Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain rises from the Georgia landscape like a colossal monument to adventure, history, and nature. Just 30 minutes from the buzz of downtown Atlanta, this granite giant is at the heart of the state’s most-visited attraction: Stone Mountain Park. With 3,200 acres to explore, this park is packed with thrilling activities, family-friendly events, historical experiences, and scenic paths that draw millions of visitors each year.

Summit Views and Sky Adventures

Start your day with the Summit Skyride, a high-speed cable car that lifts you over the treetops to the top of Stone Mountain. From the summit, sweeping views stretch across the landscape with Atlanta’s skyline shimmering in the distance. For those who prefer a more grounded approach, a one-mile walking trail climbs the mountain face, offering a steady challenge and rich rewards.

Nearby, adrenaline-seekers can tackle SkyHike, the largest adventure ropes course in the country. Suspended bridges, swinging logs, and vertical challenges await climbers of all skill levels. The thrill of navigating SkyHike is matched only by the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing its towering routes.

Entertainment Under the Night Sky

As the sun sets, Stone Mountain transforms into an open-air stage for one of its most beloved traditions: the Lasershow Spectacular. Projected against the side of the mountain, this dazzling performance combines music, special effects, and storytelling with a thunderous fireworks finale. The show runs on summer nights and weekends during spring and fall, and it’s a favorite for families and first-time visitors alike.

For more relaxed fun, visitors can enjoy a round of mini-golf before the evening’s entertainment or explore one of the park’s two full-size 18-hole golf courses at the Stone Mountain Golf Club. Whether you’re seeking a casual game or a more competitive round, the lush fairways offer a refreshing contrast to the rugged terrain of the mountain itself.

Nature Trails and Quiet Escapes

While Stone Mountain Park pulses with energy and excitement, it also invites guests to slow down and reconnect with nature. The park features 15 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, circle lakes, and meander over granite outcrops. These paths offer peaceful escapes where birdsong replaces city noise and the scent of pine trees fills the air.

Within the park, an interactive natural history museum dives into the region’s unique ecology and geology. Visitors learn how the massive granite formation came to be and discover the diverse plant and animal life that thrives here. Even with Atlanta just half an hour away, the wooded trails and open spaces make it easy to forget the city altogether.

Seasonal Celebrations

Stone Mountain Park thrives throughout the year with a lineup of signature festivals and seasonal events:

• Yellow Daisy Festival (September)

Four days of arts and crafts, music, and family-friendly activities. This long-running tradition celebrates creativity with dozens of booths offering handmade goods and interactive experiences.

• Pumpkin Festival (September to October)

Fall transforms the park into a colorful landscape of glowing displays, themed zones, and playful pumpkin-themed fun. Kids can explore outdoor exhibits and enjoy seasonal snacks under autumn leaves.

• Stone Mountain Christmas (Winter Holiday Season)

Millions of sparkling lights brighten the park while live entertainment, classic holiday music, and festive characters create an enchanting winter scene. It’s one of the most anticipated celebrations in Georgia’s holiday calendar.

A Walk Through History

History buffs will find much to explore within the park’s boundaries. The Granite Museum, located near the site of the former quarry, reveals how Stone Mountain granite was once shipped around the world. Displays walk through the stone’s industrial past, offering a tangible connection to the region’s economic roots.

Elsewhere in the park, the Washington W. King Covered Bridge and Grist Mill provide perfect photo opportunities and windows into 19th-century life. These quiet landmarks give families a chance to explore the past at their own pace, framed by the natural beauty of the surrounding woods.

Gateway to More

Stone Mountain Trail, part of the PATH Foundation network, connects the park to downtown Atlanta via a 19-mile route. Beginning at Centennial Olympic Park, the trail threads its way through neighborhoods like Candler Park, Lake Claire, and Decatur before continuing on to Clarkston and Stone Mountain Village. This multi-use path includes greenways, side paths, and roadways and is well-suited for both casual riders and more serious cyclists. It offers access to many of Atlanta’s key attractions, including:

• Krog Street Market
• World of Coca-Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• The Carter Center
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Trail users can enter the park through several access points such as The Carter Center, The King Center, and nearby MARTA stations including Inman Park, East Lake, and Avondale.

Where to Stay

Stone Mountain Park offers multiple options for overnight stays:

• Stone Mountain Campground
  Ideal for nature lovers and RV travelers, with easy access to trails and attractions.
  
• Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort
  Full-service lodging nestled in the park, perfect for families and couples.
  
• The Inn at Stone Mountain Park
  A cozy, convenient option that places guests close to all the action.

Whether you’re scaling heights, strolling historic paths, or sitting lakeside beneath fireworks, Stone Mountain delivers a full-spectrum experience. It is one of Georgia’s most dynamic destinations, where every visit feels new and unforgettable.