Around Stone Mountain (not up)

Join me for a hike around Stone Mountain (not to the top of the mountain). We will start on one of the connecting trails, which takes us to the Nature Center Trail and then the Cherokee Trail. There are many sections that are uneven due to rocks and roots, and there are several stream crossings. This is not a fitness or training hike, but we will maintain a moderate pace (2.6 to 2.8 mph) on most of the trail, slowing down on rougher sections and with one or two short pauses for hydration.

One (well-behaved) dog is fine. 

We will meet at the base of the walk-up trail, which is behind the Historical & Environmental Education Center (formerly Confederate Hall) and near the restrooms.  Please arrive by 8:50 so we can do introductions and start promptly at 9:00.

You will need a Stone Mountain Park pass ($20 one-time or $40 for an annual pass). There are also alternatives for free parking in Stone Mountain Village and then walk into the park without paying the fee – see details below. If you park in the Village, please allow additional time for the walk to meet at 8:50.

“Walk-Up Trail Parking Lot” should work in your GPS system of choice.

There is no charge for pedestrians to enter Stone Mountain Park. Below are two options to park in Stone Mountain Village for free (although there are a limited number of spaces in both places) and then walk into the park:

1)  Street parking on E. Mountain Street, posted as 3-hour parking. From there you walk down E. Mountain Street into the park through the gate and cross Robert E. Lee Blvd to the parking lot; and

2)  A lot just off of Main Street next to the Stone Mountain Village City Hall (next to the former Red Caboose Visitor Center, the caboose is still there but it’s vacant). From here you walk into the park via the paved PATH trail, then turn left on Robert E. Lee Blvd for ~300 yards until you reach the large parking lot on the right.