The prominent 600-foot granite dome makes Stone Mountain State Park one of the Triad’s most popular places to go hiking with kids. It features fantastic scenic trails that wind up, over, and around the iconic stone dome, offering a unique hiking experience.

There are lots of things here to make it a great family day trip from the Triad. Here is all the need-to-know info:

ADDRESS: 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC

DISTANCE FROM THE TRIAD: About an hour from most points

Stone Mountain State Park with Kids: Explore the Trails and Waterfalls

Stone Mountain State Park has over 18 miles of trail, ranging in distance from 1 mile to 11 miles. You can check them all out here. If you’re looking for the most kid-friendly trail options in Stone Mountain, then here are the ones we recommend.

Short Trails in Stone Mountain State Park

The majestic Stone Mountain Waterfall is a highlight of the park. It’s one of the best trails with waterfalls and a perfect spot to relax and cool down. The waterfall cascades down a sheer rock face into a clean, shallow pool where kids (and adults) can explore.

For those looking for a short hike with kids, you can make the waterfall your primary destination. Simply park at the Upper Loop lot and take the trail to the left. This short trail leads directly to the waterfall, making it a perfect option if you want to enjoy the scenery without completing the entire loop.

Longer Trails in Stone Mountain State Park

The park’s most popular trail is the Stone Mountain Loop Trail. It’s a 4.5-mile loop labeled strenuous, but kids as young as 4 or 5 should be able to handle it. The changing scenery along the way is great to keep kids engaged. You’ll encounter a waterfall, an old homestead, wooden steps, switchbacks, and plenty of time on the granite dome, both hiking and enjoying the views.

Clockwise or Counter-Clockwise: Two Ways to Hike the Loop

CLOCKWISE APPROACH (A GENTLER START): Starting the loop clockwise from the parking area offers a more gradual ascent. This route leads you to the impressive Stone Mountain Falls early in the hike, allowing you to enjoy this key feature with minimal effort. You’ll then experience a relatively gentle trail before a steeper climb to the summit.

COUNTER-CLOCKWISE APPROACH (QUICKER TO THE SUMMIT): If you’re looking to reach the summit faster, take the loop counter-clockwise. This route begins with a more challenging, immediate climb. While this initial section is demanding, you’ll be rewarded with the sweeping views from the top of the dome more quickly. The return hike is a more gradual descent, though it does include a final section of numerous wooden steps near the end of the loop.

More Trails with Waterfalls in Stone Mountain State Park

The Widow’s Creek Trail can be accessed from the Backpack Parking Area farther into the park. The trail is an out-and-back trail, so expect to cover 3.5 miles total. It’s considered a strenuous hike with the initial climb being the worst, then it levels off for a more enjoyable hike and a quick and easy return.

If you’re only interested in seeing Widow’s Creek Falls, you can access it via a much shorter, easier trail. A small gravel parking area is located just past a bridge on John P. Frank Parkway, on the right side of the road. From this lot, it’s a very short walk of just a few hundred feet to the base of the waterfall.

Other Things to Know About Visiting Stone Mountain State Park With Kids

WHAT IT’S LIKE ON THE GRANITE DOME: Yes, you’ll hike directly on it and it’s not as scary as it looks from below. The surface is surprisingly gentle, with a shallow slope for a good distance before the steep drop-off. You’ll find that kids have plenty of space to explore, and there is plenty of space to enjoy a snack/lunch.

BATHROOMS: Bathrooms are located at the Visitors Center and the two main trailhead parking areas (Upper and Lower). If you hike the Stone Mountain Loop Trail you’ll also find an outhouse-style toilet at the Hutchinson Homestead.

SERVICE IS LIMITED: It’s hard to get cell service inside the park. There are also not many stores or restaurants nearby.

Looking for More Kid-Friendly Hikes in the Triad?

The Triad is home to two state parks. There are multiple trails in both Hanging Rock State Park and Pilot Mountain State Park.

Check out our extensive list of area trails here. Click HERE to see more day trip ideas!

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