Summit Sunsets - Stone Mountain (+Moonrise)

This another in the Summit Sunset Series where we will enjoy sunsets from some of the finest scenic viewpoints in GA...all on or near mountain peaks.  If you've never had this experience, you don't know what you're missing, so time to find out...
 
It should only take 30 or 40 min to hike up the trail to the summit, so once we get up there, we still have about 45 min before sunset to explore a bit and enjoy the views.  Sunset is at 8:52 PM and it should be interesting to see how far north the sun sets as this is only one week after the summer solstice and one of the longest days of the year (actually less than a minute shorter than the longest day on 6/21)

After the sunset, you can choose to either head down the mtn or you can hang out for another hour to watch the moon rise in the east at 9:55 PM.   The last time we had the full moon, but it rose just about 30 min after sunset and it wasn't completely dark yet.   This time, while one day past the official full moon, it will still be about 99% illuminated, and should be even brighter in the darker skies.  But bring your cameras and tripods and we can get some good shots.  The park gates don't close until midnight, so we will have plenty of time after moonrise to get down and back to our cars.

Total distance is only about 3 miles and elevation gain is 650 feet.  It is a short little hike, but of course you are welcome to arrive early and do some extra mileage if you'd like.

We will meet near the start of the walk-up trail behind the large parking lot beside Confederate Hall. There is an $8 parking fee to enter the park; however, free public parking is available in Stone Mountain Village. See directions below...

If you would like to try the free public parking in Stone Mountain Village, from Hwy 78 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 fourth street. From there it is a short walk on East Mountain Street. Enter the park through the gate and you'll be at the parking lot where we'll be meeting.

Additional directions and maps can be found at:
http://stonemountainpark.com/default.aspx

To the main entrance- From I-285 take U.S. Hwy 78 East (Snellville/Athens) exit. Travel about 7 miles and take 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. Confederate Hall will be on your left. The parking lot will be immediately after. We'll meet behind Confederate Hall near the walk up trail.