This ultra-scenic adventure hikes two of the mountain’s most popular trails, the Stone Mountain Walk-Up Trail and the Cherokee Trail, logging nearly 7 miles and bagging some exceptional sights. Combined, the two trails offer sweeping views from the often-busy summit before dropping looping the mountain on a lesser-traveled loop. You’ll catch views of the mountain’s reflection in a glassy lake, cross an earthen dam, explore a creek-filled forest, and pass a small waterfall. You’ll visit a historic covered bridge, a historic mill, and the stacked stone chimney of a building long gone. And it makes an equally great hike or challenging trail run.
Stone Mountain Trail: the hike
The hike begins on the popular Walk-Up Trail at the base of the mountain (view maps and driving directions), traveling westbound. The trail gains elevation, rising nearly continuously to the mountain’s summit, climbing through swaths of smooth granite and boulder-filled terrain. Wildflowers, pine trees, and grasses grab root in the shallow basins of soil dotting the mountain’s surface.
The hike passes an intersection with the Cherokee Trail at .25 mile, continuing its upward, southeast-bound climb to the mountain’s summit. The trail passes a pavilion at .6 mile. The climb steepens considerably as the trail climbs between two metal handrails at .75 mile, soon catching the first views of the summit.
Stone Mountain: hike beautiful panoramic views from Atlanta's immense, domed summit
Негізгі бет Hiking the Cherokee and Walk Up Trail in Stone Mountain
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