Stone Mountain Park
825-ft granite dome, the Summit Skyride cable car, the Lasershow Spectacular, and Georgia's most-visited park — 18 miles east of downtown.
Distance
18 mi
Drive time
~30 min
Route
I-285 E to US-78 E (Exit 39B) — 18 mi east of downtown Atlanta
Best window
March–May and September–November for hiking weather
About Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park covers 3,200 acres around the largest exposed granite dome in the world — an 825-ft monolith 18 miles east of downtown Atlanta. It's Georgia's most-visited attraction, with the Walk-Up Trail (1.1 mi each way, 786 ft gain) to the summit, the Summit Skyride aerial tram for non-hikers, the nightly Lasershow Spectacular projected directly onto the rock face April–October, the Dixie Belle riverboat on Stone Mountain Lake, and the Scenic Railroad that loops the base. Note: the north face carries a controversial 1972 Confederate carving (the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world); the carving itself is the subject of an ongoing public re-interpretation effort by the park and the state. A 12–15 passenger van handles park roads easily and the main lots have no oversize restrictions.
Why it's worth the drive
- Walk-Up Trail summit hike — 1.1 mi each way, 786 ft gain over open granite slabs. The signature Stone Mountain experience.
- Summit Skyride — Swiss-built aerial tram to the top in under 5 minutes. The non-hiker / wet-weather summit option.
- Lasershow Spectacular — nightly outdoor light + fireworks show projected on the granite face (April–October, free with admission).
- Scenic Railroad — 5-mile narrow-gauge loop around the base of the mountain.
- Dixie Belle riverboat — paddlewheel cruise on Stone Mountain Lake.
Things to do
What groups actually do at Stone Mountain
Walk-Up Trail summit
1.1 mi each way of open granite — steep, no shade, kid-doable. 90 min round-trip for an average hiker; start before 9 AM in summer to beat heat.
Summit Skyride
Aerial tram to the summit observation deck — operates year-round weather permitting. Buy with a Park Pass; line is longest 11 AM–2 PM on weekends.
Lasershow Spectacular
Nightly outdoor laser + fireworks show projected on the granite face during the spring and summer season — bring a blanket, arrive 60 min early for a center lawn spot.
Scenic Railroad
5-mile narrow-gauge train around the base — 25-min loop, original 1940s-style locomotives. Family-friendly.
Dixie Belle riverboat
30-min paddlewheel cruise on Stone Mountain Lake with views of the mountain's south face — runs spring through fall.
Sky Hike + Geyser Towers (kids)
Three-story rope ropes course and the Geyser Towers play structure — both inside the Crossroads adventure pass.
Group + van tips
Driving a 12-15 passenger van to Stone Mountain
- Parking permit required at the gate — $20/day, sold per vehicle. A 15-passenger van pays the standard rate; no oversize surcharge.
- Multiple parking lots inside the park — Main Lot (closest to Skyride), Songbird Lot (closest to Walk-Up Trail), and Hardman Lot (closest to the Memorial Lawn for the Lasershow). All fit a Sprinter.
- Lasershow nights: park before 7 PM, plan to leave 45 min after the show ends — exit traffic on US-78 W backs up briefly.
- Summit Walk-Up Trail can close for thunderstorms — lightning hits the dome regularly. Check the weather and the park's posted alerts before starting the climb.
$20/day vehicle parking permit at the gate. All park lots fit a 15-passenger Sprinter.
When to go
Best time to visit
March–May and September–November for hiking weather. Lasershow Spectacular runs nightly mid-April through Labor Day, weekends through October. Summer summit hikes are best before 9 AM — open granite gets brutal mid-day. December for the Stone Mountain Christmas program (separate ticket).
Need a van for the trip?
Our Atlanta fleet of 12-15 passenger Sprinters and Ford Transits delivers to Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), every Midtown and Buckhead hotel, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium game-day drop-offs.
See Atlanta vansPlan your visit
Official Stone Mountain resources
Stone Mountain Park — official site
www.stonemountainpark.com
Parking permit & hours
www.stonemountainpark.com
Lasershow Spectacular schedule
www.stonemountainpark.com
Stone Mountain Adventure Pass
www.stonemountainpark.com
More background
Stone Mountain FAQ
How far is Stone Mountain from downtown Atlanta?
18 miles east — 30 minutes via I-285 E and US-78 E (Exit 39B). Add 15 minutes for Lasershow-night exit traffic.
Do I need a parking permit?
Yes — $20/day per vehicle at the gate. A 15-passenger van pays the same rate as a car; there is no oversize surcharge.
Is the Walk-Up Trail hard?
Moderate — 1.1 mi each way, 786 ft gain over open granite. No shade. Most kids 6+ make it; bring water (1 L per person minimum in summer). 60–90 minutes up, 45 down.
When does the Lasershow run?
Nightly mid-April through Labor Day, then weekends through October. Free with park admission; arrive 45–60 min before showtime for lawn space.
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