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 Reporter |
Summary: From the web site: This strenuous loop first leads hikers .75 miles to the summit of Stone Mountain then continues 1.25 miles to the top of Stone Mountain Falls. From the falls, the trail leads two miles to the meadow at the base of Stone Mountain and back to the trailhead. My review: The trail is well worn at the beginning, where it looks like kids have done a lot of cutting of the switchbacks, but it quickly moves to a large, OPEN rock area with great views all around. Later on, you come to some very nice falls where it makes a nice lunch-spot. Essentially, a great family hike, with good rewards delivered after little effort. Trailhead: From http://www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/stmo/directions.html Stone Mountain State Park is located in Wilkes and Alleghany counties, seven miles southwest of Roaring Gap. From I-77, turn west onto US 21. Veer left onto Traphill Road (SR 1002), and follow it to the John P. Frank Parkway. Turn right and follow the parkway to the park. From the west, take NC 18 north and turn right onto Traphill Road (SR 1002). Follow the road to the John P. Frank Parkway and turn left, following the parkway to the park. (Lat:36.39386 Lon:-81.04371) Trail Guides for Loop in Stone Mountain State Park, NC: North Carolina State Parks Website by NC Govt Cronies (Internet!) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: North Carolina State Parks - (336) 957-8185 - stonemtn@infoave.net Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Andrew Hall, who has posted 7 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by michelle on 5/23/2008 I have been hiking in Montana and Virginia, Tenn. but Stone Mountain is the best. Wolf Rock is verr pretty once you get up there, but strenous. I love hiking so it's not too tiresome for me. I have been hiking there for over 7 years, and still have not been on all the trails. hope to go this summer. I don't live far from Stone mountain and with gas prices like they are, i'll be sticking to home and enjoying the view there. just be sure to stay on the trail.
Reviewed by Traci A on 1/5/2008 I love this park and visit it most. If you want a safe place to hike, this is a good one to go on, because there are always lots of people hiking there. I love the loop..I've taken the full loop around going both ways around it. If you don't like hiking up steep areas I would not recommend taking the trail that forks up to the summit, but rather take the longer, but easier way to the falls using the stairs up to the summit and then taking that way back down..it's longer, however the other way is pretty steep, but it looks as though they will be adding a stairway there soon. 
Reviewed by lisa b on 5/10/2006 This is a great hike but I would NOT call it easy.. easy after you get to the top, sure, but strenuous getting up there. Worth the hike though! For families with small children, try one of the shorter hikes and check out the rock climbers while going through the old farm exhibit.
Reviewed by JASON on 5/8/2006 I've been going here since I was little. I'm now 26 and can't wait to go back.
Reviewed by Lisa on 3/15/2004 I have been hiking Stone for more than 25 years(before the Park Service put in stairs along the waterfall). I love this park and recommend it to everyone. They offer a variety of trails besides the main loop, so be sure to check out the maps the ranger station. When the maps say "strenuous" they mean it. Best time to go is during the week when there are less people. The hiking is great year round. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Alleghany County Hiking, Alleghany County Trails, Alleghany County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||