Stone Mountain Park covers 1,295 hectares of beautiful woods and meadows around the foot of the largest piece of exposed granite in the world. The park is home to many family-friendly attractions, with playgrounds and rides, as well as a petting zoo. Explore on foot along the network of hiking trails, and admire the wonderful views from the top of the mountain.
The mountain is renowned not only for its natural beauty, but also for the vast Confederate Memorial carving which covers 12,000 square metres on the side of the rock. This bas-relief image depicts three Confederate figures from the Civil War on horseback.
You’ll get a brilliant view of this carving as you travel to the top of the mountain on the Summit Skyride. This high-speed cable car is an effortless way for making the ascent. Alternatively, follow the 1.6 kilometre hiking trail up the side of the mountain, and spend time admiring the scenery and panoramic views. Refreshments are available at the snack bar at the summit, so you can relax and refuel before making your way back down.
There’s plenty to do at ground level too. Climb aboard the Scenic Railway for an eight-kilometre journey around the base of the mountain, or cruise the Stone Mountain Lake with a trip on an amphibious Duck vehicle from the 1940s.
For fun and thrills, head to SkyHike, a treetop adventure course, with suspended bridges and tightropes to navigate. Younger children will love The Great Barn, with its 65 interactive games, climbing frames and trampolines.
If you prefer to enjoy the natural beauty of the site, head out along the 24 kilometres of walking trails. Choose from the Cherokee Trail, which leads eight kilometres over the slopes at the foot of the mountain, or the shorter Nature Garden Trail, where you’ll discover native flowers and trees.
If you are visiting in the summer, make sure you stay for the spectacular night-time laser show. The mountainside is lit up with a dazzling display of lights, accompanied by music and fireworks.
Stone Mountain Park is open all year. It is located approximately 30 minutes northeast of Atlanta by car.