Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain, GA, 30083
Georgia’s Stone Mountain, a quick trip from downtown Atlanta, is a natural landmark, but also more complicated than that—it displays a monumental carving of three Confederate figures, completed in the 1970s; discussions on how to address the image are ongoing. Meanwhile, the surrounding park remains a major draw, spanning 3,200 acres (1,295 hectares), with hiking trails, theme-park rides, and a cable car to the summit.
The Basics
Among the top attractions in the Atlanta area, Stone Mountain Park combines a fascinating natural site with kid-focused attractions, historic exhibits, a full-sized railway, lakes, and trails. Traverse the bald summit of Stone Mountain via a hiking trail, or ride a 5-mile (8-kilometer) scenic railway to take in the natural landscape. Stone Mountain Park passes can be purchased in advance, and options range from all-attraction passes to bundles that add meals and extra activities.
Things to Know Before You Go
Stone Mountain is great for families with kids.
Most of Stone Mountain Park is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to rent on site.
How to Get There
Stone Mountain Park is located at 1000 Robert E. Lee Boulevard in Stone Mountain, Georgia, 20 miles (32 kilometers) from downtown Atlanta; paid parking is available on site. While there’s no public transit station near Stone Mountain Park, it’s possible to reach the park using a combination of train and bus. At the Kensington MARTA station, catch bus 119, which stops about a 10-minute walk from the park. From the Avondale MARTA Station, use bus 120. Cab and ride sharing services must pay a fee for pickup and drop-off at the park.
When to Get There
The park is open year-round. Autumn and spring are popular times to visit, offering mild weather and plenty of sunshine. Temperatures spike from June through September, with the hottest weather in mid-August. While winter in Atlanta can be chilly, this can be a fun time to explore Stone Mountain Park, when it’s relatively free of crowds.
Attending the Stone Mountain Park Lasershow Spectacular
From April through October, the side of Stone Mountain is illuminated with lights, lasers, fireworks, and flames. The park’s 45-minute Lasershow Spectacular can be booked as a stand-alone event, or as a dinner show that includes access to a buffet, snacks, and drinks. If you’re not choosing the dinner experience, bring a lawn chair, blankets, and a picnic to enjoy on the Memorial Lawn. Wheelchair access is available on concrete terraces surrounding the grass.
What are the main attractions at Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta?
The main attractions in Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park are the Summit Skyride, a high-speed Swiss cable car that whisks guests to the top of Stone Mountain, and the Scenic Railroad, a 5-mile (8-kilometer) rail journey around the mountain on open-air vintage trains pulled by a vintage 1940s locomotive.
Are there any hiking trails at Stone Mountain Park, and how difficult are they?
Yes, Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta offers 15 miles (24 kilometers) of wooded hiking trails, including the Walk-Up Trail to the summit, a moderate 1-mile hike. Other trails, like the Cherokee Trail, offer difficulty levels ranging from easy to moderate and scenic views around the mountain.
Is Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta suitable for families with young children?
Yes, Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta is absolutely suitable for families with young children. The park’s family-friendly attractions, such as Dinosaur Explore, the Dinotorium, and the Camp Highland Outpost outdoor adventures, are designed for young children. The park also offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and family-friendly movies.
Are there any special events or festivals held at Stone Mountain Park?
Yes, Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta hosts various events throughout the year, such as Stone Mountain Christmas, the Pumpkin Festival, and the Yellow Daisy Festival, a September festival dedicated to artists, crafts, and food. The park also hosts Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July holiday celebrations.
What dining options are available within Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta?
Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta offers a range of dining options, from casual eateries like Basecamp Café and Big Rock Café to snack bars, barbecue joints, dessert spots, and picnic areas. The Marketplace offers easy go-to meals, while full-service restaurants such as The Commons and Waterside offer more traditional meals and seating.
Can you camp at Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta?
Yes, you can camp at Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta. The park campground has more than 400 sites for tents, pop-ups, and RVs, in addition to yurts, "safari" tents, and RVs for rent. The landscaped campground amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and cable, and a general store.
Ways to explore
At Stone Mountain Park, you’ll find kid-focused attractions, historic exhibits, a full-sized railway, lakes, and trails. You can explore the mountain on a hiking trail, ride a cable car to the top, or take a 5-mile (8-kilometer) scenic train ride. Other options available include the treetop SkyHike course, seasonal light shows, and ziplining.
Stone Mountain Park passes can be purchased in advance, and choices range from basic admission to passes that bundle additional activities and experiences.
Accessibility
Many areas of the park are wheelchair accessible, but not all rides or activities are; check with the park for specific guidance.
Age limits
None, though some rides and attractions have age or height/weight limits.
What to pack
Picnic supplies, sun or rain protection, camera, backpack
What to wear
Weather-appropriate layers; hiking shoes and outdoor gear if you plan to get active
Not allowed
Disruptive behavior, drones, unleashed pets, swimming in the lake
Amenities
Restaurants and cafés, picnic areas, restrooms, souvenir shops
Address
Stone Mountain Park is about 18 miles (29 kilometers) northeast of Atlanta. Driving directly there is the fastest way to visit, though you can also take a taxi or rideshare service, or use public transit. For extra convenience, book a tour from Atlanta that includes round-trip transportation.
Driving
From downtown Atlanta, take I-20 East to I-285 North, and exit onto US Hwy 78 East. The trip takes about 30 minutes, and paid parking is available on-site.
Public transportation
Take the MARTA Blue Line to Indian Creek Station, then transfer to the 119 bus to Main Street at the James B. Rivers Memorial. It’s a short walk to the park entrance.
Best times to visit
Stone Mountain Park is open daily, from early in the morning to late in the evening. However, many park attractions are only open at select times; check the schedule for details.
Best days to visit
While weekends are the busiest times at the park, they’re also when most attractions are likely to be open. Visit on a weekday if you’re more interested in hiking and taking in the scenery.
Best months to visit
The summer high season is the best time to visit Stone Mountain Park, when the park is in full swing. Avoid January and February, when most attractions are closed.
Special events
Stone Mountain Park hosts festivals and holiday celebrations throughout the year. Its Yellow Daisy arts and crafts festival, held in early September, is very popular.
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