Stone Mountain

The most western of Virginia's mountain treasures, Stone Mountain is one of the core areas in a large block of suitable bear habitat that extends from northern Lee County into Kentucky. It features a gated cave listed among the significant caves of Virginia, two rare salamanders, and lands adjacent to the North Fork of the Powell River, which is habitat for the spiny riversnail and other mollusks. Stone Mountain is one of four semi-primitive non-motorized recreation areas in the Clinch Ranger District.

Hikers access the area through the Payne Branch and Stone Mountain trails. Stone Mountain Trail features mansion-sized boulders, a dismantled lookout tower site, fern-covered slopes, and sheer cliffs with inspiring views across Powell Valley to Powell Mountain. At the rim of the mountain, the trail is surrounded by stands of large tulip trees, maples, and oaks. The area contains 100 acres of possible old growth.

All mineral rights in Stone Mountain, except for one 580-acre tract, are owned by the Forest Service. The area was identified as roadless in RARE II, but was omitted by the Forest Service in the most recent inventory. The area meets the Forest Service standards for low road density and naturalness; conservationists maintain the area qualifies as roadless.

Approximate Size: 3,361 acres
Location: Lee County, between VA 621 and the North Fork of the Powell River, Clinch Ranger District
Topos: Keokee