We took a wrong turn driving to Stone Mountain, NC

and ended up taking a winding road through several old coal mining towns (Rt 16). They felt very isolated and self-contained.

Back on route, we finally made it to Sparta, NC

a cute little mountain town, for an early check in Allegheny Inn ($101/night).

https://townofsparta.org/

We got take-out for dinner later from Tex-Mex Riverside Cafe, Sparta, NC

and freshly made, all fruit smoothies, 1 wild berry and 1 cantaloupe. They were delicious!

https://goo.gl/maps/joV8Ds7vAxAhDDMB8

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Stone Mountain State Park, NC

($0) to hike the loop trail (4.5 miles, 938’ elevation). Stone Mountain State Park is home to the 600-foot granite dome that is a designated National Natural Landmark and the historic Hutchinson Homestead, a restored mid-19th-century farm situated at the mountain base. There were a ton of stairs but a beautiful hike with epic views once you get to the ridge (we are already planning to come back to watch the sun set from the top of the mountain)

https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/stone-mountain-state-park

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difficulty: 8.5

After a great hike with spectacular views…

we found an empty picnic shelter with a fire already going in the chimney and had dinner by the fire. It was some of the best Latin food we’ve ever had, it felt very authentically homemade.

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