SUNSET over Stone Mountain

And now, for the one-question quiz of the day:

At the summit of Stone Mountian, I usually:

a) Make the climb official by tagging the geological survey markers

b) Take photos or rocks, sunsets, and things

c) Peer intently and point earnestly in random directions, just to keep passerbys guessing

d) Get on my knees and TGIF because I was so ready to burst out of that cubby and breathe in some fresh air at high altitudes

e) all of the above.

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, especially e), you belong on this hike!

Our objective is to relax into the weekend and enjoy the glorious sunset on the summit so we'll start at the base of the walk-up trail, which is located at Whistle Stop Station, next to the bathrooms near Confederate Hall. We plan to hike at a leisurely pace, arriving at the summit in time to take a breather and enjoy nature's light show. 

The weather forecast is looking good with a partly cloudy day in the low 80s, and a minimal (10%) chance of rain. Hopefully, the cloud cover will make for a spectacular sunset. The post sunset glow should be sufficient to get us down the mountain, but you may want to bring your headlamp, just in case.

Entry to the park costs $10/vehicle unless you have an annual pass. You can avoid the fee by parking in Stone Mountain Village and walking into the park (see directions below). Alternatively, you can call me (first come first served) and I can pick up a few people on my way to the trailhead.

FROM I-285 TO THE PARK'S "EAST GATE" ENTRANCE:

From the I-285/ US-78 interchange on the east side of town take U.S. Hwy 78 East about 7.7 miles.  Bear right at Exit #8 to the Stone Mountain Park "East Gate" main entrance where you'll pay $10 for the daily parking fee if you don't display a valid annual pass.  

Suggestion, especially if you're new to the Park, ask the gate attendant for a free color map.

ONCE INSIDE PARK, DRIVE TO CONFEDERATE HALL PARKING LOT:

After entering via the East Gate, first follow Jefferson Davis Drive about a mile straight ahead to the big road fork, crossing the lake en route. Bear right onto Robert E. Lee Blvd and follow it about another mile, bearing left to avoid the West Gate exit.  Look for the spacious Confederate Hall parking lot on your left where we park during the hike.  We'll gather at our "usual AOC meetup spot," by the stone restroom building at the base of the Walk-Up Trail (about 100 yards toward the mountain from Confederate Hall).  For a zoomable map & aerial view of this spot, click on the red "Location Icon" at the top of this article.

OPTIONAL FREE 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 Park Pass and wish to save the daily $10 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.  One 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.  In about 10 minutes you can walk or ride your bike eastward into the Park via the paved PATH trail, turn left on Robt. E. Lee Blvd (for ~300 yard) and join the AOC group at the Walk-Up trailhead.