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NORTH CAROLINA WATERFALLS
LOWER FALLS (3)
STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Driving Directions: From U.S. 21 north of Elkin, drive 7.8 miles from where U.S. 21 narrows to two lanes and turn left on Traphill Road (S.R. 1002). If you are heading from the parkway, drive 10 miles on U.S. 21 south and turn right on Traphill road. Drive 4.3 miles and turn right on John P. Frank Parkway. Continue 2.3 miles, entering the park, and parking in the first parking area on the left, which is the Upper Trailhead parking lot (#12).
Hiking Directions: The orange-blazed Stone Mountain Loop Trail begins from the parking lot. Turning right on the trail will take you across the summit of Stone Mountain and then by the Hutchinson Homestead before reaching the base of Stone Mountain Falls. Turning left on the trail will lead 0.6 mile to a series of steps and a viewing platform at the top of Stone Mountain Falls and then to the base of the falls. Continue past the base of Stone Mountain Falls on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail for 0.1 mile to the junction of the blue-blazed Middle Falls/Lower Falls Trail on the left. Turn left on the Middle Falls/Lower Falls Trail and follow it for 0.5 mile to Middle Falls, crossing Big Sandy Creek. Continue on the Middle Falls/Lower Falls Trail for 0.4 mile to another creek crossing. Shortly after this crossing, you will reach the top of the falls. The trail continues to a side path leading 100 feet to the pool at the base of the falls. After returning to the Stone Mountain Loop trail, you may turn left to complete the 4.5 mile loop, or turn right and return to the base of Stone Mountain Falls.
Hiking Directions: The orange-blazed Stone Mountain Loop Trail begins from the parking lot. Turning right on the trail will take you across the summit of Stone Mountain and then by the Hutchinson Homestead before reaching the base of Stone Mountain Falls. Turning left on the trail will lead 0.6 mile to a series of steps and a viewing platform at the top of Stone Mountain Falls and then to the base of the falls. Continue past the base of Stone Mountain Falls on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail for 0.1 mile to the junction of the blue-blazed Middle Falls/Lower Falls Trail on the left. Turn left on the Middle Falls/Lower Falls Trail and follow it for 0.5 mile to Middle Falls, crossing Big Sandy Creek. Continue on the Middle Falls/Lower Falls Trail for 0.4 mile to another creek crossing. Shortly after this crossing, you will reach the top of the falls. The trail continues to a side path leading 100 feet to the pool at the base of the falls. After returning to the Stone Mountain Loop trail, you may turn left to complete the 4.5 mile loop, or turn right and return to the base of Stone Mountain Falls.
