Stone Mountain-Up and Around and Down and Around

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Stone Mountain-Up and Around and Down and Around

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Stone Mountain Park

Hike: Stone Mountain-Up and Around and Down and Around

Date(s) & Time:

Tue, Dec 16 2025 9:00 am >> Tue, Dec 16 2025 12:30 pm

Registration Opens:

Wed, Dec 10 2025 7:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Tue, Dec 16 2025 8:00 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:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Looking for an introduction to D3 level hikes? This is your hike. You'll have more elevation, more challenging terrain, and a little bit more distance from a D2 hike. And the pace will be a reasonable 2.3-2.6 mph.

This is a variation on the classic "up and around" Stone Mountain hike. We will go up the mountain, then around the top for different views. We'll come down to join the Cherokee Trail and take this trail around 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.

Hike route may be altered in case of rain.

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.

We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 am.

Distance: 7.5 miles (approx.)
Elevation: 1000 ft (approx.)
Pace: 2.3-2.6 mph (based on terrain and group pace)
Terrain: Granite, rocks, gravel, roots

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.

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.