I AM MY OWN VALENTINE: Fall in love with your awesome hiking prowess on the Cherokee Trail

WHAT: They say the path of true love never runs smooth. Maybe so, but the Cherokee Trail is pretty smooth! Fall in love all over again with your awesome hiking prowess as we traipse around the Mountain in all of it's glory, especially in the crisp morning light. The plan is to set an easy pace as we hike the 5.5 mile Cherokee Trail which circles the mountain. Along the way, we'll pass the "Christmas Fireplace," an assortment of lakes, a cosmetic gristmill, a historic covered bridge, a vintage single-wide trailer, and of course great views of the Mountain. Although most of the hike is along wooded trails, we do walk over several patches of exposed granite which can be fun and dangerous at the same time. Please make sure you wear appropriate footwear with good traction so that you can tackle the (sometimes) slick granite. The easy pace is designed to keep the group together and allow for plenty of photo ops. At the end of the Cherokee loop, we scramble up to the top of the mountain, pause there for a brief respite (snack time!) before making our way down to the parking lot.

OPTIONAL: Join us for a post hike Valentine's Day lunch at a nearby eatery - probably the Village Corner German restaurant in Stone Mountain Village.

WHERE: We'll meet at the Whistle Stop station, near the start of the walk-up trail, which is just beyond the Confederate Hall parking lot (see directions below).

WHEN: The hike will start promptly at 8:30 AM so plan to arrive early.

HOW MUCH: There is no charge for this hike except vehicle parking fees which range from $10 for a one-day pass to $35 for an annual pass. Alternatively, you could park for free in Stone Mountain Village, and walk a short distance to the meetup location just past the park entrance (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 to the Confederate Hall parking lot which will be on your left. We’ll meet in front of the Whistle Stop Station restroom area, which is just beyond the parking lot.

FREE PARK AND WALK (Add an extra 15 minutes to your travel): For 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 4th street. From there it is a short walk on East Mountain Street. Enter the park through the gate, walk through the parking lot to the Whistle Stop, where we'll meet.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: For more information about Stone Montain Park, go to:
http://www.stonemountainpark.com/

In case of severe weather or other emergencies, I will email all event participants no later than 7 AM on the morning of the event. Please check your email at that time to ensure that we are still on schedule for the day!