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
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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 large state park in North Carolina, USA. It covers about 14,353 acres (which is over 58 square kilometers). You can find this park in both Alleghany County and Wilkes County, North Carolina. It's a great place to explore nature and learn about the area's history.
Contents
Discovering Stone Mountain: The Park's Centerpiece
The most famous part of the park is Stone Mountain itself. This huge rock is a giant dome of exposed granite. It's a very old rock, formed millions of years ago. The mountain rises sharply, over 600 feet (about 183 meters) above the land around it.
At its highest point, Stone Mountain is 2,305 feet (about 706 meters) above sea level. It's easy to spot from far away because of its smooth, bare sides and unique brown-gray color. This mountain is a popular spot for rock climbing in North Carolina. The park's clear creeks and streams are also excellent places for brook trout fishing.
Why is Stone Mountain Special?
Stone Mountain is a great example of an inselberg (also called a monadnock). This is a single, isolated hill or mountain that stands out in a flat area. Because it's such a clear example of this type of rock formation, it was named a National Natural Landmark in May 1974. This means it's a very important natural site in the United States.
Exploring History and Nature: Park Exhibits
The park has a visitor center where you can learn more about the area.
Mountain Culture Exhibit
Inside the visitor center, you'll find the Mountain Culture Exhibit. This exhibit teaches you about the lives of the early settlers who lived in the mountains. You can see old tools and items they used every day. The exhibit also shares information about the park's natural history, including different types of trout, butterflies, and moths that live there.
Hutchinson Homestead: A Glimpse into the Past
You can visit the Hutchinson Homestead, which shows what a farm looked like in the mid-1800s. It includes an old log cabin, a barn, and a blacksmith shop. There's also a corncrib (where corn was stored) and a meat house. The buildings still have their original furniture and items.
The Homestead is open from Thursday to Sunday between March and October. You can walk around the grounds any time of year, even when the buildings are closed.
Garden Creek Baptist Church: A Historic Place of Worship
The Garden Creek Baptist Church was built in 1897. It still holds church services during certain times of the year. Visitors are welcome to walk around the church grounds even when services are not happening.
Fun Things to Do at Stone Mountain State Park
Stone Mountain State Park offers many exciting outdoor activities.
- Rock Climbing: The mountain itself is a famous spot for rock climbing.
- Hiking Trails: There are many trails for hiking, from easy walks to more challenging climbs.
- Camping: You can set up a tent and camp overnight at designated campsites.
Nearby Parks to Explore
If you enjoy Stone Mountain State Park, there are other state parks nearby that you might like to visit. These parks are all within about 30 miles (48 kilometers) of Stone Mountain:
