Stone Mountain Park

By VI | Disclosure: I use affiliate links

"Just outside of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a must-visit destination where natural wonders meet family-friendly fun. "

Review:★★★★★

I spent a day at Stone Mountain Park, and I think you’d really enjoy it too. The park centers around a massive 350-million-year-old monadnock, and you can’t miss the towering quartz dome—it’s stunning in person. You’ll also see the world’s largest bas-relief sculpture, which depicts three Confederate figures. I know that part can be controversial, but it’s definitely a big part of the park’s history. I really liked the scenic hiking trails—there’s something peaceful about being surrounded by all that nature. If you’re planning a day trip, you’ll find a nice mix of outdoor adventure, educational exhibits, and attractions that are great if you’re bringing kids. It was fun, active, and surprisingly informative.

Recommended for

Nature Lovers: Hike scenic trails and soak up panoramic views from the summit.

Families: Ride, slide, and play at Crossroads, The Great Barn, and Sky Hike.

History Buffs: Explore Southern heritage at the Memorial Hall Museum and Historic Square.

Thrill Seekers: Take the Summit Skyride or test your courage on the Sky Hike ropes course.

What to Expect

Granite Giant: Stone Mountain rises 1,686 feet above sea level and spans 5 miles in circumference.
Skyline Views: On a clear day, enjoy vistas of the Atlanta skyline and Appalachian Mountains from the top.
Summit Access: Reach the peak by hiking the 1.3-mile Walk-Up Trail or riding the Swiss-built Summit Skyride.
Laser Light Show: Don’t miss the Laser Show Spectacular—a dazzling nighttime display with fireworks and music.

Must-See Attractions

Stone Mountain Carving: I remember standing in awe at the base of the largest bas-relief in the world. It’s a staggering 76 feet tall and 158 feet wide, depicting Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson on horseback. You truly have to see it to grasp its scale.
Memorial Hall Museum: If you’re curious about the region’s history, I suggest starting here. I spent a full hour exploring the exhibits on Stone Mountain’s unique geology, the Civil War, and local ecology. Don’t miss the short documentary “The Battle for Georgia”—it gave me helpful context before heading out to the other sites.
Historic Square & Farmyard: I really enjoyed walking through the 19 preserved buildings dating from 1790 to 1875. Each one felt like a portal to another time. I also spent a few minutes with the friendly goats and chickens in the farmyard—they were a big hit with the kids around me.
Covered Bridge & Grist Mill: One of my favorite quiet moments was strolling across the restored 1892 bridge and sitting by the 1869 mill along the creek. If you’re like me and love peaceful trails with a touch of history, this one’s for you.
732-Bell Carillon: Try to time your visit for one of the daily performances. I caught one in the afternoon and was blown away by the sound of those 732 bells echoing through the park. It’s a beautiful experience you don’t want to miss.

Trails & Nature

Walk-Up Trail: A 1.3-mile moderate hike to the summit with scenic views and fresh mountain air.
Cherokee Trail: A 5-mile loop encircling the base, offering forest paths and partial summit overlap.
Nature Garden Trail: A peaceful ¾-mile stroll through oak-hickory woodland.
Songbird Habitat Trails: Two shaded loops ideal for bird-watching and wildlife observation.

Family Fun & Kids’ Favorites

The Great Barn: Indoor play center with climbing walls, trampoline floors, slides, and over 65 interactive games.
Sky Hike: Choose your challenge on this elevated ropes course for all ages.
Crossroads Village: Step back to 1872 with a mini-golf course (inspired by the Great Locomotive Chase), live animal encounters, and a 4-D movie theater.
Scenic Train Ride: Hop aboard a full-size 1940s open-air locomotive for a 5-mile ride around the mountain.
Avalanche Alley: Enjoy snowy tubing fun on Atlanta’s only 400-foot-long snow hill—open during winter months.