Start 2023 with a Forest Bath at Stone Mountain

The hurly burly of the holidays is behind us and a new year awaits. Let's take a minute - or actually a couple of hours - to breath deep, clear our minds and immerse ourselves in a forest bath.

We will meet at the start of the Walk-up trail for introductions. Hiking counter-clockwise, we'll begin on the connector and nature trails until we join the Cherokee trail. This first part will be like any other hike, we'll catch up with those we know and get to know those hikers who are new to us. After about 30 minutes, we'll leave the Cherokee to enter the Songbird Habitat.

Our forest bath will begin here.

We will pause our conversations, put away our electronic devices and quiet our minds to listen, to see, and to smell the forest around us. The goal of forest bathing is to mindfully immerse yourself in nature, setting aside the noise of the outside world. This habitat is really two trails: the Woodland trail and the Meadow trail. It is home to the Eastern Bluebird, White-Breasted Nuthatch, and Northern Cardinal. Our forest bath through the habitat should last around 45-55 minutes.

After we return to the Cherokee trail, our conversations can resume (but it is not required). We'll continue along the Cherokee but circle around Venable Lake taking a connector trail to return to our starting point (no going around the mountain this time).

The hike will be at a moderate pace, though slower during "bathtime". Distance should be between 5-6 miles.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to find parking and make a bathroom stop. See below for directions and alternate parking outside the park. Daily pass is $20; annual is $40 (and worth it if you'll be returning).

FROM I-285/US 78 TO THE PARK'S EAST GATE ENTRANCE:

From the I-285/ US-78 interchange, take US Hwy 78 East 7.7 miles. Bear right at Exit #8 to the Stone Mountain Park East Gate main entrance.

ONCE INSIDE PARK, DRIVE TO THE WALK-UP TRAIL PARKING LOT:

After entering via the East Gate, first follow Jefferson Davis Drive about a mile straight ahead until you reach the fork in the road. Bear right onto Robert E. Lee Blvd and follow it about another mile. Pass the West Gate entrance (on the right) and you'll soon see the large Historical & Enviornmental Education Center (formerly Confederate Hall) parking lot on your left where you can park.  We'll meet by the stone restroom building at the base of the Walk-Up Trail.

FROM I-285/US 78 TO THE PARK'S WEST GATE ENTRANCE:

From the I-285/US-78 interchange, take US 78 East about 7 miles. Bear right on Exit #5 to Memorial Drive and keep in right lane to exit about a half mile ahead. Turn left onto E. Ponce de Leon Ave, turn left at the first traffic light onto James B. Rivers Memorial Dr. Turn right after passing through the gate and you'll see the Walk-up Trail 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. Take the West Gate directions but go through the first light to continue into the Village.  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.
Another free parking lot is the Red Caboose Visitor Center lot also on Main Street, which has its own paved walking/biking trail into the Park. Continue on Main Street until you see the red caboose on your left. In about 10 minutes you can walk into the Park via the paved PATH trail, turn left on Robert E. Lee Blvd (for ~300 yards) until you reach the large parking lot on the right.

$20 Daily parking pass; $40 Annual pass