Stone Mountain — Summit Trail

About This Trip

Stone Mountain is a rite of passage for any Atlanta-area hiker. It's not subtle about it — you walk straight up a massive exposed granite dome, no switchbacks to soften the grade, just you and the rock and gravity. At the top, on a clear day, you can see the Atlanta skyline spread out to the west.

We hit this one in late March, which turned out to be perfect timing — cool enough to push hard, warm enough to hang at the top without rushing back down.

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The Summit Trail

The Summit Trail is the primary route to the top of Stone Mountain. It's one of the most recognizable hikes in Georgia: a paved path that goes directly up the granite face, with handrails on the steeper sections. The grade is steady and honest — you feel it in your legs and lungs, but you're never scrambling.

• Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip (1.3 miles each way)
• Elevation gain: 825 feet
• Trail surface: Paved path etched into the granite; handrails on steep sections
• Difficulty: Moderate — the grade is consistent and exposed

The real challenge is the exposure. You're on open granite the whole way up with no shade. On a hot Georgia day that changes things significantly. In March, it's ideal.

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The View From the Top

The summit sits at 1,686 feet above sea level — about 800 feet above the surrounding terrain. On clear days you can see:

• The Atlanta skyline to the west
• The North Georgia mountains in the distance
• Lake Altoona and the Kennesaw ridge to the northwest

It's a rare view for metro Atlanta. You don't usually get this kind of perspective without driving two hours north.

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Meeting Details

• Location: Stone Mountain Park — Summit Trail trailhead parking
• Address: Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, GA 30087 — Open in Maps →
• AllTrails: Stone Mountain Summit Trail →
• Park entry fee: Required; Georgia State Park Day Pass or Annual Pass accepted

Note: The park does charge an entry fee. Check the Stone Mountain Park website for current rates and any seasonal restrictions.

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What to Bring

• Trail runners or hiking shoes — the granite can be slippery in spots, especially on the way down
• Water — at least 2 liters; there's no shade on the trail and no water stops
• Sunscreen and sunglasses — the exposed granite reflects UV hard
• Snacks — bring something for the summit
• Trekking poles — optional but helpful on the steep descent
• Fully charged phone — for photos and navigation back to the car

The descent catches people off guard. Knees feel the grade coming down more than going up. Take your time on the way back.

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Tips

• Start early — parking fills fast on weekends; aim for before 9 AM
• Weather first — clear days are obviously better; wet granite is dangerously slippery
• Stay on the trail — the granite edges drop off steeply; stick to the marked path
• Pace yourself — the grade is steeper than it looks from the bottom

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Plan Your Day

Check out our Articles section before you head out — gear lists, how-to guides, and practical tips to make your time on the trail safer and more enjoyable.