Panola Mountain - Exclusive Guided Hike for AOC - Wed, Jul 8 2026

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed by the trip leader(s) and NOT the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for payment details and instructions.



Panola Mountain - Exclusive Guided Hike for AOC


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Panola Mountain State Park   Hike: Panola Mountain - Exclusive Guided Hike for AOC  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Wed, Jul 8 2026  9:00 am >> Wed, Jul 8 2026 12:00 pm
Registration Opens: Sat, Jun 6 2026 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Tue, Jul 7 2026 7:00 pm
Event Duration:3 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate (Exploratory)
Distance:3.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Wayne
Email Trip Leader(s)
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Member Cost:$10.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:15
Minimum Group Size:6
Number Registered So Far: 6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

DISCLAIMER: This is a guided, exploratory hike. We will have a guide but I have not done this hike before. Also, there is a $10 charge per person for the hike - due by June 29.

This is a Ranger-guided hike to the Summit of Panola mountain.  NOTE: this is a nature hike, not a fitness hike, so expect us to go slowly with stops as the Ranger explains things.  

The hike is about 3.5 miles long and along the way we will learn about the history of the area, flora and fauna, and the geology of the mountain.

The 100-acre granite peak of Panola Mountain is similar to Stone Mountain but smaller and much more pristine. This rare ecosystem is a conservation area and access is only allowed with a guide.

Although most of the hike is along wooded trails, we do walk over several patches of exposed granite which can be fun and dangerous at the same time. Please make sure you wear appropriate footwear with good traction so that you can tackle the (sometimes) slick granite.

Hiking sticks are allowed, but cannot have a metal tip.  Rubber, plastic, or wood are ok.  No dogs.  

WHERE:  Meet at the Nature Center: 2620 HWY 155 SW., Stockbridge, GA 30281

Once you have entered the park, continue past the kiosk to the Nature Center lot.

Parking can be paid by scanning the QR code in the parking lot or inside the Nature Center

https://gastateparks.org/sites/default/files/parks/pdf/trailm aps/PanolaMountain_TrailMap.pdf

WHEN: The hike will start promptly at 9:00 AM so plan to arrive by 8:45 for introductions.

HOW MUCH:

1. Unless you have a GA Park Pass, there is a $10 State Parks parking fee payable at the entry kiosk.  The Annual Pass is $70 but if you're a Veteran, about half that.  Thank you for your service.  

2. There is a $10 per person charge for this hike (as described above).�


Required Items to Bring:

� Comfortable shoes with good traction
� 1 to 2 liters of water or sports drink
� Packed lunch and/or Trail snacks

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

� Camera, Binocs
� Poncho or rain jacket in case of rain
� Walking poles are only allowed if they have soft tips - no metal tipped poles.
� Sunscreen

Binoculars


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

DIRECTIONS

Use your preferred Navigational app. to get directions from your location to:

Panola Mountain State Park

or

2620 Georgia 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281

or

33.630526, -84.171988

�

Once inside the Park, pass the entrance kiosk, drive straight past the picnic areas and playground to the Nature Center and park in that parking lot. We'll meet inside the main office of the Nature Center.�


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: For more information about Panola Mountain Park, go to:
https://gastateparks.org/Panol aMountain


Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Member Cost:$10.00/Person
Make a Payment:Although there is a cost for this event, you do not pay through the AOC. Please review the event details carefully for information about how/where to make your payment.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.