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Hike around Stone Mountain via the Cherokee Loop with scenic off-trail Hidden Gems![]() | |||||||
The Basics: | |||||||
Event Type: | ![]() | Hike | ![]() | ||||
Event Location: | ![]() |
Stone Mountain Park, ~15 miles E of downtown Atlanta
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Date(s) & Time: | ![]() | Sat, Feb 12 2022 9:00 am >> Sat, Feb 12 2022 1:00 pm | ![]() | ||||
Registration Opens: | ![]() | Tue, Feb 8 2022 9:00 am | ![]() | ||||
Registration Cut Off: | ![]() | Sat, Feb 12 2022 7:00 am | ![]() | ||||
Event Duration: | ![]() | 4 Hours | ![]() | ||||
Difficulty Rating: | ![]() | D3: Moderate | ![]() | ||||
Distance: | ![]() | 8 Miles | ![]() | ||||
Pace: | ![]() | Moderate | ![]() | ||||
Trip Leader(s): | ![]() | Charlie Cottingham Mike H ![]() You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information. | ![]() | ||||
Member Cost: | ![]() | None | |||||
Participant Info: | |||||||
Who's Invited: | ![]() | Members Only, 21 And Older Only | ![]() | ||||
Maximum Group Size: | ![]() | 15 | |||||
Minimum Group Size: | ![]() | 2 | |||||
Number Registered So Far: | ![]() | 14 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area) | |||||
Are Dogs Permitted: | ![]() | Yes | |||||
Itinerary: | |||||||
Event Plan and Where to Meet: Hope you can join us for this adventurous hike through the forests, lakeshores and rocky outcrops that surround Stone Mountain. The scenic terrain will including portions of the popular Cherokee loop trail. We'll gather a few minutes before 9:00 AM by the stone restroom building adjoining the huge parking lot at the "Historical & Environmental Education Center" (a.k.a. "Confederate Hall") - our usual AOC "Walkup-Trail" location for events inside the Park. See Directions and GPS Info below (with tips about optional Free Parking in the adjoining Stone Mtn village + Free Entry for pedestrians & bicyclists. The current 1-day inside-the-park Parking Fee is $20 and Annual Parking Pass $40.) Park Features & Activities: Perhaps too often "taken for granite" by Atlantans, Stone Mountain Park features more than 3000 acres of ruggedly beautiful terrain, a wide variety of wild flora & fauna and a fascinating human history. Hikers can enjoy more than 15 miles of scenic nature trails and walk or jog on paved walkways if you prefer. It's also a great place for bicycling, camping, paddling, fishing or playing golf. There are festive annual events including the Yellow Daisy Festival, Stone Mtn Christmas, and the "Fantastic 4th of July" laser show, music & fireworks. Visitors who wish to learn more about the geology, history and ecology of the 300-million-year-old giant rocky "monadnock" can explore the Park's Historical & Environmental Heritage Center (formerly called Confederate Hall) and visit other museum displays in Memorial Hall (below the world-famous bas-relief carving). For Online Trail Maps and More Info about the Park and its history, ecsystems, geology, etc. click these links: | |||||||
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How to Get There: | |||||||
Event Directions: | ![]() | We'll gather for the Hike at the "Walk-Up Trailhead" inside Stone Mtn Park (our "usual" gathering spot for most AOC Stone Mtn hikes). It's beside the stone restroom building about 75 yards toward the mountain from the "Historical & Environmental Education Center" (a.k.a. "Confederate Hall"). Directions and Parking Fees for Visitors who Prefer Driving into the Park: The main entrance into the Park is the "East Gate" which has its own special "Exit #8" from the Stone Mtn Freeway. Visitors who drive into the Park must purchase and display a valid Parking Pass: The current price is $20 per vehicle for a daily pass or $40 per vehicle for an annual pass, available from the entrance gate attendants - or buy one online in advance Optional Free Public Parking in nearby Stone Mtn Village and "Free Park Walk-In": Park visitors are welcome to take advantage of this (as I, Charlie usually do - and park admission is always free for pedestrians and bicyclists). Dozens of free spaces are usually available in the quaint historic village of Stone Mountain, about 1/2 mile outside the Park's "West" entrance. For example, on weekends the Suntrust Bank is closed (at 5399 E Mountain St, Stone Mountain, GA, between 3rd Street and 4th Street) and its shady rear parking lot spaces along 4th street are always free. GPS and Maps.Google.com users can enter "Suntrust Mountain St GA" as your destination. On all days of the week the Village also provides free public parking along Main Street (between the Mountain Street traffic light and historic train station/ gazebo/ visitor ctr). | ![]() | ||||
Notes: | |||||||
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events. | |||||||
Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy. |