Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park: Atlanta’s Iconic Granite Landmark
Rising 825 feet above the surrounding piedmont just 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain is the world’s largest exposed mass of granite and Georgia’s most-visited attraction. This massive monadnock — a remnant of an ancient mountain range — features the world’s largest bas-relief carving on its north face, depicting Confederate figures Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson. Beyond the mountain itself, the 3,200-acre park surrounding it offers a laser and drone show, summit hiking, a scenic railroad, a skyride cable car, a lake with water activities, golf courses, camping, and seasonal festivals.
With over 28,500 Google reviews and more than 4 million annual visitors, Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s premier family attraction — part natural wonder, part theme park, and entirely unique.
Park Facts at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia (16 mi E of Atlanta) |
| 📐 Park Size | 3,200 acres |
| 🪨 Summit Elevation | 1,686 ft (825 ft above surrounding area) |
| 🎨 Carving Size | 3 acres (400 ft wide × 158 ft high) |
| 🚂 Scenic Railroad | 5-mile loop around the mountain |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 15+ miles |
| 🏕️ Camping | 400+ sites |
| 💰 Parking Fee | $20/vehicle ($40 annual) |
| 📞 Phone | (770) 498-5690 |
| 🌐 Website | stonemountainpark.com |
| ⭐ Highlights | Summit hike, carving, light show, SkyRide, Scenic Railroad |
The Mountain
Stone Mountain is a quartz monzonite monadnock that formed approximately 300 million years ago deep underground as a magma intrusion. Millions of years of erosion exposed the dome, which now extends 825 feet above the surrounding terrain. The mountain’s circumference is approximately 5 miles at its base, and the exposed granite covers about 583 acres.
The north face features the world’s largest bas-relief sculpture — a 3-acre carving depicting three Confederate figures on horseback. The carving measures 400 feet wide and 158 feet high, with the deepest point carved 42 feet into the rock. Work began in 1923 and was finally completed in 1972.
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-Up Trail (Summit) | 1.3 mi one-way | Strenuous | Steep granite slope to summit — exposed, no shade |
| Cherokee Trail | 5.0 mi loop | Easy-Moderate | Circles the base of the mountain through forest |
| Nature Garden Trail | 0.7 mi | Easy | Wildflower and native plant walk |
| Song of the South Trail | 1.2 mi | Easy | Connects major park attractions |
| Fitness Trail | 1.5 mi | Moderate | Exercise stations along route |
Attractions
| Attraction | Description | Included in Ticket? |
|---|---|---|
| Summit SkyRide | Swiss cable car to the summit in 7 minutes | Yes (varies by package) |
| Scenic Railroad | 1940s locomotive, 5-mile loop around mountain | Yes |
| Drone & Light Show | Massive projection on mountain face at sunset | Yes (free with parking) |
| SkyHike | Treetop adventure course — one of largest in US | Yes (select packages) |
| Dinosaur Explore | Life-size animatronic dinosaurs | Yes |
| 4-D Theater | Immersive movie experience | Yes |
| Golf | Two 18-hole courses (Lakemont & Stonemont) | Separate fee |
Drone & Light Show
The park’s signature evening entertainment is the Drone & Light Show (formerly the Lasershow Spectacular), projected onto the mountain’s north face. The show combines digital video, drones, lighting effects, and music in a 45-minute spectacle. During “Summer at the Rock” (June–July), the show culminates with a fireworks finale. The show is free with parking — just set up a blanket on the Memorial Lawn.
Camping
| Option | Sites | Cost/Night | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campground (Full Hookup) | 400+ | $40-$65 | Water, electric, sewer, cable TV, Wi-Fi |
| Tent Sites | Included above | $30-$45 | Water, electric |
| Yurts | Several | $90-$150 | A/C, microwave, fridge, sleeps 5 |
| Evergreen Marriott Resort | Hotel | $150+ | Full resort hotel on-site |
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar-May) | Wildflowers, Yellow Daisy Festival prep, comfortable hiking | Best weather for summit hike |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Light show nightly, all attractions open, lake activities | Hot — summit hike early or use SkyRide |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Yellow Daisy Festival, Pumpkin Festival, fall colors | September/October ideal |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb) | Stone Mountain Christmas (lights, snow), Snow Angel | Some attractions seasonal — check schedules |
Budget Planner
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Parking | $20/vehicle | Required for all visitors |
| Annual Parking Pass | $40 | Unlimited entry for 1 year |
| Attraction Pass | $25-$30/person | SkyRide, Railroad, and more |
| Mountain Membership | $65/adult, $62/child | 12 months of attractions + festivals |
| Summit Hike | Free | Included with parking |
| Drone & Light Show | Free | Included with parking |
| Campsite | $30-$65/night | Full hookup available |
Nearby Attractions
- Atlanta — Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Martin Luther King Jr. NHS, 16 miles west
- Arabia Mountain — Similar granite monadnock with trails, 10 miles south
- Panola Mountain State Park — Protected granite outcrop, guided hikes only, 15 miles south
- Yellow River Game Ranch — Wildlife park (adjacent to Stone Mountain)
Safety and Tips
- Summit heat: The granite surface has no shade and radiates extreme heat in summer. Carry water, wear sunscreen, and consider starting before 9 AM
- Lightning: The exposed summit is dangerous during thunderstorms. Descend immediately if you hear thunder
- Slippery rock: The Walk-Up Trail’s granite surface is very slippery when wet. Wear shoes with good grip
- Dogs: Not permitted on the mountain trails
- Capacity: Major events and festivals can fill the park. Arrive early on festival weekends
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the hike to the top of Stone Mountain hard?
The Walk-Up Trail to the summit is 1.3 miles one-way with about 825 feet of elevation gain. It’s steep but short, taking most hikers 45-60 minutes to ascend. The trail is entirely on exposed granite with no shade, which makes it strenuous in hot weather. Alternatively, the Summit SkyRide cable car takes you to the top in about 7 minutes.
How much does it cost to visit Stone Mountain Park?
A daily parking pass costs $20 per vehicle ($40 annual). Parking includes access to free activities: hiking, the drone & light show, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Attraction passes (SkyRide, Scenic Railroad, etc.) cost $25-$30 per person. Mountain Memberships ($65/adult) offer year-round attraction access for 12 months.
What is the laser show at Stone Mountain?
The Lasershow Spectacular has evolved into the Drone & Light Show, a 45-minute spectacle projected onto the mountain’s north face using digital video, drones, lighting, and music. During Summer at the Rock (June-July), it includes a fireworks finale. The show is free with parking and takes place at sunset. Visitors bring blankets and chairs to the Memorial Lawn for the best views.
