Mega-Beaver-Supermoon hike on Stone Mountain

Come out and join us for a nice evening hike to watch the biggest brightest Supermoon in 68 years. A supermoon occurs when the full moon falls at a time when the moon is closest to the earth. November's full moon was called the Beaver Moon by native Americans as well as colonists, because it was the time to set the beaver traps to ensure a warm supply of fur before the ponds froze over. So, being that it's a Beaver Moon, and the largest Supermoon in 68 years, we're gonna call this a Mega-Beaver-Supermoon.

The hike will begin outside the restrooms near the Confederate center... i.e., bottom of walk-up trail. After we reach the top of the mountain, we'll take a leisurely stroll around the top of the mountain taking in views of the moon and the surrounding area. We'll hang out in a couple spots for a little while for folks to have a snack, take some photos, and socialize.

If you have binoculars, you might want to bring them to get an even better view of the moon.

GPS Coordinates: 33.81077, -84.16212

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.  Look for the large Confederate Hall parking lot on your left where we park during the hike.  We'll gather at our "usual AOC meetup spot," by the stone restroom building at the base of the Walk-Up Trail

You can also enter through the West Gate entrance, in Stone Mountain Village. If you enter here, turn right through the gate and you're just almost to the Confederate Hall parking lot on your left.

OPTIONAL FREE PARK ENTRANCE FOR PEDESTRIANS & BICYCLISTS:

There's no charge for pedestrians or bicyclists to enter Stone Mountain Park.  There is usually plenty of free parking just outside the Park in the Stone Mountain Village area.  The Village is near the Park's "West Gate" entrance which is quite close to Confederate Hall and the Walk-Up trailhead.  You can park near the railroad tracks and walk about 1/2 mile up East Mountain Street and directly into the park, through a small gate (Note that this gate is often locked soon after sunset and you have to walk out around the nearby West Gate and then left to get back to East Mountain Street.)

Another such free parking lot is the "Red Caboose Visitor Center" lot on the Main Street, which has its own paved walking/biking trail into the Park, much like the Silver Comet Trail. To drive to that lot, get off US-78 (Stone Mtn Freeway) at Exit #5, then bear right to exit again about a half mile ahead, turn left onto E. Ponce de Leon Ave, go through the first traffic light onto Main Street and continue about a half mile and look for the red caboose on your left.  In about 10 minutes you can walk into the Park via the paved PATH trail, turn left on Robt. E. Lee Blvd (for ~300 yards) and join the AOC group at the Walk-Up trailhead. (Note the gate on this PATH trail is often locked soon after sunset).

Additional directions and maps can be found at: 

http://www.stonemountainpark.com/activities/map/overview. aspx

There is a $15 daily parking fee to drive into Stone Mountain Park unless you have an annual pass. Annual passes can be obtained for approximately $40.