Solstice SunRISE at Stone Mountain!

Let's try something a little different this year to celebrate the Summer Solstice. In addition to our Sunset viewing later in the day, I want to get an early start on the day and see the sun RISE on the longest day of the year!  The sun will rise at 6:27 a.m. on June 20th and the exact time of the 2016 equinox is 6:34 a.m.  

We will meet in front of the Confederate Hall restrooms at 5:45 a.m. for a brief introduction before we head to the top to wait for Sunrise.  I want to get up to the top around 6:10 because the morning twilight starts about 30 minutes before sunrise. Bring a blanket or something to sit on and a camera to capture the (hopefully) glorious sunrise.  I have been on top of Stone Mountain for sunrise in all kinds of weather - windy, foggy, rainy, and lovely. You never know what you will get, but it is always great to be up before the sun! 

There will be plenty of early morning light to see the way, but you can bring a headlamp or flashlight if you like. We will take the yellow walk up trail, so if you arrive a few minutes late, just meet us at the top. 

The park gates open at 5:00 a.m. and traffic should not be a problem, so time your arrival accordingly. Please take the time to look at the park map and your parking options in order to be on time.

This event will be cancelled in the event of severe weather. 

Directions To Confederate Hall Parking Lot:

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. Confederate Hall will be on your left. We will meet outside the restrooms at the start of the walk up trail.

There is free public parking in Stone Mountain Village but I cannot guarantee that the gate will be open on the walking path. To get to the Village, take Hwy 78 take exit 5 - stay right for a half mile - then a quick exit to E. Ponce/Stone Mtn. Village. At the end of the ramp turn left. Drive a mile or so into the village. You can park at the red caboose in front of the police station and take the paved path into the park. You will need to give yourself extra time to walk the mile to our meeting spot next to Confederate Hall. 

The parking fee at Stone Mountain is $15 unless you have annual pass.

*** The promo photo used for this event was not taken at Stone Mountain. It was taken on an AOC trip to New Zealand in 2014. I just could not pass up the opportunity to share a photo of the best sunrise I have ever seen.