone Mountain, but had never hiked in this area. Earlier this day, I had already completed Hike #12. As I mentioned, my wife and her parents were kind enough to cart me around to each trailhead. After completing the Bluff Mountain Trail and having a great lunch at the Bluffs Restaurant, we headed over to Stone Mountain. I must admit that I may have pushed myself too much on this one. The mileage and degree of difficulty for this hike is not bad – on it’s own. However, I chose a bad day and time to hike. A humid August afternoon with temperatures in the high 80’s made for a tough hike.
The best advice I can give you (and myself) is to always go to the Mountains to Sea Trail website and check out any trail updates prior to heading out on your hike. If you are planning on hiking this trail and are using the Great Day Hikes of North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail (2020), there are some trail updates that can be found here.
Here is a quick blurb (as of Aug. 27, 2021):
After the day hike guide went to press, we learned that the new MST route through Stone Mountain State Park would be different than we had expected. As a result, only the first 1.8 miles of the route described in Hike 13 are on the official MST route. Either route is enjoyable, and for purposes of the 40 Hike Challenge, we will accept either route. To follow the MST route, use the Eastbound directions available here. To finish the hike, continue straight at Mile 3.7 instead of turning right, and follow signs to the Upper Trailhead Parking Lot. The MST route is 4.6 miles long and somewhat less strenuous than the route described in the day hike guide.In addition, the trailhead at the Backpack parking lot is in the back right corner, not the back left.
Whichever route you choose, the trail is well worn and marked. Overall, the elevation climb is gradual.
Part of the path will merge with the Wolf Rock Trail and about 2.2 miles from the trailhead (Backpack parking area) there is a spur trail leading out to Wolf Rock.
Wolf Rock is an expansive rock face that gently descends, allowing for many places to have solitude. I was hoping to stop here to rest and enjoy the view. However, it did not take long to be overwhelmed by the amount of heat radiating from the surface of the rock. After a short stop, I checked the temperature on my pack and it was reading 95 – it was time to head back to the woods.
After Wolf Rock, one of the more interesting parts of the trail is crossing the face of Cedar Rock. The trailblazes here are actually painted onto the rock face. From here are some of the best views of Stone Mountain.
One of the routes I chose was to see the 200′ cascading Stone Mountain Falls. After my time in the heat, it felt great to splash in the cool water below the falls. The climb up to the top of the falls and the Upper Trailhead Parking Area is an elaborate structure of wooden steps. It’s a lot of steps! At the end of the day and with high temperatures, this was the most taxing part of the trip.
I did have an interesting encounter during my hike. I met some men, one of which had fallen and suffered some cuts and bruises. It was good to be able to lend some first aid (band aids and antibiotic ointment), but most of all it was a pleasure to be in a position to help someone else. We had good conversation and I am always amazed and pleased with the wonderful camaderie that exists on the trail. Just a reminder to all of us to always be prepared with equipment/supplies and a helpful attitude to stop and check on fellow hikers. We never know when we will need it ourselves.
