Cherokee and Songbirds at Stone Mountain

Let’s hike around Stone Mountain on the Cherokee Trail with an added bonus of part of the Songbird Trail. We will use connector trails and part of the Nature Trail to join the Cherokee Trail. We will veer off the Cherokee to hike the meadow portion of the Songbird Trail. With any luck we might actually hear some songbirds (rarely happens though).

These trails are lovely with some beautiful views of the lake and mountain. It also passes the covered bridge and the historic Grist Mill. The distance is at the upper end of a D2 hike, but elevation is still very modest and doable. We will NOT be going up the mountain.

We will be hiking in the range of 2.5-2.7 mph (around 25 minute mile) with a few short stops. 

Please meet about 10 minutes early for introductions and preliminaries  so that we start promptly at 9:30.

We will meet in front of the bathrooms at the start of the Walk-up Trail and by Confederate Hall.

https://stonemountainpark.com/ maps/

Distance: 7 miles (appoximate)
Elevation: 500 feet (approximate)
Pace: 2.5-2.7 mph
Terrain: Granite, wooded paths wtih the usual rocks and roots

FROM I-285/US 78 TO THE PARK'S EAST GATE ENTRANCE:

From the I-285/ US-78 interchange, take US Hwy 78 East 7.7 miles. Bear right at Exit #8 to the Stone Mountain Park East Gate main entrance.

ONCE INSIDE PARK, DRIVE TO THE WALK-UP TRAIL PARKING LOT:

After entering via the East Gate, first follow Jefferson Davis Drive about a mile straight ahead until you reach the fork in the road. Bear right onto Robert E. Lee Blvd and follow it about another mile. Pass the West Gate entrance (on the right) and you'll soon see the large parking lot for the Walk-up Trail on your left where you can park. We'll meet by the stone restroom building at the base of the Walk-Up Trail.

FROM I-285/US 78 TO THE PARK'S WEST GATE ENTRANCE:

From the I-285/US-78 interchange, take US 78 East about 7 miles. Bear right on Exit #5 to Memorial Drive and keep in right lane to exit about a half mile ahead. Turn left onto E. Ponce de Leon Ave, turn left at the first traffic light onto James B. Rivers Memorial Dr. Turn right after passing through the gate and you'll see the Walk-up Trail parking lot on your left.

OPTIONAL FREE PARK ENTRANCE FOR PEDESTRIANS & BICYCLISTS:
There's no charge for pedestrians or bicyclists to enter Stone Mountain Park. There is usually plenty of free parking just outside the Park in the Stone Mountain Village area. The Village is near the Park's West Gate entrance. Take the West Gate directions but go through the first light to continue into the Village. You can park near the railroad tracks and walk about 1/2 mile up East Mountain Street and directly into the park through a small gate.
Another free parking lot is the Red Caboose Visitor Center lot also on Main Street, which has its own paved walking/biking trail into the Park. Continue on Main Street until you see the red caboose on your left. In about 10 minutes you can walk into the Park via the paved PATH trail, turn left on Robert E. Lee Blvd (for ~300 yards) until you reach the large parking lot on the right.

$20 day pass, $40 annual pass (recommended if you'll be coming back), or walk from Stone Mountain village (see directions above).