Stone Mountain Park is a 3,200-acre park in Stone Mountain, Georgia, with hiking trails, recreation areas and seasonal attractions. For a day trip from Forest Park, plan around the outdoor areas included with parking, then check which ticketed attractions are operating before you set out.
- Park entrances are open daily from 5:00 a.m. to midnight.
- The park has 15 miles of nature trails, including a one-mile route to the summit.
- A daily parking pass costs $25; an annual pass costs $40.
- Attractions have seasonal schedules, and some may close because of weather or maintenance.
What to expect at Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park brings together natural areas, historic sites, recreation and seasonal attractions across 3,200 acres. The park is open year-round for recreation, while some attractions operate only during certain seasons.
Daily parking includes access to hiking trails, public picnic areas, the 363-acre lake, a children’s playground, the Grist Mill, the Covered Bridge and the Quarry Exhibit. Swimming is not permitted in the lake.
Historic Square is a seasonal attraction featuring original Georgia buildings constructed between 1793 and 1875. The buildings were moved from their original sites and restored.
The park also hosts annual events, including the Yellow Daisy Festival, Pumpkin Festival: Play by Day, Glow by Night, Native American Festival & Pow-Wow, and Stone Mountain Christmas. If you are planning time in the city as well, this one-day Atlanta itinerary from Forest Park offers a separate way to organize that part of your trip.
Pick activities that fit your day
Start by choosing between a mostly outdoor visit and a day that includes ticketed attractions. Trails and picnic areas are included with daily parking, while some attractions may require a separate ticket or an Attractions Ticket.
The 15 miles of nature trails include the one-mile Walk-Up Trail to the summit. If you hike up and take the Summit Skyride down, the park warns that you will not have transportation back to the Walk-Up Trail parking lot.
For a mix of activities, park attractions include Summit Skyride, Dinosaur Explore, Dinotorium, Scenic Railroad, SkyHike, Mini-Golf and 4D Theater. The Summit Skyride is open daily; other attractions operate seasonally. Check the schedule before building your day around a particular ride or activity.
For another perspective on planning time around your starting point, the Forest Park neighborhood guide covers the area where your trip begins.
Check tickets and operating schedules
- Entry
- the daily pass costs $25, and an annual pass costs $40
A parking pass is required for entry: the daily pass costs $25, and an annual pass costs $40. Daily parking covers the natural areas and facilities described above, but access to attractions may require a separate ticket or an Attractions Ticket.
Attractions typically operate on weekends and holidays from March through December, and daily from Memorial Day Weekend to the beginning of August.
Some rides and attractions close for seasonal maintenance in January and February, though hiking trails and park roads remain open. The Music Across America Light Show runs seasonally from May through August, with show dates and times on the park calendar.
Operating hours and attraction availability can change with the season, scheduled maintenance or weather, including lightning and high winds. Before you go, check the official site for the park calendar, schedules and real-time status; you can also contact Guest Services at 478-478-6686 for updates.
How do you get to Stone Mountain Park?
The park’s published driving directions begin in downtown Atlanta: take I-20 East to I-285 North, then Exit 39B for U.S. Highway 78 East. Continue 7.7 miles and take Exit 8 for the Main Entrance.
The park’s physical address is 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Its alternate GPS address is US Highway 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. These directions are for the drive from downtown Atlanta; check a route from Forest Park for your starting point.
Weather, trails and visitor access
Trails and park roads remain open during January and February, even when some attractions are closed for seasonal maintenance. Weather can affect attraction operations, so confirm status before making a ride the centerpiece of your visit.
Dogs and cats must be leashed, with leashes no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed on attractions, Memorial Lawn, Songbird Habitat and Trails, or in posted areas.
Bicycles are prohibited on the Walk-Up Trail and hiking trails, but may be ridden on park roadways; Robert E. Lee Boulevard has a dedicated bicycle lane on the back side of the mountain.
Park road speed limits are 25 mph, dropping to 15 mph in the campground, parking lots and near playgrounds. Accessible parking is available at Twin Oaks, Yellow Daisy, Crossroads, Memorial Hall, Sky Ride, Historic Square, Waterfront and Gristmill.
Many areas are accessible; ask staff for assistance. For more context on the starting point for this outing, read about Forest Park and its neighborhood layout.
FAQs
Can you hike to the top of Stone Mountain?
Yes. The park has a one-mile trail to the summit. If you hike up and descend by Skyride, you will need to account for the lack of transportation back to the Walk-Up Trail parking lot.
Can you swim in Stone Mountain Park’s lake?
No. Swimming is not permitted in the park lake.
Are bicycles allowed on the hiking trails?
No. Bicycles are not allowed on the Walk-Up Trail or hiking trails, though they may be ridden on park roadways.
What is the speed limit inside the park?
The limit is 25 mph on park roads and 15 mph in the campground, parking lots and near playgrounds.