Atlanta, GA – Fifteen miles east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain’s granite dome rises to a height of 1683 ft in elevation. It is a recreation and history haven for the region boasting hiking trails, several themed areas, water activities, the worlds largest bas-relief sculpture, and an authentic cable-car, among many others. The walk-up trail climbs up eastern side of the mountain and is an easy to moderate hike. totaling around 1.1 mile (one way), the trail ascend to a point 672′ higher than where you start and can be finished in around .5 hours (one-way).
Trail Description
Stone Mountain is the centerpiece of the like-named state park. The walk-up trail begins at the west gate parking area and starts to climb at a shallow slope. The trail from the beginning to the end is predominently exposed stone blazed with a white line painted directly on that stone. The lower sections move through a thin forest of pine trees that clears out about halfway up. From there, the trail gets steeper.
The steeper section begins with a short and steep climb that requires a handrail. from there, hikers continue to follow the white line up the mountain. At the summit, the terrain opens up allowing for unobstructed views of the surrounding area. A visitor center at the top houses a museum and the upper terminus of the cable car system.
The walk-up trail is a good half-day adventure that is within very close proximity to the city of Atlanta.
Trail Data
[gps-data-up distance=”1.1″ elevationdifference=”672″ climb=”685″ descent=”29″ time=”.5 hours one-way”]Trail Map
[gps-iframe urlbase=”stone/stone” height=”496″]Trail Elevation Profile
[gps-elevation trailname=”Walk-up Trail” urlbase=”stone/stone”]Trail Photos
View from the trail - crowds can be especially thick on the weekends
View of Buckhead from the summit
View of downtown Atlanta from the summit
Friendly mustached guy singing songs by the eagles
Popular cable cars moving up to and down from the summit
Guests at the safety fence before the slope drops off