There are 16 miles of official trail that prod this rugged 14,100-acre park at the base of the Blue Ridge. To be sure, there's some great hiking and trail running on the trails at Stone Mountain. For on-trail thrills, it's tough to say which is your best bet. The 5-mile Widow Rock/Cedar Rock/Black Jack Ridge loop takes in some of the best scenery the park has to offer, while the 6-mile stretch of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail that runs through the park gets you away from the crowds ever-present elsewhere. For sheer "Wowwww"-factor, though, it's hard to overlook the 4.5-mile Stone Mountain Loop Trail. This popular trail begins from a trailhead about a mile down the road from the Visitor Center. Not long after hitting the trail you're in a vast meadow at the base of Stone Mountain, a meadow that's home to the Hutchinson Homestead, a restoration that's available for your inspection. Next you'll climb up a wooden staircase alongside a 200-foot waterfall, a climb that deposits you on Stone Mountain's forehead. Stone Mountain is a vast, exposed granite dome that attracts rock climbers who are into friction climbing. The slope at the top is gentle, ideal for a picnic or for catching some rays, but beware that the farther you venture out the more pronounced the slope becomes. It's a progression that happens quickly and can take you unaware. Return, carefully, down the steep westernmost face of the mountain. Whether you go on trail or off, Stone Mountain is a special place to explore. More info: Stone Mountain State Park Maps: Downloadable here, available at the park.
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