Stone Mountain - Up, Down & All Around

Stone Mountain is a quartz monzonite dome monadnock and the site of Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, Georgia, United States. At its summit, the elevation is 1,686 feet (514 m) MSL and 825 feet (251 m) above the surrounding area. Stone Mountain is well-known not only for its geology, but also for the enormous bas-relief on its north face, the largest bas-relief in the world.[1] The carving depicts three figures of the Confederate States of America: Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis.

Friday afternoon we will start with hiking up the approach trail (quickly) to the summit of Stone Mountain.  After a brief (5 minute) break, we will make our way down the trail back to the parking lot.  We will then hike around the mountain (quickly).  The hike around the mountain will be on the road and NOT the cherokee trail.     

There is a $10 gate fee for the park, if you do NOT have a season parking pass.

This is a fast paced hike.  Regulars to the Wednesday Stone Mountain hikes will notice we will be going complete the 7 mile hike in 2:29 instead of the traditional 2.5 hours.  Additionally we will be starting at 6:00 to maximize the limited daylight.  

Hwy 78 East and take Exit 8.  This takes you to the Stone Mountain Park Main Entrance. After entering the main entrance.  The road will fork at about 1 mile – stay to the right. Continue to follow the road for another mile. The parking lot will be immediately after after the Confederate Hall.  We’ll meet by the bathrooms at the approach trail.