Early Morning Hike - Cherokee/Garden/Connector Trails and Stone Mountain

We will be begin the hike at the Confederate Hall parking lot (near the restrooms) and head to the Cherokee trail where we will follow it around Stone Mountain finishing back where we started at the restrooms. On our way, we will branch off under the covered bridge and scramble near the lake for about a quarter to half mile. We will also traverse the longest of Connector trails and the entire Garden trail. After completing the circuit of Stone Mountain, we will hike at an Easy to Moderate pace to the top via an alternative route through the woods. We will spend a short period of time at the top taking in the view and some photos before descending down the main trail to the parking lot. We will skip going to the top of Stone Mountain at the end, if it happens to get too wet to do so.

The hike will be approximately 8 miles and will involve some steep sections so please bring appropriate footwear.

I will allow up to four dogs (assuming well behaved). If you bring a dog you will not be able to complete the last 2.5 miles of the event, as dogs are not allowed on Stone mountain's walk-up trail. So, consider this before you sign up with your dog.

Free parking is available at Stone Mountain Village. It is less than a half mile walk to the park and the West entrance gate is near our meeting area.

If you have any questions please contact Hakeem.

Thanks TonyC for the great picture!!!

Directions To Confederate Hall Parking Lot:

To the main entrance- 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. (Careful - there's a stop sign in front of Confederate Hall for those entering the West Gate.) The parking lot will be immediately after. Wait for the group near the walk up trail. 


 
Free public parking in Stone Mountain Village

(Please note: The MARTA lot is currently closed. Use directions below only as a guide into Stone Mountain Village and look for parking elsewhere in the Village - Plenty closer to the train tracks on Main Street and on 5th street, according to reliable sources). Alternatively, You can park at the Stone Mountain Visitor Center Lot, next  to the Police Station, on Main Street. There's a trail that takes you into the Park from this lot. Turn left at the end of this trail to go to Confederate Hall meeting point.

From Hwy 78 take exit 5 - stay right for a half mile - then a quick exit to E. Ponce/Stone Mtn. Village. At the end of the ramp turn left. Drive a mile or so into town. Turn left on East Mountain. Turn right on Fourth Street. There you will find the MARTA park and ride.   -    For GPS use 995 4th St, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: For more information about Stone Mountain Park, go to:  http://www.stonemountainpark.com/