Stone Mountain by Moonlight

I led this hike last Nov and worked out perfectly with clear skies and the moon in the right place overhead...not sure if we will get that lucky again but we will give it a shot.  We didn't need headlamps at all last time...just the moonlight to guide our way. It looks good on paper anyway and cloud cover is really the only thing that could mess it up (I think).

To elaborate, we will be going up the gravel service road that runs roughly parallel to the main (more rocky) trail.  So it is safer and much easier footing.  Once we get to the little shelter where the gravel road ends, our eyes will be even more adjused and the nearly full moon will light up the granite.

The moon will be about 98% illuminated ...and moonrise will be at 4:47 PM, so that will give it a couple of hrs to get high in the sky above our trail.  

We will hike to the top and enjoy the lights of metro ATL surrounding us.  We can do the little 1/2 hike around the eastern side of the mtn while we are up there.  And just soak up the views and the calm up there at night..really is a cool vibe to it..and if it isn't especially windy, should not be too cold.

Then we can head down the same way we came up and can just walk down the mountain in the moonlight...should be nice. 

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.