UP, DOWN and AROUND - Stone Mountain/Cherokee Trail

Come join me for an Up, Down and Around at Stone Mountain PLUS lots more

We will meet at the restrooms at the Confederate Hall parking lot.  We will go up the mountain at a leisurely to moderate pace (I am not speedy on hills), take in the view on the mountain for 10 minutes and then head down the mountain.  Quick stop at Confederate Hall restrooms if needed and then we will hit the Cherokee Trail which circles the base of Stone Mountain.  The Cherokee Trail has very little elevation and we will hike it at a moderate pace.  Along the route we will explore the Songbird Trail and the Trail that leads to the Conference Center, trail around Indian Island and then back to Confederate Hall.  Those that want to stay and hear the Carillon are welcome to join me.  It is 3 minute drive from Confederate Hall.  Bring your lunch and sit and enjoy beautiful music for about 20 minutes.  THen a trail that I have never hiked and a little known trail within the park - Trail of the Muscogee - it is a 1.4 mile trail, we should be in and out in under 30 minutes. The parking lot at Muscogee is tiny so depending on who wants to stay for this part of the hike we may need to carpool from the Carillon.

8:30 - 12:45 mountain, Cherokee Trail, Song Bird Trail, Conference Center Trail, Indian Island Trail

12:55 - 1:25 Carillon and picnic lunch

1:30 - 2:00 Trail of the Muscogee

Complete hike (including Trail of the Muscogee) should be just about 12 miles - may be slightly over or under.

Hike starts promptly at 8:30 - meet in front of the restrooms near the parking lot at Confederate Hall

 THere is a $15 entrance fee to get into Stone Mountain Park unless you have an annual pass or park in the village of Stone Mountain and it is just a short walk to Confederate Hall (or if you want to park in the village we can work a shuttle into the park - I have an annual pass - text me evening before or before 8:00 am and let me know if you need shuttle into park) - Diana 6787-759-9732

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. Confederate Hall will be on your left. The parking lot will be immediately after. We’ll meet behind Confederate Hall near the walk up trail.

There is a $15 fee to enter the park unless you have an annual pass

If you would like to try the 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. There is a Marta park and ride on fourth street. From there it is a short walk on East Mountain Street. Enter the park through the gate and you'll be at the parking lot where we'll be meeting. The Marta parking lot is about an 10-minute walk from the park. (or see above about my shuttle service)

Additional directions and maps can be found at:
http://stonemountainpark.com/default.aspx