Information
Landmark: Stone Mountain ParkCity: Atlanta
Country: USA Georgia
Continent: North America
Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta, USA Georgia, North America
Overview
About 15 miles east of downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park spreads out with trails, lakes, and centuries of history carved into its granite face.Spanning more than 3,200 acres, it draws more visitors than any other spot in the state, offering everything from hiking trails scented with pine to lively family shows, rich history, and sweeping natural views.The park blends the towering grandeur of Stone Mountain with modern comforts, lively seasonal festivals, and attractions ranging from quiet nature trails to bustling family rides that draw visitors of every age.Stone Mountain rises from the center of the park, a massive granite monolith climbing about 825 feet above the rolling ground and topping out more than 1,600 feet above sea level.It’s among the biggest granite domes you’ll find in North America, its pale gray face stretching wide under the sky.This natural formation matters on many levels-geologically, ecologically, and culturally-and has shaped the land, the wildlife, and even local traditions.You can reach Stone Mountain’s summit by hiking the Walk-Up Trail, a 1.3-mile climb that’s moderately tough and runs straight uphill; on a clear day, the view stretches from Atlanta’s skyline to the distant blue ridges of the Appalachians.If you’d rather take it easy, hop on the Summit Skyride-its cable car glides to the peak, where you can see green forests stretching out and soft hills fading into the distance.At the summit, a wide observation deck offers sweeping views, with displays that trace the land’s rugged geology and storied past.The mountain’s bare granite wall rises like a colossal canvas under the sky, showcasing the world’s largest bas-relief sculpture.The carving shows three Confederate leaders-Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson-etched in pale granite.Lee and Stonewall Jackson stand here in bronze-a striking yet disputed landmark that captures the tangled history of the American South.The park doubles as a living museum of Georgia’s past, with the Historic Square standing out-weathered wooden cabins and all-as its most vivid display.In this part of the park, you’ll find a cluster of original buildings-freshly restored and moved here from towns across the state-to keep their architecture and history alive.These buildings, some weathered to a soft gray, were built between the late 1700s and late 1800s, and include log cabins, a general store, a church, a schoolhouse, and a blacksmith’s shop.These buildings offer a glimpse of pioneer life-fields tilled by hand, neighbors gathering to build barns, and the early growth of communities across Georgia.Just up the road stands the Covered Bridge, one of the last still-built by Washington W., its weathered boards smelling faintly of pine.King, a famed bridge builder of the 1800s, links the park’s bustling heart to a small, still island where the water laps softly at the shore.Made from pine and cedar, the wooden bridge sits over calm water, framed by quiet woods; it’s a favorite place for picnics, snapping photos, or taking slow walks where you can hear leaves rustle underfoot.The park features a Carillon of 732 bells, once ringing over the 1964 New York World’s Fair, before Coca-Cola gifted it here.Each day, the bells ring out in gentle waves, offering visitors a rare, calming sound as they stroll through the grounds.Stone Mountain Park packs in plenty for families and thrill seekers, from quiet nature walks to SkyHike®-a sprawling ropes course high above the ground with rope bridges that sway underfoot, zip lines that whip you through the air, narrow tunnels, and swinging platforms for every skill level.Built for kids and grown-ups alike, it ranks among the Southeast’s biggest and busiest treetop adventure courses, with zip lines that hum in the breeze.At Geyser Towers, kids dash across swaying rope bridges, scramble up climbing nets, and peer from high platforms while a nearby geyser bursts into cool sprays-perfect for a splash of fun on hot summer days.At Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf, you’ll play through 18 imaginative holes inspired by the Civil War’s famous train pursuit, weaving past quirky obstacles and hearing bits of the story as you go.Dinosaur Explore lets visitors wander among life-size dinosaurs that move and roar, their metal joints creaking as they turn, creating an educational, hands‑on adventure kids can’t get enough of.Hikers will find plenty to explore here, from the short, flower-lined Nature Garden Trail to the Songbird Habitat, and even the winding Walk-Up Trail that climbs all the way to the summit.With winding paths that cut through wildflowers and shaded groves, these trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike.Stone Mountain Park keeps the energy high year-round with entertainment that goes far beyond its natural and historical draws.On summer nights, the Music Across America Drone & Light Show fills the sky with hundreds of synchronized drones, laser bursts, roaring flame cannons, and fireworks splashing across the mountain’s towering granite face.The multimedia show celebrates American music and history, drawing big evening crowds that buzz with energy.Every September, the Yellow Daisy Festival bursts to life, drawing one of the biggest crowds for arts and crafts in the Southeast, with stalls spilling over with handmade pottery and painted signs.With more than 400 vendors offering handmade crafts, fine art, jewelry, and other treasures, the festival buzzes with live music and the smell of sizzling food, welcoming about 200,000 visitors each year.From early fall to Halloween, the Pumpkin Festival turns the park into a glowing wonderland, with towering lit pumpkins casting warm light, costumed characters roaming the paths, lively contests, and family-friendly fun that carries from bright afternoons into magical evening glow events.During the holiday season, Stone Mountain Christmas comes alive with millions of twinkling lights, the sound of carols drifting through the air, visits from Santa and other favorite characters, and holiday-themed attractions that draw families from near and far.If you’d like to stay a little longer, the park’s campgrounds have you covered with tent sites, RV hookups, and cozy cabins tucked beneath tall pines.Guests can spend the night soaking in the park’s quiet, then join activities at sunrise or as the light fades in the evening.The park’s Scenic Railroad lets you climb aboard a vintage 1940s locomotive with matching passenger cars for a relaxed five‑mile loop around Stone Mountain’s base, as the steady voice of the narrator points out sweeping views and stories from the past.You’ll find picnic tables shaded by tall oaks, playgrounds for the kids, gift shops, restaurants, and visitor centers where friendly staff help you plan your day.Stone Mountain Park stays open all year, with gates swinging wide just after sunrise and closing near midnight.Frequent visitors can pick up an annual park pass, while a daily parking permit gets you into every attraction and event-from the quiet lakeside trails to the lively summer concerts.You can wander the park’s main outdoor areas for free, though a few spots may cost you a ticket.
