Stone Mountain

Pros: - Parking is relatively cheap inside the park; $20 a car per day, or $40 a car for a whole year. Access is also technically free if you can find parking within the town of Stone Mountain and then just walk into the park. - The natural landscape is pretty beautiful and peaceful (aside from a rather hideous carving on one side of the mountain's face), especially on a sunny day with blue sky. You might even get a close look at some interesting wildlife, like deer, owls, and hawks. - The hike up the mountain poses a good challenge for hikers, runners, or just anyone looking to get in a workout. Took us about 40 minutes from parking lot to peak moving at a steady pace with a couple rest stops. I would rate the difficulty somewhere between 6/10 to 8/10. It is filled with smooth rocky steps that can be a bit slippery and there are sections that get REALLY steep. - At the peak, offers some spectacular views of the surrounding park and lake. On a clear day, you can also see the Metro Atlanta skyline from Downtown to Buckhead to Sandy Springs. I also appreciated the wind and breeze at the peak since this was in the middle of summer. Cons: - A lot of areas on the hiking trail don't have much tree cover, and the mountain feels like one giant smooth slab of concrete, which means on a hot sunny day, the heat can be pretty brutal. Plan and pack accordingly! - I found the Welcome Center at the top to be a little disappointing. Refreshments seemed expensive. At least they had bathrooms and AC.

Went on Saturday morning 7/5/25 felt so good out there with a nice breeze and low humidity that morning. It was a good hike, with it being my very first hike at Stone Mountain. I normally go to KENNESAW Mountain but that day I decided to go to Stone Mountain to hike over there for the first time and I will definitely be coming back more often I enjoyed it. I was expecting myself to make it to the top within 45 minutes to an hour, but nope I got there sooner. I got there to the top in 30 minutes and 24 seconds from the walk up trail parking lot With 4 stops along the way to catch my breath lasting at least 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Wonderful experience. You may want to see the sunrise and sunset here. Amazing place for self and family visitors. Highly recommended.

Hike in the main trail from the bottom lot to the top of Stone Mountain is a must do for anyone visiting Atlanta or any resident. The energy of others climbing the mountain and cheering you on is an outstanding feeling and one worth experiencing if you plan to come more than once by the parking pass for $40 instead of the $25 day pass.

Amazing experience. We have been there twice, in winter for Christmas and in summer for the 4th of July. I strongly recommend this place. A lot of activities most of them for kids but not only. The nature is amazing and there is also a camping site by the lake. Magical ambiance at night with the Christmas decorations and it is even if it snows. The 4th of July show with drones and fireworks is also amazing. I would go again for a weekend retreat.

Beautiful artwork. Beautiful park. Was sad that the trail down to the lake was closed.

Climbed it for a sunrise mountaintop experience, very much worth it. Brought my 3 year old daughter and she was able to walk up most of it only needing help in the very steep parts. Legs were burning but the air was clear and the sunrise was beautiful. Would recommend.

One of the most beautiful places I visited in Atlanta so far. The view is amazing, wonderful sunset, and clean track. You can enter for free by the pedestrians entrance, but I believe you should pay a fee to go by car until the park lot.