Stone Mountain State Forest Ridge Runner Circuit
Tennessee's granite mountain fortress challenge
Stone Mountain rises like a granite fortress from Tennessee’s eastern highlands, its summit trails threading between house-sized boulders and through stands of old-growth hemlock. This challenging circuit climbs the mountain’s north face via an abandoned logging road, then follows the ridge line past Buzzard Rock — a granite dome offering 360-degree views into three states. The descent down Panther Creek Gorge tests traction control through moss-covered rock gardens.
Expert-level terrain demanding modified 4WD with winch and recovery gear — the granite slabs get greasy when wet and offer no forgiveness for poor lines. Late summer through early fall provides the most stable conditions; winter ice makes the route impassable. Tennessee Division of Forestry requires no permits but enforces seasonal closures to protect wildlife. You earn some of the state’s most spectacular mountain vistas, technical driving that’ll push your skills, and solitude in Tennessee’s wildest state forest.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2380 ft |
| Best season | August-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with winch |
| Nearest town | Mountain City, Tennessee |
| Land manager | Tennessee Division of Forestry |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Jeep handle the Ridge Runner Circuit?
No. This trail requires a modified 4WD with a winch — minimum. Granite slab sections demand high clearance, aggressive tires, and skid plates. A stock rig will get hurt out here.
When does the trail close, and is snow a real concern?
Best window is August through October before wet weather and freeze cycles make the granite slabs dangerously slick. Winter access is possible but the trail is not maintained — ice on exposed rock at elevation is no joke.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp here?
No permit is currently required to run the trail or use dispersed campsites in Stone Mountain State Forest, but check with Tennessee Division of Forestry before you go since regulations on state forest lands can change without much notice.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The exposed granite outcropping sections mid-loop are the crux — think steep, off-camber slab with limited recovery anchors nearby. At expert rating, expect ledge drops, loose rock approaches, and tight tree lines that punish wide tracks. Have your winch rigged and a recovery plan before you leave the trailhead.
There's zero cell service — how far is the nearest gas and what's the water situation?
Mountain City is your last stop for fuel and supplies — top off there, it's roughly 30+ miles of remote driving from trailhead to town. Water crossings exist on trail but treat anything you pull from them; bring enough to be self-sufficient for the full day plus buffer if you're camping dispersed overnight.
Trail track
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