Full-Moonrise, Sunset, Mars opposition, Saturn, Jupiter, and Fireworks from The Rock

Join us for a nice sunset, a Full-Moonrise, and the closest, brightest view of the red planet Mars in over 15 years! Jupiter and Saturn will also be high in the sky, and after all the celestial viewing, we'll stop by and watch some fireworks from the top of the mountain.

We will take a different route to the top that will keep us off the walk-up trail most of the way to the top. At the top of the mountain, we will hang out, take pics, socialize, and watch the scenic view of the sunset. The sun will be setting at 8:41 PM. Right after the sun sets, we'll head over to the other side of the mountain to watch the full moon rise at 8:44 PM. Shortly after the full moon rises, Mars will come into view. Mars will be the closest to Earth it's been in over 15 years and at this time will be the 4th brightest object in the sky - only behind the sun, moon, and Venus. We'll hang out for a bit enjoying the view of the Full-Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn before we move over to the north side to watch the fireworks at the end of the laser show.

We'll have a decent amount of 'hanging out' time, so feel free to bring some snacks and beverages of your liking.

The hike will begin between Confederate Hall and the restrooms. We will start "on time" to ensure we're on top before the sun sets.

Please take the time to look at the park map and parking options in order to be on time!




Any questions - please call or send me an email.

GPS Coordinates: 33.81076800026398, -84.16212379932403

Vehicle access to Stone Mountain Park:  $15 per day.  Annual pass is $40.

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 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

The parking fee inside the park is $15 unless you have annual pass.