Savage Gulf North Trailhead - Stone Door Ranger's Station — Attraction in Dunlap

Stone Door Campground:

I camped at Stone Door Campground for Labor Day and didn't find much information ahead of time. So, here is the info I wished I had:

Campground/Sites: They are all very similar with none "better" than the others. Each are nearly equally secluded and are off the main path by about ten yards. There is lots of flat space in each site and trees providing shade and anchors for hammocks etc. The hike in was very short and only takes a few minutes depending on which site you get. Do NOT expect to be able to use a wagon since there are lots of large roots on the trail. Each site has a fire pit made of stones tossed together and that is IT. No table, real fire ring, lantern stand etc.

Bathrooms: The bathrooms at the campground are PRIMITIVE. If you think you might need those bathrooms bring your own toilet paper. There is a mens and womens one hole pit toilet that is worst than a music festival portajohn (see photos). However, the nicer restrooms near the ranger station are only a short walk away.

Water: There is a water spigot located near the "restroom" at the start of the campground loop.

Picnic Tables: There are not tables at the campground but in the parking lot there is a very nice large pavilion and picnic tables scattered throughout the trees along with elevated grills.

Nearby trails: There is a wood viewing platform viewing the gorge less than a quarter mile from the ranger station. One mile from the ranger station is where the "Stone Door" is located on the trail as well as a nice natural viewing area right on top of the "Stone Door." That is where all of the pictures of people sitting on rocks looking at the view are located. It was an easy pretty flat walk and the rocks there provided lots of areas to sit and eat etc. Laurel Falls was a very short 1/3 mile loop hike located behind the ranger station that had some descent elevation drop/gain. The trail takes you to a viewing platform near the falls then out to the top of the falls where you can stand at the top. Greeter Falls was only a short 10-15...

I did it! I made a slow meander one mile out to Stone Door. The trail is paved for the first 3/10 mile. There are benches there and a beautiful view where you can actually see Stone Door. The next 7/10 mile trail is dirt, some square timber steps, some stone steps and a couple short foot bridges. But, there are no benches on the trail nor did I see any at the bluff. I did rest in the rocks and then on the short fence rail before heading back. It's a beautiful walk. I took a hiking pole, water, snacks and a small backpack with a first aid kit. I saw many birds, interesting flora and Mountain Blueberries! So Sweet! I took my time, went carefully and slowly and got back in...

One of my absolute favorite hikes. There is a paved path all the way up to the first overlook. Perfect for those who are handicapped. There is an overlook viewfinder that helps those who have a common type of color blindness. I highly recommend it during fall!!! Getting to the second overlook is relatively easy and gets a bit more difficult once you actually get to the Stone Door. Absolutely worth it! Laurel falls is not far from the ranger station AT ALL! You need to go here if you...