We’ll be Coming Around the Mountain: Stone Mt. Cherokee Trail Hike

The weather is getting cooler, and the mountain is calling.  Let's slow this one down a bit to give some of the folks who are not quite up to a D3 pace a chance to enjoy the Cherokee Trail.  We won't be taking it fast - - just a nice, steady, moderate pace.  If you can go the distance in rolling hills, you'll be able to handle this one.  We'll also take periodic stops for water and photos.  This is one trail that you really MUST see; it's one of the most beautiful, especially as we pass the lakes.

We'll meet at the restrooms near Confederate Hall (West Entrance to the park) and hike clockwise around the mountain, starting with a walk through the Nature Center and continuing past the lakes and the Grist Mill.  

We will leave promptly at 2:30 pm, so please arrive 5-10 minutes early to use the restrooms, check in, and meet your fellow hikers.  If you're running late, you are welcome to try to catch up with us.  Just follow the trail to your left as you face the mountain.

Parking for Stone Mountain is $10 if you don't have an annual pass.  Parking is usually available on the surface roads outside the park, but if you choose to park there, please be sure to allow time to get to the gathering site on time.

GPS Coordinates: 33.81076800026398, -84.16212379932403

Parking in the park lot:  $10 

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 at the bathhouse on the other side of the lot from the Confederate Hall.

You can also enter through the West Gate entrance, in Stone Mountain Village. If you enter here, turn right through the gate and you're just about in the Confederate Hall parking lot.  We'll be on the right (as you look at the mountain) at the bathhouse.

Additional directions and maps can be found at: 

http://stonemountainpark.com/default.aspx

Remember to bring $10 for parking in the Confederate Hall lot unless you have an annual pass.  An annual pass is $35 - - a good investment if you think you might visit the park three or more times during the year.