Stone Mountain in Wilkes County, North Carolina, is a prominent granite dome and the centerpiece of Stone Mountain State Park. Rising 2,305 feet above sea level and more than 600 feet above the surrounding landscape, its bare brown-gray slopes make it visible for miles. Formed in the Devonian period as quartz diorite to granodiorite intruding into much older Precambrian gneiss, it is considered the state's best example of a massive granite monadnock, left standing as softer surrounding rock eroded away. Its broad rock faces make it a notable climbing area, its waters are known for brook trout fishing, and its geological importance was recognized with National Natural Landmark designation in May 1974.