ALL NORTH CAROLINA STATE PARKS: GENERAL STATUS OF FACILITIES AND GUIDELINES WHEN VISITING PARKS
Posted on: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 - 2:15pm |
Activities
Stone Mountain State Park is open for activities such as climbing, fishing, hiking, running, horseback riding, and camping. Park hours are as normal, 7:00am to 9:00pm, with 24-hour camper access via Royal Camp Lane. Restrooms are available at the Upper and Lower trailheads. Picnic shelters are not reservable until July 1, 2020 to limit gathering of 25 or more per NC Governors Executive Orders. The park visitor center remains closed.
Camping: All campsites, except group campsites, are open as of May 22. RESERVATION IS REQUIRED*. There are no walk-ups allowed to limit contact with visitors and park staff. Please reserve online or call Aspira at 1-877-722-6762 (call wait times may be long so reserve online, if possible). Do not call the park; staff cannot take over-the-phone reservation payments.
*Backcountry campers must bring exact change ($12 per site per night) and self-register at the backpack parking trailhead to utilize these campsites (these campsites are not available for reservation online).
Weekends: Please be aware: Stone Mountain State Park will be closed as soon as main trail head parking lots fill. The park will be closed to additional visitors once park capacity has been met for the day. We anticipate the main parking lots will reach capacity by mid-morning. Plan accordingly and try to avoid arriving at the peak hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm. Do not park in undesignated areas. Towing will be enforced. Visitors are urged to visit early and check park status on the park website or on the NC State Parks social media accounts prior to and during traveling to the park.
When visiting, please follow social distancing guidelines, regardless of the behavior of others. Please try to stay 6 feet away from other visitors and park staff or wear a mask or face covering. Try to touch as few surfaces as possible and do not enter areas that have been closed off. Wash or sanitize your hands before, during, and after your visit, and stay home if you are sick.
Last updated on: Wednesday, July 8, 20203042 Frank Parkway
Roaring Gap, NC 28668
336-957-8185
stone.mountain@ncparks.gov
GPS: 36.3873, -81.0273
November - February: 7am - 6pm
March, April, September & October: 7am - 8pm
May - August: 7am - 9pm
Closed Christmas Day
Family & Group Campgrounds remain open after hours via the Royal Camp Ln Road.
Park Office
8am - 5pm daily, except closed weekends December - February.
Closed state holidays.
Fishing
Year-round, from 7am until park closes.
Picnic Shelter
Shelters close 30 minutes before park closes.
Exhibit and Historic Site
Exhibits: open during park office hours.
Homestead site: open weekends, May through October. Visitors are welcome to walk the homestead site grounds when the site is not open.
Garden Creek Baptist Church historic site: services are held at 9am every Sunday, May - October and first Sunday, November - April. Visitors are welcome to walk the church grounds when the church is closed.
Things to do
Hiking
The park is a great place for a hike! See the Trails page for more information.
Fishing
Designated Trout Streams: More than 20 miles of park streams are designated trout waters. Rainbow and brown trout dominate the lower parts of the streams while brook trout inhabit the higher, cooler stretches of water. Garden, Widow's, Big Sandy, Bullhead and Rich Mountain creeks are Wild Trout Waters where only single hook artificial lures may be used. The East Prong of Roaring River is a stocked stream and is classified as delayed harvest. For approximately eight months of the year, no trout may be harvested from the river and only single hook artificial lures may be used.
For season dates and regulations for each type of trout water, contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC). A valid North Carolina fishing license and trout license are required for all streams, and regulations of the WRC are enforced throughout the park.
Accessible Fishing Piers: Two accessible fishing piers are located along the East Prong of Roaring River. Accessible parking spaces are provided at each pier. Intended for use by individuals with mobility impairments, other individuals may use the piers when space is available.
Picnicking
The picnic area is located near the visitor center and offers a peaceful woodland experience. Included in this area are 75 individual picnic sites and three large picnic shelters. The picnic area offers tables, grills, a water fountain and restrooms. The picnic shelters may be reserved for a fee. Available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, if not reserved. A short trail connects to the main loop trail to provide access to a waterfall and Stone Mountain's summit.
Rock Climbing
Please see the Fees/FAQs/Rules for more information about climbing.
Climbing is permitted in designated areas on the cliffs of Stone Mountain. Because of the dangers of rock climbing and rappelling, climbing is not recommended for beginners unless they are accompanied by an experienced climber.
All climbers must register with the park by completing a climbing permit which is available at the climber's area at the base of the mountain. There is no fee for this permit. Prior to activity, a copy of the permit must be deposited in a registration box or given to a park ranger. An additional copy is provided for participants and must be held in their possession while engaged in climbing or rappelling.
Participants are responsible for their own personal safety, including securing proper training and equipment, and adhering to safe practices. Basic rock climbing safety equipment and techniques must be used at all time.
Park Maps and Brochures:
