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Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain, Georgia

4.2/5
based on 11 reviews

Details

Distance

2.23 miles

Elevation Gain

650 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Josh Hollandsworth

Stone Mountain, located only 30 minutes from the heart of downtown Atlanta, is a 2.2-mile hike that will test your endurance and reward you with an excellent view of the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Stone Mountain sits on the outskirts of downtown Atlanta. Located in the center of Stone Mountain Park, this 1,686 ft. granite mound provides visitors with a challenging cardio workout and excellent panoramic views of the Atlanta metropolitan area. 

Those who want to climb Stone Mountain should use the Walk-up Mountain Trail located near the gate along Robert E. Lee Blvd. To enter the park, you will need to pay the $15 per vehicle entrance fee at the gate. After you enter the park, you will follow the road to the spacious parking area near the trailhead. The trailhead is very easy to find and the trail is very easy to follow...just follow the painted yellow lines on the granite surface to the summit!

While traveling up the mountain, it is not uncommon to see runners making their way to the top. Please be conscious of your surroundings and those around you and be sure to use the handrails on the steep areas when the trail is wet. 

The summit of the mountain presents visitors with a 360-degree view that can reach up to 60 miles on a haze-free day. On an especially clear day, you can see the Appalachian mountains in the distance. If you would like to enjoy the view without hiking up the mountain, you can pay to use the gondola system. Tickets can be purchased at the main building inside the park or online at this link.

Regardless of how you choose to reach the summit, enjoy the view, and as always, be safe!

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Features

Fitness
Chillin
Photography
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
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Stone Mountain Reviews

Bring a headlamp and start your walk up a half-hour or so before sunset! You can see the multiple ATL skylines from the top and get some breathtaking photos. Fun for the whole family.

Awesome place to hike.

If you want a quick hike that is pretty close to the city, Stone Mountain is probably the hike that you have already heard of. It is one of my least favorite hikes in the area due to its touristy vibe. You never actually feel like you are immersing yourself in any sort of natural wilderness area. However, if you have kids this is a pretty easy hike. It does also offer unrivaled views of the city especially during sunset hours.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Stroll through Deepdene Park

Arabia Mountain

Shorty Howell Park Loop

Morningside Nature Preserve Loop

Eastside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline

Take a Stroll through Blue Heron Nature Preserve