Cherokee Trail with a Bonus Mile

This will be the usual hike around the mountain on the Cherokee and connector trails. I will, however, add a bonus mile by including the King's Trail on Indian Island.

We'll meet at the start of the Walk-up trail near the West Gate. After introductions, we'll hike in a clockwise direction around the mountain. I'll maintain a 2.7-2.8 mph (22 minute mile) pace with limited stops. This pace, along with the heat and the ups and downs and rocks and roots on the trail, means this is not a beginner's hike.

I want everyone to enjoy the hike, which is hard to do when you're running to catch up all the time.

News flash: It will be hot! So bring water; this is a required item.

As always, please arrive early to find parking, make a pit stop if needed, catch up on the latest gossip from fellow hikers, and introductions.

Parking pass information is below.

Stone Mountain Park Trail Map

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. Please be aware this is 2 hour parking. I do not know of anyone who has had a problem, but still be aware of that.
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 day pass, $40 annual pass (recommended if you'll be coming back), or walk from Stone Mountain village (see directions above).