Ready for family fun, outdoor adventure, and Georgia history? Head to Stone Mountain! Hike up the granite dome, catch a laser light show, and ride scenic trains all in one day. Just outside Atlanta, Stone Mountain mixes nature, thrills, and Southern charm for an unforgettable getaway.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Stone Mountain is during spring and fall, when temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities and seasonal festivals are in full swing. Summers can be hot but offer extended park hours and nightly events.
How to Get There
- By Car: Stone Mountain is about 30 minutes east of downtown Atlanta via I-285 and US-78.
- By Air: Fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), then rent a car or take a rideshare service.
- By Transit: Take MARTA to the Indian Creek station, then a short Uber/Lyft ride to the park entrance.
Where to Stay
- Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort – Inside the park with lake views, golf, and easy access to attractions.
- Stone Mountain Inn – Charming, colonial-style inn right across from the park's main entrance.
- Nearby Hotels in Decatur – Plenty of convenient lodging options just a short drive from the mountain.
Top Attractions
1. Explore Stone Mountain Park, Georgia's most popular attraction
I like:
"Georgia’s most visited attraction with hiking trails, scenic railroad, Skyride, and family fun zones. "
© foreverbluebird/stock.adobe.com
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What is Stone Mountain Park?
- Located just outside of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park encompasses 3,200 acres of thick forests and natural vegetation, as well as the world's largest piece of exposed granite, Stone Mountain.
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How tall is Stone Mountain?
- Standing over 1,686 feet (514 m) high, Stone Mountain is famous for its enormous bas-relief carving on the north face.
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What does the Confederate Memorial Carving depict?
- The carving depicts three important Confederate Army figures from the Civil War – Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis.
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What outdoor activities are available at Stone Mountain Park?
- The Park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities and adventures, including hiking, cable car rides, and historical exhibits.
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How can visitors reach the top of Stone Mountain?
- Visitors can head to the top of the rock on The Summit Skyride, a high-speed Swiss cable car that offers spectacular passing views of the Confederate Memorial Carving and panoramic vistas of Atlanta’s skyline and the Appalachian Mountains.
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What other family-friendly attractions are at the park?
- Other attractions include The Stone Mountain Museum at Memorial Hall, Geyser Towers, Great Locomotive Chase Golf, and a Skyhike through the treetops.
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Where is Stone Mountain Park located?
- Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Phone: 770-498-5690
2. Check out the carvings on Stone Mountain
© Ritu Jethani/stock.adobe.com
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What is Stone Mountain?
- Stone Mountain is a massive dome monadnock of quartz monzonite located in Georgia.
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Why is Stone Mountain world-renowned?
- It is known for both its fascinating geology and the immense bas-relief carving on its north face, depicting three Confederate figures from the Civil War.
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Who is depicted in the Confederate Memorial Carving?
- The carving features President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee, and General Stonewall Jackson.
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How old is Stone Mountain?
- Stone Mountain was created during the formation of the Blue Ridge Mountains over 350 million years ago and is part of the Appalachian Mountain chain.
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How large is Stone Mountain?
- The mountain is more than 5 miles in circumference and over 1,600 feet high.
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How can visitors reach the summit?
- The summit can be reached by a walking trail on the west side of the mountain or by the popular Skyride aerial tram.
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What can visitors see from the top of Stone Mountain?
- The top of the mountain is bare rock with a few freshwater rock pools and offers breathtaking views of Kennesaw Mountain, downtown Atlanta’s skyline, and the Appalachian Mountains on a clear day.
3. Walk across the historic Washington W. King Bridge (Stone Mountain Covered Bridge)
© Sean Xu/stock.adobe.com
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What is the Washington W. King Bridge?
- The Washington W. King Bridge, previously known as the Stone Mountain Covered Bridge, was constructed in 1891 by Washington W. King.
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What was the original purpose of the bridge?
- It was built to connect College Street with downtown Athens, Georgia, and the outlying farmlands across the Oconee River.
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Has the bridge been damaged?
- The bridge was severely damaged twice, first in 1910 and again in 1963.
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Where is the bridge located now?
- The bridge was later relocated to Stone Mountain Park, where it now connects the park with a picturesque island in Stone Mountain Lake.
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Why is the Washington W. King Bridge significant?
- It is one of only four remaining structures constructed by the King family, who owned many businesses around Georgia.
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Where is the Washington W. King Bridge located?
- Address: Covered Bridge Ln, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
4. Enjoy a live performance at Art Station
© Art Station
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What is the Art Station?
- The Art Station is a local community theater that presents an array of performances and multi-disciplinary arts programs.
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Where is the Art Station located?
- It is housed in the beautifully renovated Old Trolley Station in the heart of historic Stone Mountain Village.
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When was the Art Station founded?
- The Art Station was founded in 1986 by David Thomas.
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What is the history behind the Art Station building?
- The center is based in the old terminus for the Atlanta Rapid Transit (ART) trolley car system, which connected Atlanta to Stone Mountain, and was named after the historic building.
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What programs and activities does the Art Station offer?
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The center offers a wide range of arts-related disciplines, including:
- Theater performances
- Art galleries
- Arts and crafts
- Art classes and workshops
- Lectures and artist series
- Special events
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The center offers a wide range of arts-related disciplines, including:
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Where is the Art Station located?
- Address: 5384 Manor Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Phone: 770-469-1105
5. Order a sandwich at Weeyums Philly Style
© Weeyums Philly Style
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What is Weeyums Philly Style?
- Weeyums Philly Style is a casual counter-serve eatery that specializes in authentic cheesesteaks, hoagies, and Philadelphia-style sandwiches.
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Where is Weeyums Philly Style located?
- It is located in the heart of Stone Mountain and is a favorite with locals.
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What makes Weeyums Philly Style special?
- The eatery is known for hearty, handmade food made with top-of-the-line ingredients sourced from surrounding farms.
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What does the menu at Weeyums Philly Style include?
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The menu features:
- Subs and sandwiches with various fillings
- Burgers and fries
- Traditional cheesesteaks
- Hoagies
- Fresh salads
- Special chicken dishes
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The menu features:
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Is Weeyums Philly Style open daily?
- Yes, Weeyums Philly Style is open daily.
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Where is Weeyums Philly Style located?
- Address: 900 Main St #3603, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Phone: 770-322-0000
6. Get a treat at Pi-bytes
© Pi-bytes
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What is Pi-bytes?
- Pi-bytes is a friendly café that specializes in serving casual cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting with bright décor.
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Who founded Pi-bytes?
- Pi-bytes was founded by an ex-firefighter.
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What type of food does Pi-bytes serve?
- The café serves a variety of Italian-style pizzas with delicious toppings, calzones, and traditional lasagna.
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What makes the desserts at Pi-bytes special?
- Pi-bytes refines the art of small bites with a dessert menu featuring small gourmet cupcake-sized pies in decadent flavors like Amaretto German Chocolate Cheesecake.
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What drinks are available at Pi-bytes?
- The drinks menu offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
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Does Pi-bytes offer entertainment?
- Yes, the café has a pool table for entertainment.
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Where is Pi-bytes located?
- Address: 937 Main St, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Phone: 404-247-1895
7. Have fun with friends at Escape the Netherworld
© fergregory/stock.adobe.com
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What is Escape the Netherworld?
- Escape the Netherworld is a highly rated escape room facility that has been recently voted as the best escape room in Atlanta.
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How many escape rooms are available?
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The facility offers four exciting rooms to try, entitled:
- Tiki Island
- Haunted
- Nosferatu
- Sasquatch
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The facility offers four exciting rooms to try, entitled:
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What makes the escape rooms unique?
- Each room has been painstakingly designed to offer players a challenging and exciting game.
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How many players can participate in each escape room?
- Each room can accommodate up to 8 players, who will need to work together as a team to unravel the clues and solve the puzzles.
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How long do players have to escape?
- Players have 60 minutes to escape.
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When is Escape the Netherworld open?
- Escape the Netherworld is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
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Where is Escape the Netherworld located?
- Address: 1313 Netherworld Way, Stone Mountain, GA 30087, Phone: 404-999-3722
8. Enjoy a fun-filled day at Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center
© Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center
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What is Stars and Strikes?
- Stars and Strikes is a popular entertainment center offering year-round indoor fun and games for all ages.
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What activities are available at Stars and Strikes?
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While the main emphasis is on bowling, the center also offers:
- Bumper cars
- Laser tag
- An arcade packed with favorite games
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While the main emphasis is on bowling, the center also offers:
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How many bowling lanes does Stars and Strikes have?
- The center features 12 upgraded VIP bowling lanes, which can be booked online.
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What is included when booking a VIP bowling lane?
- Each lane booked includes shoe hire for up to 6 players.
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How does the games arcade work?
- Children can have fun in the games arcade where a single fee gives unlimited access to games for one hour.
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Is Stars and Strikes suitable for birthday parties?
- Yes, the center is perfect for children’s and adult birthday parties, and a separate party room is available.
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Where is Stars and Strikes located?
- Address: 1741 Mountain Industry Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Phone: 673-965-5707
Nore Local Attractions
- Summit Skyride – Ride a cable car to the top for panoramic views of Atlanta and the Appalachian foothills.
- Stone Mountain Carving – See the massive Confederate memorial carved into the mountain’s face.
- Lasershow Spectacular (Seasonal) – Watch a dazzling light show with music and fireworks projected onto the mountain.
- Historic Square – Tour original 18th- and 19th-century Georgia buildings and learn about pioneer life.
More Places to Eat
- Commons Restaurant – Lakeside dining at the Evergreen Resort with Southern-inspired entrees and cocktails.
- Sweet Potato Café – Farm-to-table comfort food in nearby Stone Mountain Village.
- The Village Corner German Restaurant – A unique local gem with schnitzels, sausages, and house-brewed beer.
Local Events
- Stone Mountain Christmas (Nov–Dec) – Holiday lights, snow play zones, live shows, and festive cheer throughout the park.
- Yellow Daisy Festival (September) – One of the Southeast’s top craft fairs with hundreds of vendors, food, and live music.
- Easter Sunrise Service – A long-running tradition with a sunrise celebration atop the mountain.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Stone Mountain, Georgia
- Decatur (20–25 min) – Browse indie bookstores, dine at top-rated restaurants, or explore the historic downtown square.
- Atlanta (East Side) (25–30 min) – Visit the Atlanta BeltLine, explore Ponce City Market, or tour museums in the Old Fourth Ward.
- Tucker (10–15 min) – Walk Main Street shops, grab coffee at cozy cafés, or explore local parks and nature trails.
- Clarkston (10–15 min) – Discover global cuisine, stroll Milam Park, or visit the Clarkston Community Center for cultural events.
- Lilburn (15–20 min) – Explore Camp Creek Greenway, visit historic Old Town Lilburn, or enjoy local breweries and bites.
- Avondale Estates (15–20 min) – Stroll Tudor-style streets, tour breweries, or relax by the lake at Avondale Park.
- Snellville (20–25 min) – Visit Briscoe Park, explore The Grove retail and dining area, or hike scenic suburban trails.
- Pine Lake (10–15 min) – Enjoy serene lake views, paddle peaceful waters, or walk quiet forest paths around this tiny city.
FAQ
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What is Stone Mountain known for?
- Home to Stone Mountain, into which the famous Confederate Memorial Carving is etched, the eponymous town is a charming community near Atlanta, Georgia, that thrives on tourism.
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Why is Stone Mountain called the gateway to Stone Mountain Park?
- The town is known as the gateway to Stone Mountain Park and features several beautifully preserved historic buildings, some dating back to the late 1700s.
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How can visitors reach the top of Stone Mountain?
- You can take a thrilling ride to the top of Stone Mountain on the Summit Skyride.
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What activities are available at Stone Mountain Park?
- Visitors can explore the surrounding Stone Mountain Park and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including a Skyhike through the treetops and the Great Locomotive Chase Golf.
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