Stone Mountain Walk Up Trail Stone Mountain Park, GA
miles
LENGTH 2.1 MILES
DIFFICULTY 5.3 Easy
Medium
DURATION 1-2 hours
ELEVATION GAIN
670
feet
TRAIL TYPE
There And
Back Again
Stone Mountain Walk Up Trail

Stone Mountain offers the rare treat of an amazing view at just minutes outside of Atlanta. Rising over 800 feet from the surrounding area, on a clear day you can see downtown Atlanta, Kennesaw Mountain, and even some of the Appalachian Mountains. Stone Mountain is also the site of the world's largest bas-relief sculpture, depicting Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis.

There are several large parking areas, but the trail up the mountain begins near the Confederate Hall parking lot. Next to the parking lot are restrooms and water fountains.

Crossing over the train tracks, the path starts off very mild and gradually gets steeper. Stone Mountain, as its name suggests, is one giant rock, and thus the entire trail is rock. About half way up, a covered picnic area is a great place to catch your breath. It just gets steeper from here.

A metal railing helps many up the next hill and then it’s only one more steep climb before the top. At the summit is an observation building and the end point to the Summit Skyride, a Swiss cable car transport to the top. One might wonder why they didn’t just ride it to the top instead of walk…

All that’s left to do is head back down, which can be just as much of a challenge due to the steep decline, so take your time.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Slope Breakdown
Elevation Gain
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Gain
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
361 ft
8 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.3 mi
113 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.4 mi
222 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.2 mi
189 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
0.1 mi
141 ft
For out-and-back hikes, elevation loss is the same as the gain.
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length2.1 miles
difficulty5.3 Easy-Medium
duration1 - 2 hours
features History  Summit  Views 
trail typeThere And Back Again
blazeNone
elevation gain670 ft.
state Georgia 
park/forestStone Mountain Park
ranger districtStone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
800-401-2407
parking fee$15/day, $40 Annual Pass
trailhead coordinates 33.81071, -84.161475 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 33°48.64, W 84°9.69 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 33°48'39'', N 33°48'39'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
33.81071, -84.161475 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 33°48.64, W 84°9.69 most GPS units use this one
N 33°48'39'', N 33°48'39'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
The main entrance to the park is Exit 8 off of Stone Mountain Highway/HWY 78. For the West Gate entrance near Confederate Hall, take Exit 5 instead onto GA-10. Take the first Exit and make a left. Take a left at the light onto James B Rivers Memorial Drive which will take you directly into the park.
Notes
Take the Summit Skyride Swiss Cable Car to the top if you don't feel like walking.
This trail is very steep in parts. Use the handrails where provided. This hike is not recommended when it is wet.
Dogs are allowed in the park, but not on the mountain.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
5 (2)
sandy12-5 years ago
Fantastic every time
This is such a great afternoon hike. Your comments are so right. "It just gets steeper from here." Challenging in parts but great for a beginner. I just wish I lived close enough to do this more often.
Easy-Medium | Hiked Winter 2018
hikethesouth-6 years ago
One of the Best Views in Georgia
If you live in Atlanta, why are you reading this, you've already been on this hike. If not, you need to go. Yes it's crowded and not exactly in the wilderness, but it's still a must hike. Amazing views in all directions. Don't forget to get some popcorn at the top!
Easy-Medium | Hiked Summer 2011
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