Cherokee Trail and Summit at Stone Mountain

We're going to take this hike at a fairly brisk pace - - on the fast side of moderate.  So please be prepared for a bit of a workout.  We won't run . . .  but you know Lauren!

We will meet at the bathroom building off the large parking lot beside Confederate Hall. The hike will start promptly at 6:00 pm so plan to arrive by 5:45 so we can do introductions and be ready to start on time. There is an $10 parking fee to enter the park; however, free public parking is available at a nearby Park n' Ride about 1/4 mile from the park entrance. If you park there, allow an extra 10 minutes to walk from your car to the park.  See directions below.

The Cherokee Trail route we'll take will have us 1/3 way up the mountain when we begin our ascent.  We plan to get to the summit with ample time to prepare for the sunset. Bring a snack to eat at the top - - and even something to share if you wish. After watching the sunset, we'll hike back down.  (You might want to watch the laser show that starts at dark.  That will be up to you . . . . )

Please call Joyce if you are running late. Lauren won't wait, so you'll have to catch up with the group if you do arrive late.

Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp to help you with the hike down the mountain! You may also want to bring a light jacket as it tends to get cold at the top of the mountain after the sun goes down.

Directions: 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.

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. The Marta parking lot is about an 10-minute walk from the park.

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

Be sure to bring $10 if you want to park in the Stone Mt. lot (if you don't have an annual pass)