Stone Mountain: A Rhododendron Wonderland

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 6/20/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 6/18/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: C.T. Finney (Finn)
Distance: 10 miles
Difficulty: R-24, Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1400 ft.
Description: Come join me for a day in my favorite NC State Park: Stone Mountain. At this time in the season, if we are lucky, the Rosebay Rhododendrons should be in full bloom and I always make a point to try and enjoy them here while they last! This hike will have us beginning at the Backpacker's Parking Lot at 9:00AM and moving up the MST to Wolf Rock, then down Wolf Rock and into the valley below. We will make our way out to the Lower Falls (the rhodies are usually most concentrated on this trail) and then we will return via a horse trail and an old road bed to Wolf Rock, thence down the MST and back to our cars. June is my favorite time of month to be at Stone Mountain and while the third weekend might be a little late for the rhodies in peak, I'm crossing my fingers for it. Pets are welcome, but I require them to be kept on a leash at all times. After the hike, I'll be hosting a social hour at the Railyard in nearby Elkin, NC and would like to encourage all who can to attend! ~10 Miles, 1400ft elev. gain [R-24, Moderate]
Max Participants: 20