STONE MOUNTAIN: Up, Down, and Once Around

DISCLAIMER: This is a RAIN-OR-SHINE, moderately strenuous hike with 800+ foot elevation gain and a substantial amount of rock scrambling. So, if you have mobility issues, are recovering from injury, queasy about hiking in the rain, or prefer a slow pace, this is NOT the hike for you!

Come join me on this three-in-one (beat the heat, get your workout in, enjoy the mountain) hike. The plan is to summit the Rock, tag the geomarkers, catch a breath, then pick up the southbound Cherokee Trail on the way down, going full circle back to the parking lot. Along the way, we'll pass the "Fireplace," an assortment of lakes, a gristmill, a historic covered bridge, a vintage single-wide trailer, and of course great views of the Mountain. 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 (slick-when-wet) granite. The moderate pace is designed to keep the group together, allow for plenty of photo ops, and promote deep breathing!

WHERE: We'll meet at the Whistle Stop station, near the restrooms, just beyond the Confederate Hall parking lot (see directions below).

WHEN: The hike will start promptly at 7:00 AM so plan to arrive a few minutes early to park and participate in introductions.

DIRECTIONS: To the Stone Mountain Park main entrance: From I-285 East Loop take the U.S. Hwy 78 East (Snellville/Athens) exit. Travel about 7 miles and get off at 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 to the Confederate Hall parking lot which will be on your left. We’ll meet in front of the Whistle Stop Station restroom area, which is just beyond the parking lot.

FREE PARK AND WALK (For free public parking in Stone Mountain Village): From I-285 East Loop take the U.S. Hwy 78 East (Snellville/Athens) exit. Travel about 4 miles, take exit 5 and merge onto GA 10. Proceed 0.5 miles to the first exit. At the end of the ramp turn left. Drive a mile or so, past a gas station and a funeral parlor (both on your right). When you see City Hall turn left. There is a Marta park-and-ride on 4th street. From there it is a short walk on East Mountain Street. Enter the park through the gate, walk through the parking lot to the Whistle Stop Station restroom area. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: For more information about Stone Mountain Park, go to:
http://www.stonemountainpark.com/

1. Only AOC members who are in good standing and have signed their annual waiver may sign up for, and participate in, this event. Also, please, no unregistered guests and +Ones!

2. In case of severe weather or other unforeseen emergencies, I will text/email at least ONE HOUR before the start of the event. Please check your text/email at that time to ensure that we are still on schedule for the day!

There is no charge for this hike, however, the Stone Mountain Park vehicle entrance fee ranges from $20 for a one-day pass to $40 for an annual pass. Alternatively, you could park for free in Stone Mountain Village, and walk a short distance to the meetup location just past the park entrance (see directions).

In order to earn credit for this event, participants must complete the entire hike/event with the group, or within the stated time frame. 

Also, if Life happens, and you cannot participate in this event, please go to the AOC website and deregister by the deadline. If after the deadline, please TEXT or leave a voicemail at 4O4 7-five-4 5OO5. BTW, calling me at the last minute is futile because thanks to those annoying robocalls, my phone does not ring for unknown numbers.