Widow’s Creek Falls are located near Elkin, NC , Traphill, NC and Roaring Gap NC just pass the lower parking lot at Stone Mountain State Park. This extremely easy and short hike is very popular especially in the summer months, known between the locals to be one of the best swimming holes near by.
Quick Overview
- Difficulty: EASY
- Length: 0.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 19ft
- Time: 10-20 min roundtrip
This picturesque 25-foot waterfall can be reached two ways. The first is right through the Stone Mountain Main Entrance, pass the Upper and Lower Parking Lots. If you choose to come this way Widow Falls will be located to your right. A large parking lot is located right by the road with about 10 parking spots. The first thing you will see after parking is the sign for the Falls and a narrow path that will lead you to the waterfall after just 0.2 miles of easy relatively flat terrain.
The other way to get to the Falls will require you driving on a gravel road for about 2-3 miles coming from the back entrance at Stone Mountain State Park. The road is by no mean difficult or too unpleasant however a bit bumpy at times.
If you choose to come this way you’ll be passing right by the Garden Creek Baptist Church located and preserved inside the State Park. This is one of the last original churches in Wilkes County that still holds the unique history of old times and it has not be renovated to preserve this feel. The church holds services every Sunday between the months of May and October and only the first Sunday of the month the other months of the year. You are welcome to walk the grounds of the church.
A short drive past the Church will lead you to the Parking Lot of the Falls which will be to your left coming from this direction.
Widow Creek Falls consists of actually two parts. The top is a 25-foot split cascade that pools at the bottom of the falls creating the perfect opportunity for a shallow wading.
The bottom part of the Falls consists of a larger wide rock with pretty good water flow that allows for waterfall sliding. Bring your tube and use it to slide or just go down without it. We have seen kids and adults of all ages go down sliding at the falls and it appears to be safe either way you choose to do it. It is an absolute delight and a great adventure not to mention the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. Essentially a nature waterslide.
If you listen to the local kids (that will be sure to share this information with you if they see you here) they will suggest bringing in a large black trash bag and using it for the sliding since according to them (we have not attempted it) you will go much faster down the Falls.
There are several large rocks where you can take a sit and have a picnic if you have brought one. Trees right at bottom of the falls provide great shade. There are no benches but a blanket will do just fine. There are also no restrooms immediately near the Falls but the Lower Parking Lot is less than 5 minutes up the road and there are bathroom facilities as well as water fountains there. Dogs are allowed in the State Park however they are required to be leashed at all times.
The Falls are beautiful during all seasons but especially during the Fall months which is the perfect time to visit here if you are not looking to battle any crowds.
If you are not looking for water sliding or want to get more out of your visit here there is the option of taking an extended hike past the Falls. Follow the path to the right of the falls for a 2.5 mile (one way) strenuous hike that follows Widow’s Creek. The trail passes several backpack spots and sites waving through the woods. Make sure you are wearing an appropriate shoes and have plenty of water.
For more trails near by check out our article on Stone Mountain State Park. The Park offers a variety of trails to choose from depending on the amount of miles you would like to get and what kind of attractions interest you.
While here take Stone Mountain Loop Trail that passes by the waterfall, the summit and Homestead before heading back to the Upper Parking Lot where the trail begins. You can also take this trail from the Lower Parking lot and this way you will pass by the Homestead first than the waterfall and finally the Summit.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 4.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 938ft
- Time: 2h 30min roundtrip
For a different view of the 600 Foot Granite Dome make sure to check out Wolf Rock Trail which is actually our top choice in the Park. We love how it is very little trafficked with rarely other hikers along the way and the views especially in the Fall are absolutely beautiful.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 2.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 475ft
- Time: 1h 15min roundtrip
Another great option while here is the Upper and Middle Falls which is our kids favorite only because there are multiple river crossings where you need to take your hiking boots off and trace through the water. The Falls are beautiful and we have seen people slide on them however we do not recommend doing this.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 3.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 318ft
- Time: 1h 15min roundtrip
HUTCHINSON HOMESTEAD AT STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
A visit either from the Upper or the Lower Parking lot to the Hutchinson Homestead located at the bottom of the Stone Mountain Dome is a must if in the area. The restored 19th century estate is well preserved and offres a glance of the time past. Occasionally one of the homes will be open for a tour. For information on events check the Park’s Page HERE.
CAMPING AT STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
There is an option of Camping at the State Park if that is something that interests you. Not all campers in the park will have similar amenities. You have the option of choosing between Tent, Trailer or RV Campsite. Check out the Park Website to see pictures of the campsites, accessibility, check which sites have water, bathroom facilities and showers, have an electric hookup and any other information that might be helpful. To reserve a spot and see the fees and pricing click HERE.
VISITOR CENTER AT STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Heading in or out of the State Park make sure to stop by the Visitor Center for a map with directions and more information in case that you are looking to come back and check out other trails in the Park. There are more than 18 miles of hiking in the park as well as 20 miles of designated trout water in the park with many great spots to pull by the side of the road and fish. The rangers are extremely helpful and full of useful information.
There are many wineries around this area that are worth a top if you like wine. Each and every one of them is unique and offers a wide variety of some of the best North Carolina Wine choices around . Our personal favorite that is also not very far from the State Park is Grassy Creek Vineyard.
You can enjoy a glass of red or white at the vineyard or grab a bottle and take the trail that starts at winery and leads to another gorgeous waterfall located right near by.
Carter Falls is a beautiful and easy 1 mile hike offering visitors the opportunity to see two waterfalls at ones as well as the remainings of a power house that once stood here and provided electricity for the surrounding areas.
- Difficulty: EASY
- Length: 1 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 19ft
- Time: 30-45min roundtrip
For more ideas on Things To Do In And Around The Area find us on INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK and FACEBOOK.