Stone Mountain State Park

Copyright: North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation Stone Mountain State Park

Park Hours: November-February 8 am-6 pm; March and October 8 am - 7 pm; April, May and September 8 am - 8 pm; June-August 8 am - 9 pm. Gates will remain locked, except in emergency situations, when the park is not in operation. Please plan accordingly. The park is closed Christmas Day.

Recreation - Viewing scenery at Stone Mountain is unsurpassed. This park is known for its designated areas of rock climbing. There are 13 routes up the face of the monadnock, offering the climber years of return visit enjoyment and challenge. All climbers must register before starting out. No new bolts are to be placed in the rock. Contact the park office for more information.

The park offers family camping, group camping and backcountry camping. Some of the camping is available by reservation only and some sites are a first-come first-served basis. All are available year-round. (Washhouse closes December 15 through March 15.) Backpack camping is permitted at the six designated backpacking sites. The tent / trailer area can accommodate RV's, however, there are no water or electrical hookups. There are 37 family campsites with grills, tables and showers are nearby. Permits will be issued at the campsite. Firewood may be purchased from the park staff.

There are no boating , canoeing or swimming opportunities offered.

All fishermen are required to possess a current fishing license and trout stamp. All NC Wildlife Resource Commission laws apply. "Fish for Fun" opportunities for children and handicapped.

A park ranger is available during the spring and summer months for guided walks and other interpretive programs. Slide shows or nature programs are provided on weekends during the summer months.
Hutchinson Homestead Historical Site opened in 1999 offering an insight to the local history. Environmental Educational Learning Experience (EELE)--Our Changing Land. Grades: 5, 6, 7 and 8. Introduces students to basic geologic concepts focusing on Stone Mountain. Major concepts covered include: the rock cycle, geologic time, weathering and erosion, igneous rocks, geologic processes, resource use and stewardship.

There are 75 picnic tables, each with a grill. Also, there are three picnic shelters: Chestnut Shelter - 8 tables, Dogwood Shelter - 8 tables and Hemlock Shelter - 12 tables. The shelters are on a first come basis unless reserved. Only the picnic shelter can be reserved; picnic tables in surrounding area cannot be reserved. Pig cookers and portable grills are permitted at the shelter in the grass areas only. Shelters close 30 minutes prior to the park closing.

For the physically challenged, pathways, visitor center, picnic shelters, picnic sites, washhouse and two campsites with tables are accessible.

Climate - North Carolina has a temperate climate with mild winters and long fall and spring months. Summers can be hot and humid, especially in the piedmont and coastal plain region, which don't get relief from coastal breezes or higher elevations. The mountains tend to be substantially cooler and receive some winter snow.

In the Piedmont Region, winter daytime temperatures normally range from the upper 30's to the upper 40s. Summer daytime temperatures range from the high 70's to the low 90's. The state has a fairly wet climate with an average precipitation for this area averaging 44-52 inches (112-132 centimeters).

Location - The park is located between Sparta and Elkin, just south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. From US 21 take SR 1002 about four and a half miles to Traphill. In Traphill, turn north on the John P Frank Parkway and proceed two miles into the park.