| Stone Mountain State Park | |
|---|---|
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
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  Location of Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina Show map of North Carolina Stone Mountain State Park (the United States) Show map of the United States | |
| Location | North Carolina, United States |
| Coordinates | 36°23′55″N81°03′44″W / 36.39861°N 81.06222°W /36.39861; -81.06222[1] |
| Area | 14,353 acres (58.08 km2)[2] |
| Elevation | 2,305 ft (703 m) |
| Established | 1975 |
| Named for | Stone Mountain |
| Governing body | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Website | www |
Stone Mountain State Park is a 14,353-acre (58.08 km2)[2]North Carolina state park inAlleghany County andWilkes County, North Carolina.
The centerpiece of the park isStone Mountain, a dome of exposedgranite (specifically a quartzdiorite togranodiorite) ofDevonian age, which has intruded into the gneiss of thePrecambrian 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 bestrock climbing in North Carolina, and the park's creeks and streams feature excellentbrook trout fishing.
Because the mountain is the best example of amonadnock in massive granite in North Carolina it was designated aNational Natural Landmark in May 1974.[4]
The park visitor center features the Mountain Culture Exhibit including mountain settler life and artifacts, and natural history includingtrout,butterflies andmoths.
The mid-19th century Hutchinson Homestead includes alog 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.
Within the park there are numerous outdoor activities to partake in. For example, rock climbing, hiking (over 20 miles of trails available),[5] and camping sites. There are woodland lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests.
The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Stone Mountain State Park:
