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Stone Mountain-Around and Up...with some extras




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Stone Mountain Park   Hike: Stone Mountain-Around and Up...with some extras  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Wed, Jan 31 2024  10:00 am >> Wed, Jan 31 2024 1:30 pm
Registration Opens: Fri, Jan 26 2024 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Jan 31 2024 9:00 am
Event Duration:3 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:7.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Joyce B.
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 3 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

This is a variation on the classic "up and around" Stone Mountain hike. We will go around the mountain first (think of it as a warm-up) before hiking up the mountain. But in addition to the Cherokee Trail and it's connecting trails, we will veer off to take a look at a couple of spots off the trail that add a little history to the hike. The first will be the "Pen Women Garden"; the second will be the quarry exhibit. The latter provides a history of the period when the mountain was an active quarry (to date myself, I remember when the quarry was still active).

And finally, we will be taking a "mystery" trail off the Cherokee. No, this is not the Songbird or King's Trail. After we have made our way around the mountain, we will follow the Cherokee Trail up to the Walk-up Trail and continue to the top of the mountain.

We will be on some steep inclines so shoes with GOOD TREAD are very important. I've seen some unpleasant falls with people wearing everyday sneakers. Pace will be moderate on the trails. You will need to be flexible on the timing since we'll be stopping to take a look around in two locations.  3-1/2 hours is my best estimate for total hike duration.

We will meet by the restrooms at the start of the Walk-up Trail. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow time for parking, restroom stop and introductions.


Required Items to Bring:

Good hiking boots or shoes with good traction

Water

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

Camera

Hiking poles

Sunscreen


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

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.
 

Notes:

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


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


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