Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain

This isn't the ideal nature walk to be carrying a heavy picnic basket, but a simple backpack is good to bring with water and healthy trail snacks and first aid stuff. Just keep it light. Remember...it all starts out with a gradual slope, but becomes a bit jagged less than halfway up...stuff can feel twice as heavy after you've spent a chunk of energy. Challenging but do-able for most age groups with strong heart. The most athletic individual can climb the mountain in about a half hour or less, and the less avid climber about an hour or so, and coming down about half the climb time. Still, tripping is still most possible, so a nice walking staff is a good tool to use. There is a pavilion to rest about 2/3 the way up, and a good thing, because beyond that point it gets very steep. One such portion has steel banisters for safety. The trail has some serious gaps where, if not careful, one could easily twist an ankle; so respect the rock. There is also a winding service trail which follows the hiking trail up (maybe for service and emergency vehicles). Take PLENTY OF WATER into your system before climbing the mountain. There is only one restroom facility that I saw on the path, which at the foot of the trail. There is however a ski lift at the top, but it takes you to a different base area than the parking zone for the walking trail. The ski lift station has vending machines with snacks, but it was closed by the time I got there (@ 9 pm), so plan accordingly. Keep it safe. Have fun.

Our family loves hiking up to the top of stone mountain, and then back down. The hiking is a tiny bit dangerous (especially because it's slippery when wet), but this is perfect for making it exciting for kids. The view and terrain are stunning. The only defect is the confederate flag you have to walk by, and the confederate names of the streets and everything at the bottom of the trail. We always have popcorn, a pretzel, and soft drinks at the top at the snack bar. Then, on the way down, the kids love climbing around in what they call the "bear cave," which is some big boulders than kids can climb in and around, near the railings. When they climb up, kids get a real feeling of accomplishment, but kids can do it even when very young. My daughter (age 2) just did it, and was very proud.

This is a beautiful place especially if you only focus on the nature. There are plenty of things to do here but you must take the trip to the top. You can do so either by a "lift" (which cost) or by good old fashioned walking (free). The views are gorgeous and this park offers many different events year round.

Claiming up the Stone Mountain was fun! The stairs were Not too bad. It has handrail you can hold on to. Walking along the lake was very relaxing. There was an Adventure Jungle Park for kids to challenge themselves walking on ropes and had fun. Laser and Fireworks at night were very creative and fun to watch! The restaurant was beautiful with big glass windows looking out to the lake. Food was great too! In Winter, they have man made snow for the Southerners! Come here enjoy nature with friends families!

It's amazing place for weekend get aways... There are some water rides you can enjoy and you can spent a quality time together with your friends or family.... You can bring food from home and can enjoy it by sitting in a huge garden... It's more suitable for a small weekend trip with families and friends... Children get many stuffs to enjoy there... Overall it's a perfect weekend get away place...