LAST MINUTE: Cherokee Trail and Stone Mtn. Summit

WHAT: Get your workout in early as we traipse casually around the Mountain, glorious in the crisp morning light. The plan is to set an easy pace as we hike the 5.5 mile Cherokee Trail which circles the mountain. Along the way, we'll pass the "Christmas Fireplace," an assortment of lakes, a cosmetic gristmill, a historic covered bridge, a vintage single-wide trailer, and finally, the Stone Mountain summit, with 360 degree views of the city. We'll tag the geomarker at the summit, catch our breath (and some photos), and then head down to the parking lot.

Although most of the hike is along wooded trails, we do walk over several patches of exposed granite which can be fun and dangerous at the same time. Please make sure you wear appropriate footwear with good traction so that you can tackle the (sometimes) slick granite. The easy pace is designed to keep the group together and allow for plenty of photo ops. At the end of the Cherokee loop, we scramble up to the top of the mountain, pause there for a brief respite (snack time!) before making our way down to the parking lot.

WHERE: We'll meet in front of the restrooms near the start of the walk-up trail, which is just beyond the Confederate Hall parking lot. For a detailed map, go here:

htt p://www.stonemountainpark.com/activities/map/overview.aspx

 

WHEN: The hike will start promptly at 7:07 AM so plan to arrive early.

HOW MUCH: There is no charge for this hike, however, if you plan to drive into the park, youi need a Stone Mountain Park pass which ranges from $10 for a one- day pass to $35 for an annual pass. Alternatively, you could park for free in Stone Mountain Village, and walk a short distance to the meetup location (see directions below).

DIRECTIONS (To the main entrance): From I-285 take U.S. Hwy 78 East (Snellville/Athens) exit. Travel about 7 miles and take Exit 8, the Stone Mountain Park Main Entrance. After entering the main entrance, proceed straight ahead. The road will fork at about 1 mile – stay to the right. Continue to follow the road for another mile to the Confederate Hall parking lot which will be on your left. We’ll meet in front of the restrooms, near the start of the walkup trail.

FREE PARK AND WALK (Add an extra 15 minutes to your travel): For free public parking in Stone Mountain Village, from Hwy 78 take exit 5 and merge onto GA 10. Proceed 0.5 miles to the first exit. At the end of the ramp turn left. Drive a mile or so, past a gas station and a funeral parlor (both on your right). When you see City Hall turn left. Park in the Marta park-and-ride on 4th street. From there it is a short 10-15 minute walk on East Mountain Street. Enter the park through the gate, walk through the parking lot to the restrooms on the far side, where we'll meet.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: For more information about Stone Montain Park, go to:
http://www.stonemountainpark.com/

In case of severe weather or other emergencies, I will email all event participants no later than 6 AM on the morning of the event. Please check your email at that time to ensure that we are still on schedule for the day!