Panoramic Picture from the Top of Stone Mountain, NCView from the bottom of Stone Mountain State Park WaterfallView from the bottom of Stone Mountain State Park WaterfallView from the bottom of Stone Mountain State Park WaterfallView from top of Stone Mountain Falls, NCView from top of Stone Mountain Falls, NCStairs leading to and from the top and bottom of the falls
The centerpiece of the park is Stone Mountain, a dome of exposed granite (specifically a quartz diorite to granodiorite) of Devonian age, which has intruded into the gneiss of the Precambrian Alligator Back Formation.[3] It rises sharply over 600 feet (183 m) above the surrounding terrain. The mountain, which has an elevation of 2,305 feet (706 m) above sea level, is known for its barren sides and distinctive brown-gray color, and can be seen for miles. The mountain offers some of the best rock climbing in North Carolina, and the park's creeks and streams feature excellent brook trout fishing.
Because the mountain is the best example of a monadnock in massive granite in North Carolina it was designated a National Natural Landmark in May 1974.[4]
Museums and historic site
The park visitor center features the Mountain Culture Exhibit including mountain settler life and artifacts, and natural history including trout, butterflies and moths.
The mid-19th century Hutchinson Homestead includes a log cabin, barn, blacksmith shop, corncrib, meat house, and original furnishings. The Homestead is open Thursday through Sunday from March – October. The grounds can be visited year round.
The 1897 Garden Creek Baptist Church continues to hold services seasonally. Visitors can walk the grounds when the church is closed.
Things to do
Within the park there are numerous outdoor activities to partake in. The park has established rock climbing, hiking, and camping sites.
Nearby state parks
The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Stone Mountain State Park:
^North Carolina Geological Survey, 1985, Geologic map of North Carolina: North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, scale 1:500000.
