NEWCOMER HIKE - Stone Mountain Cherokee Trail

Many thanks to Ann and Ralph Howard for creating this hike at Kennesaw Mountain. This is my version for the folks who live in the south/central park of the city (or any newcomer for any reason).

READ BELOW BEFORE SIGNING UP!

How it works:  You put your name on the waitlist starting on November 2 at 7:00 pm. On the 4th at 7:00 pm, I will put on eight people, not in the order of the waitlist, but in the order of fewest hikes completed.  After that it is first come, first serve - with a total of 10 hikers.

Pace will be maintained so that all hikers stay together.  I will take a few short breaks, as needed and to talk and answer questions about the club.

Basic rules:

1. Don't signup unless you really, really want to come.

2. You cannot bring a guest, anyone participating must join the Club and signup.

3. Sorry, no dogs on this event.

4. As a courtesy to participants we start on time.  Please arrive a few minutes early for hike preliminaries: getting a park pass and a parking spot, stopping at the restrooms, and introductions.

5. You must complete the entire hike to get credit.

We will meet in front of the restrooms at the start of the Walk-Up Trail. We will hike on the Cherokee Trail and connecting trails around the mountain. We will not be going up the mountain.

For any veteran hikers that sign up:

Please remember this hike is for newcomers. We will not be racing around the mountain; we will be stopping more than usual. I encourage you to come and be welcoming and helpful to these newcomers. You know...the same things you always do!

Big thanks to Carl Johnston for the beautiful Stone Mountain photo!

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.

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