Stone Mountain Trail

Stone Mountain Trail, historically known as Devil’s Backbone, follows a rocky ridge offering exceptional views of the Cherokee National Forest. The trail traverses exposed rock outcrops and open forest along the ridgeline, with views extending for miles in multiple directions. The exposed nature of the ridge creates habitat for interesting plant communities adapted to harsh conditions, including various heath shrubs and wind-stunted oaks. The trail’s name reflects the rocky nature of the terrain, while its former name speaks to the narrow, exposed sections that require careful footing. This challenging route rewards hikers with some of the finest ridge walking in the region.