Summit Stone Mountain plus optional Yoga

If the idea of nearing the end of the week by hiking up Stone Mountain, followed by a yoga session with Nancy at sun set sounds like a good idea, this may be the trip for you. Nancy is a professional yoga instructor, and has the ability to sooth away tension with her voice alone. The yoga positions she leads us into are suited for beginners, but has the same affect as any advanced yoga I've taken over the years. I believe doing it on the mountain after a good warm up hike is the perfect combination.

We will climb to the summit and regroup, but this is a steep climb in places, with a total elevation gain of 700', most of it in the last third of the hike up. If you're not familiar with the mountain, afraid of heights, or not in good shape, you may want to try this climb on your own first, because the objective is a fitness hike, and we can get spread out due to the varying paces. It's not a tour in other words.

After we regroup, I will lead you to a place where we can relax and start doing yoga. If you want to participate in yoga, I recommend bringing a yoga mat.

If you don't know the mountain, or feel uncomfortable walking in the dark, I recommend bringing a head lamp so your hands are free.

I will get there early enough to climb up before the group meets. If you want to join me let me know, but I travel fast when I'm alone. Usually takes me about 17 minutes to get to the top, and I turn around and go back down after taking a drink. I plan to meet the group no later than 6:20.

We will meet near the Confederate Hall and the start of the walk-up trail behind the large parking lot across from the bathrooms. The hike will start promptly at 6:30 pm so plan to arrive early. There is an $10 parking fee to enter the park; however, free public parking is available in Stone Mountain Village. 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. 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.

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

I will email all event participants about the status of the hike in case there is a chance of severe weather.