Stone Mountain State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stone Mountain State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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 Stone Mountain State Park
Location in North Carolina
Stone Mountain State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Carolina, United States |
| Area | 14,353 acres (58.08 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,305 ft (703 m) |
| Established | 1975 |
| Named for | Stone Mountain |
| Governing body | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
Stone Mountain State Park is a huge park in North Carolina. It covers about 14,353 acres (which is about 58 square kilometers!). You can find it in Alleghany and Wilkes Counties. This park is a great place to explore nature and learn about history.
Contents
Exploring Stone Mountain: A Giant Rock Dome
The most famous part of the park is Stone Mountain itself. It's a giant, smooth dome of rock that sticks out of the ground. This rock is mostly granite, which is a very hard type of stone.
How Stone Mountain Formed
Stone Mountain was formed a very long time ago, during a period called the Devonian age. It's basically a huge chunk of granite that pushed its way into older rocks. The mountain rises more than 600 feet (about 183 meters) above the land around it.
What Makes Stone Mountain Special?
The mountain reaches 2,305 feet (706 meters) above sea level. It's known for its bare, rocky sides and its unique brown-gray color. You can see this impressive mountain from many miles away!
Because Stone Mountain is such a great example of a "monadnock" (a single hill or mountain that stands out in a flat area), it was named a National Natural Landmark in May 1974.
Fun Activities at the Mountain
Stone Mountain is a popular spot for rock climbing in North Carolina. If you love fishing, the park's creeks and streams are perfect for catching brook trout.
Discovering History and Nature at the Park
Stone Mountain State Park isn't just about the mountain. It also has cool places to learn about the past and the natural world.
Mountain Culture Exhibit
The park's visitor center has a special exhibit called the Mountain Culture Exhibit. Here, you can learn about how mountain settlers lived long ago. You'll see old tools and items they used every day. The exhibit also teaches you about the park's nature, like different types of trout, butterflies, and moths.
The Historic Hutchinson Homestead
Step back in time at the mid-19th century Hutchinson Homestead. This historic site includes:
- A traditional log cabin
- A barn
- A blacksmith shop
- A corncrib
- A meat house
You can see original furniture and tools from that era. The Homestead is open from Thursday to Sunday, from March to October. You can walk around the grounds any time of year.
Garden Creek Baptist Church
The Garden Creek Baptist Church was built in 1897. It still holds church services during certain seasons. When the church is closed, visitors are welcome to explore the grounds.
Things to Do at Stone Mountain State Park
There are many exciting outdoor activities to enjoy in the park.
- Rock Climbing: Test your skills on the mountain's famous granite face.
- Hiking: Explore many trails that wind through forests and lead to amazing views.
- Camping: Spend a night under the stars at one of the park's camping sites.
Other Parks Nearby
If you enjoy Stone Mountain State Park, you might like these other state parks too. They are all within about 30 miles (48 kilometers) of Stone Mountain:
- Elk Knob State Park
- Grayson Highlands State Park, in Virginia
- Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
- New River State Park
- New River Trail State Park, in Virginia
- Pilot Mountain State Park
- Rendezvous Mountain State Park
