Stone Mountain State Park sits on the edge of the Blue Ridge an hour west of Winston-Salem, NC. Besides its namesake granite pluton, there are waterfalls, a homestead and plenty more to explore. It has a postman route of about 30 miles and 6,000 to 7,500' of climbing (depending on your direction of travel).
I chose the "downhill" direction starting at the MST trailhead at Devil's Garden Overlook (BRP Milepost 235.7). Technically it's about 2 miles from the park boundary, but it's the closest access from the north. I got dropped off by my family at noon with goal to meet up at our reserved site in time to help set up camp.
There'd be a few challenges: route finding (per usual), high temps and as to be expected with any state park in WNC, more climbing. I hoped I'd be recharged from almost three weeks since my last postman run so I could slip in under 5 hours. Turns out that was overly ambitious and the park let me know it.
 |
hitting start from BRP
|
 |
| rhodo blooms along MST |
 |
| ferns near Widows Creek |
The first reality check came 5 miles in with a steep climb to campsite D along Widows Creek. This was followed by hot temperatures at lower elevations in the park. I carried a water filter, but in the interest of time hoped to fill exclusively from water spigots. The first one was at the Lower TH at 13 miles.
Before I could refill I had to get over Wolf and Cedar Rocks under a blazing sun. My pace dropped through here to keep from redlining. I really enjoyed the views, but missed the turn for the out-and-back on Wolf Rock and had to go back. I doused my head, chugged a few bottles and tried to regain focus.
Fueling strategy consisted mostly of liquid calories, but the mix wasn't dissolving well on the go and clogged my bite valves. I still felt like I was getting electrolytes and carbs in at a reasonable rate. My legs just weren't up to the task of charging up Stone Mountain. I passed the summit 15 miles in at 3 hours.
 |
| Stone Mtn. from Cedar Rock |
 |
| Pano from Stone Mtn. |
 |
Lower Falls
|
As I moved on from my second and last refill at the Connector turnaround and picnic area I had to marvel at how the heat and climbs had annihilated my pace. My goal was now sub-6 hours with a wish for a refreshing rain shower. Distant thunder and darkening skies hinted that this wish would be granted.
Whether because of imminent storm, or just that this corner of the park is less popular, I didn't see anyone after leaving Lower Falls and starting on the bridle trail system. For the most part the trails through here were in good shape and on milder terrain. Some sections were overgrown. Some dragged on a bit.
Then the skies opened up with lightning and thunder and a drenching downpour with about 7 miles to go. It was just the jolt I needed to keep grinding out the final 500' climb. The rain let up near the end. I finished in
5:55:40. I jogged it in to join my family at the campground feeling tired, but happy.
 |
| along Bridle Loop |
 |
| after the rain on Bridle Spur |
 |
| happy to be at camp |
NC state park postal runs:
| 2/5/2022 | Umstead | 35 | 2,885 | 5:15:34 |
| 3/6/2022 | Umstead | 36.6 | 3,072 | 5:30:02 |
| 3/20/2022 | Eno River | 34.8 | 3,203 | 5:23:30 |
| 4/1/2022 | Morrow Mtn | 35.2 | 4,291 | 6:06:50 |
| 4/10/2022 | Medoc Mtn | 30.9 | 1,534 | 4:55:44 |
| 4/24/2022 | Pilot Mtn | 32.3 | 4,219 | 5:40:12 |
| 5/1/2022 | Raven Rock | 37.1 | 4,038 | 6:51:06 |
| 5/21/2022 | Stone Mtn | 28.6 | 5,972 | 5:55:40 |
| 6/11/2022 | Hanging Rock | 44.6 | 8,406 | 9:55:19 |
| 9/9/2022 | South Mtns | 70 | 14,000 | 16:06:23 |
| 10/22/2022 | Umstead | 36.6 | 3,072 | 5:10:48 |
.gif)
Comments