Last Minute Cherokee Trail Hike Around and UP

Join me for a moderately paced hike around Stone Mountain on the Cherokee trail. We will go around the base of the mountain passing the carving, covered bridge and lakes.  The total mileage will be approximately 7 Miles. After we reach the walk up trail from the Cherokee trail will go up the mountain then come back down. Meet in front of the restrooms near the start of the walk-up trail  close to Confederate Hall. The hike will start promptl. Please arrive at 10:20 for introductions.Please allow plenty of time to parkk. There is a $20 parking fee to enter the park unless you have an annual parking pass.  however,  Free public parking is available in Stone Mountain Village.

Please remember that our No Show Policy will be strictly enforced. If your plans have changed, please be mindful of your registration and update the event accordingly. This provides anyone on the waitlist an opportunity to join the hike.

NEWCOMERS PLEASE NOTE:  As mentioned above the per-vehicle parking rate for "Inside-the-Park" parking is now $20 per day - or $40 per year for the annual parking pass.  See options discussed below for convenient free  parking in nearby Stone Mtn Village and free Park entrance as a pedestrian or cyclist.

MAIN PARK ENTRANCE ROUTE: (Requiring payment of daily parking fee or display of annual parking pass.)  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. Confederate Hall will be on your left. The parking lot will be immediately after. We’ll meet behind Confederate Hall at the "Walk-Up" trailhead.

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 about in the Confederate Hall parking lot.

OPTIONAL FREE PARKING & PARK ENTRANCE FOR PEDESTRIANS & BICYCLISTS:

There's no charge for pedestrians or bicyclists to enter Stone Mountain Park or to enjoy the numerous free attractions inside the Park including the nice trails.  If you don't have an annual vehicle Parking Pass (now $40 per year) and also wish to save the $15 Daily Parking Fee, there are usually plenty of free parking spots just outside the Park in Stone Mountain Village.  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 for free near the railroad tracks and walk up East Mountain Street and directly into the park.

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 to the "caboose lot" on your left. If it is full there is nearby free parking along Main Street, etc.  In about 10 minutes you can walk or ride your bike eastward from the Caboose 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 near Confederate Hall.

Additional directions and maps can be found at:

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

Be Aware!  Put all your personal belongings out of sight in your vehicle.  Lock your vehicle.