Stone Mountain sunset, moonrise, and fireworks hike

This another in the Summit Sunset Series where we enjoy sunsets from some of the finest scenic viewpoints in GA...all on or near mountain peaks.  If you've never had this experience, you don't know what you're missing, so time to find out...

Ok there are only a couple of days per month when you can do a good moonrise hike (without being up all night), so we will give it a shot and see if the weather cooperates.  Last month, we enjoyed a spectacular sunset but too many clouds derailed our moonrise viewing plans.

Total distance for this hike is only about 2.5 miles and elevation gain is 700 feet.  Everyone can hike up at their own pace.  It should take no more than about 30 min to reach the summit, so we will have about an hour before sunset to explore a bit and enjoy the views.  We will take a short 1/2 mi walk around the eastern edge of the mtn and then return to the top.

Sunset is at 8:42 and it should be interesting to see where it drops. It would be fun to watch it set right behind Kennesaw Mountain, but it is difficult to time it perfectly as it continues its six month southward trek along the horizon that began on June 21. 

After the sunset, you can choose to either head down. or you can hang out and just enjoy the cool breeze and and the city lights below...very peaceful up there.  At 9:31, the moon will rise in the southeast...it is two days after official full moon but still at about 99% full. 

Also, the Stone Mtn Park lasershow starts at 9:30 and ends at around 10:10.  They shoot off fireworks during and at the end of the show, and it is from fun to watch those from above (see pic below).  We will head down the mtn after this, at about 10:15 PM (or you can leave earlier if you'd like).



We will meet near the start of the walk-up trail near the parking lot beside Confederate Hall. There is a $10 fee to drive into the Park; however, free parking is available in Stone Mountain Village. See directions below...

If you would like to try the free public parking, there is a Marta Park and Ride on Fourth Street in Stone Mountain Village. From there it is a less than a half mile walk on East Mountain Street into the Park and you will end up right at the start of the walk-up trail where we are meeting.


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

To the main entrance- From I-285 take U.S. Hwy 78 East (Snellville/Athens) exit. Travel about 7 miles and take Exit 8.  After entering the Park, proceed straight ahead. The road will fork in 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 will meet behind Confederate Hall, right outside of the railroad track and near the restrooms...at the start of the walk up trail.