Stone Mountain sunset - behind ATL skyline

Ok the sun will set behind the downtown ATL skyline for another week or so...the pic above was taken on this same hike on Feb 16 of last year.   So you can figure it will be a little to the north (to the right) on the 17th. 

These Stone Mtn sunset hikes are always good, so this just adds another fun element to them.. and rain is currently forecast for the weekend, so could be your best chance to get out for some exercise.  I'll try to get up there for another one next week and TL Mark is leading a couple soon as well.  Hopefully the weather Friday will cooperate..forecast right now says Partly Cloudy which could go either way..could be no visible sunset or could be superb one with the clouds helping if everything comes together.

If you can't get there by 5pm, feel free to arrive whenever you can and just meet us at the top...as you probably know, the trail is very busy and easy to follow.

Everyone can head up at their own pace.  It should take no more than about 20-30 min to reach the summit,  We will take a short 1/2 mi walk around the eastern side of the mtn and then return to the top to enjoy the views and wait for the sunset at 6:23 PM.  Total distance is only about 2.5 miles and elevation gain about 700 feet. 

You may want to bring a headlamp or flashlight if you don't want to head down immediately after the sunset.  I will be taking the gravel road down, as footing is easier in low light (or in the dark), but you can head down earlier and take the main trail back down if you prefer.  But check out the road if you haven't before as it comes out right at the same place as the main trail and much easier (and safer).

We will meet near the start of the walk-up trail near the parking lot beside Confederate Hall. There is a $10 fee to drive into the Park; however, free parking is available in Stone Mountain Village. See directions below...

If you would like to try the free public parking, there is a Marta Park and Ride on Fourth Street in Stone Mountain Village. From there it is a less than a half mile walk on East Mountain Street into the Park and you will end up right at the start of the walk-up trail where we are meeting.


Additional directions and maps can be found at: 
http://stonemountainpark.com/default.aspx

To the main entrance- From I-285 take U.S. Hwy 78 East (Snellville/Athens) exit. Travel about 7 miles and take Exit 8.  After entering the Park, proceed straight ahead. The road will fork in 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 will meet behind Confederate Hall, right outside of the railroad track and near the restrooms...at the start of the walk up trail.