Return to Stone Mountain, plus Wolf Rock and Cedar Rock

Four and a half years ago, months before I would

have both of my knees replaced, Judy and I hiked

the strenuous 4.5 mile loop trail at Stone Mountain

State Park.  I honestly didn't know if my knees would

be up to this type hiking post surgery.  Short answer

is: Yes, they are.  However, on this return trip, we

wanted to explore a trail in the park that we had not

been on before.

Here is mammoth Stone Mountain, not to be confused with
Georgia's historic icon of the same name.

En route to the park, we passed what our restaurant server
referred to as "The Three Churches." These are all "rebirths"
of the same church.

Our primary objective today was to hike to Wolf

Rock and get views of the Blue Ridge as well as

Stone Mountain. We're off!

No sooner had we begun our hike than we began to notice
early spring flowers in bloom.

I'm always snapping flora and fauna that seem a bit out of the ordinary.

As we gained elevation, we finally had a view of not-so-distant
Stone Mountain. Better views ahead.

There had been controlled burns earlier, so it was easy to see
far through the thinned foliage. Wouldn't want to tumble down
this mountainside.

Volunteers assist the park service in maintaining and improving
trails.  Makeshift steps help with steep ascents.

This old stone wall could have been part of an old farmstead or
perhaps built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's.

This is the side trail which leads to Wolf Rock.

As we learned, Wolf Rock is not just a rock -- it's a mountainside!
And what an incredible view!

One view of the blue ridge mountains, just miles away.

Is it my imagination, or do a lot of hikers feel the need to express
their feelings artistically?

Here's a panoramic view

This dainty white flower grew in abundance across the rocky face.

Another view of the blue ridge.

As we departed from Wolf Rock, our trail led near an old farm house.

We didn't know it, but we were going to get a great bonus by
visiting Cedar Rock as we continued.

On a mountain like this, I would never go off the trail.
There are steep slopes that come upon you suddenly.

First look at Cedar Rock.  Named for the cedars, perhaps?

The views of Stone Mountain from Cedar Rock were worth the trip.

It's a little hard to mark a trail on rock, but dots of red paint
serve the purpose. Without them, we wouldn't have known
where to continue our downward trek.

At both Wolf Rock and Cedar Rock, the sensation of being
on the edge of space was prominent.

The moon-like cratered surface was most amazing.
I got nowhere near the edge.  Too much to live for!

I wonder if this plant is the skunk cabbage I've heard of.
Investigation will be forthcoming.

Apparently the moss thrives on Cedar Rock because there's a
constant seep of ground water.

This is one of my favorite views of Stone Mountain, across the valley.

No sliding for me. It's a long way down.
I looked at this on Google Maps and it was impressive. And scary.

One wrong step . . . and that's IT!

Stone Mountain, one of North Carolina's countless natural wonders.

Descending on the north side of the mountain, we saw many more
hemlock trees, which conservation groups are hard at work to protect.

I can't name this beauty, but I'll be checking soon.

Stone Mountain is much beloved by rappellers.
Who I think are insane.  But who am I to judge?

This historic homestead is cradled in the valley between these mountains.
It also lets you know you're near the end of your trail. But not there yet.

We think these are wild irises.

These rhododendrons were not blooming yet, but they will be soon.

Christmas ferns like this were common.

As we approached our parking area, this tiny cave, perhaps
teeming with unknown life, reminded us that there's always
something more to explore.

So in a few years, after we make the rounds of

old and new hiking favorites, I'm sure we'll find

our way back to Elkin and Stone Mountain for

another taste of this kind of adventure.