We’ll be Coming Around the Mountain: Stone Mt. Cherokee Trail Hike

Welcome to Mark F., one of our new AOC trip leaders in training, as he joins me for his first official hike as a co-lead.  Mark has the makings of a fine trip leader with his patience, his concern for the welfare of others in the group, and his focus on safety.  Mark lives in  Snellville, so he'll likely be posting most of his events on the east side of town.

The rains are predicted to stop on Sunday morning, leaving us with beautiful weather by late afternoon.  Please join us for this 5 mile trek around the mountain - - a trail with beautiful views of woods and lakes.  We'll be back in plenty of time for folks who want to do the sunset hike up and down the mountain (with Mark and Hakeem) or to just head out for a well-earned dinner. 

We'll hike the Cherokee Trail at a moderately brisk pace. This is not a fitness hike, but not a stroll in the park, either; we would hope to finish the 5 miles in about 2 hours, allowing time for pictures and a bathroom break at the Grist Mill.  We'll meet at the restrooms  across the parking lot from Confederate Hall (West Entrance to the park) and hike counter-clockwise around the mountain.

We will leave on time! Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to check in, use the bathroom, and meet your fellow hikers.  If you're running late, you are welcome to try to catch up with us.  Our route will be to head down the railroad tracks, go through the the nature garden, and then continue around the mountain.

GPS Coordinates: 33.81076800026398, -84.16212379932403

Parking in the park lot:  $10 

Directions: 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. The parking lot will be immediately after. We’ll meet at the restroom building on the right.

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.  Continue on and park as close to the restroom building as possible, where we'll be gathered.

Additional directions and maps can be found at: 

http://stonemountainpark.com/default.aspx

Be sure to ask the attendant at the gate for a map of the park if you don't already have one.

Remember to bring $10 for parking in the Confederate Hall lot unless you have an annual pass.  An annual pass is $35 - - a good investment if you think you might visit the park three or more times during the year.