Stone Mountain — Attraction in Mountain Park

I've been hiking 1-2 times a week at Stone Mountain Park for over three years. When visiting the park I recommend you think of it as a natural wonder and a monument to American history. Take in both aspects. Besides downtown, this is my second favorite location to take guests.

The Village-I particularly like how they decorate the village area for each season. It has a lot to offer every age group. Wear tennis shoes if you want to do the jungle rope gym (I recommend). They won't let you do it with flip flops. Make sure you walk the lawn, take the train if you enjoy them, and take the skyride if you don't plan to walk up on your own.

Hiking Trails- This is one of my favorite places to hike in GA. There's a nice variety in the landscape and multiple trail options. I highly recommend you ALWAYS pack something to drink and wear good walking shoes. If you come in the morning you might be surprised to find there is a crowd of regulars (walkers, hikers, bikers, roller bladders) who consider the park their gym. It does offer a great workout. If you live close by, purchase a yearly pass so you can join the rest of us. It's hard to beat the monthly fees and the changing views. ;)

The Walking Trail-(Yellow) This trail is 1 mile up (following the yellow line) and goes from the west parking lot (#3) to the top of the mountain. DO NOT CLIMB IF RAINING OR MISTING!! I can't stress this enough. We were at the top one morning when it began to mist. It's like being on black ice at a 30 degree grade. Horrible is an understatement. People were falling all around us. My son fell hard. I fell, breaking my tail bone. If you end up on the mountain and it starts raining take the gravel service road down. This road is also an option to take up if you prefer a less challenging grade. Bring something to drink as it can be hot. There is a shelter 3/4 of the way up the trail with benches. The last 1/4 is the steepest but offers the best views.

Cherokee Trail-(White/Orange) This is my favorite trail, no matter the season or time of day. It's approximately 5 miles around if you hike the entire base. It flows from the granite face, to an old growth area (Nature Garden Trail), along the lake, past the bridge to the mill and across the lawn. This trail gives you an excellent taste for the variety of natural areas in the park. You'll be in the trees most of the time but will want to bring a drink. There are bathrooms at the west and east ends with water fountains. If you can't do 5 miles but want to hike something 1-2 miles long, I recommend you get on Cherokee Trail heading east at the base of the lawn in the village. Take this through the woods, across the tracks, past the mill to the bridge. Make sure you take the lower stone trail built along the edge of the lake between these two. Look for the heart shaped stones. There is no need to ever be on the paved road, however, it is good to know that you are never far from it if you get hurt or need help. This is why I've always felt completely safe (and usually pass other single hikers) on this trail. That and the constant presence of the park police. The other shorter trail option is to get on Cherokee Trail going north from parking lot 3. You will connect with the Nature Garden Trail (1 mile) and then loop back to your car.

Natural Garden Trail- (green) This is a nice 1 mile loop that features the best vegetation in the park. There is almost always something blooming from early spring to summer and the trees are massive. You can park at lot 4 to get on the trail.

Festivals and Special Events-We highly recommend you try the Yellow Daisy Festival (one of the largest in the South) and the 4th of July Laser/Firework show. Really, I think most of the events and festivals would be worth try but always plan...

First, we did the mountain climb... that in itself was great. The people.. not so much... we came across sooooo many individuals that were being loud and letting everyone know that the confederate flag should be taken down and heaven forbid that we didn't move out of the way for certain individuals.... etc etc... Now, not saying that my one star is on that part of this bad review, but just letting it be known that we were constantly surrounded by very rude and inconsiderate people. Could have been the day or people having bad days... whatever it was, almost the whole climb up was a constant issue with people. Now, as for the review... Super disappointing... We were there before and during the Pumpkin Festival... which seems to be more for a very young crowd of kids. Seemed cute but all four of my kids were not thrilled and did not like the show or what the park had to offer. In fact, they were all bored and did not care to stay, but we made them to at least give it a fair try. As a parent's perspective, I thought it was horrible. There was only a few employees that were super nice. Other than that, they were all rolling their eyes, not smiling, and would barely give us directions or information when we asked. The drone show was cool for the first few mins but honestly it didn't do anything. It showed several kid like versions of a ghost, a cat.. etc.. but they just were there. No movement. Music was pretty good going with the picture theme, but it only lasted like 10-15 mins and then the rest was this weird, made absolutely no sense, light show that had no meaning. It was weird. At least for us. Our kids wanted to leave and were bored after about 10 mins of watching it. The train ride, to sum it up, was the the big bad wolf trying to correct the original story because it was all a misunderstanding. The big bad wolf had allergies and every time he went to a pigs house, he would sneeze and blow the house down. all he was trying to do, was apologize to the pigs.... Ill leave that right there. We were looking forward to the train ride and got that.... yay. Now, the only thing I would give a 5 star rating to is the guy at the ticket counter, whom was super nice and very friendly and Coach Carter at the campground where we stayed. He was fantastic. If I was rating this on him, I would request that someone give that man a raise. He was so genuine, kind, respectful and just down right awesome. Honestly, he was the best part of the trip! Unfortunately, we will not be coming back, which is a shame because I had been coming since I was a young kid... but after all of this, I think we will go elsewhere. Just too much money to be treated that way and...

Labor Day disappointment. 4 adults and 2 children under 7 were amped up for our trip to Stone Mountain. Total out of pocket for our two hour drive down was $381! We all spent a day or two looking at the parks attractions, restaurants and shops with an emphasis on the Train Ride. Things have changed a lot since our last trip. The Rubber Duck boat ride prominently displayed on their website doesn't exist and the train might as well not be included either. After three long trips across the spacious park we were finally told that the train won't be running today....huge bummer. Everyone loves a meandering train ride. Well after today a train ride is the furthest thing from my mind. The most pleasant thing about today we the patrons. Travelers from all over the world focus on the Stone Mountain experience and I'm afraid they were as disappointed as I was. This isnt my first trip but it was my last....we didn't even stay for the Labor Day Laser show as the headache of walking back and forth all day to a park that should have closed today. Even the water park was having trouble. Remember the boat ride....it doesn't exist and the additional $90 wasn't a problem for a grampa trying to give his grandsons the memories we gave our kids at that age. One worker intimated to me that I could probably get a raincheck since so many things weren't working or not open. I would have taken a refund on the no train, no boat ride, barely open park but then I would have had to waste four hours going there and back...needless to say I would call ahead and see what's open and working if you must go there. I guess we could have went to Atlantas other crown jewel Six Flags but my wife and daughter don't concealed carry and that's about the way you have to roll at 6 Flags otherwise you might get caught with your pants down...so to speak. The best part of the day was the drive down. No traffic at all at 9 this morning. I'll have to say this, I usually prefer to give positive reviews but all I got today was a throbbing headache from the LAST trip I will ever make to Stone Mountain...and you can take that to the bank. At least at 6 Flags I know it can be rough but you get what you pay for...anyone got a train ride they can share... we've done the Chattanooga Choo Choo and won't go the...