Many people think of Georgia’s most famous state park as a summer vacation destination, but on the contrary, it is a year round family destination that annually attracts nearly four million people, delighting visitors in 90 degree weather as well as 40 degree. Unlike Atlanta’s other amusement park, which closes for the winter season, Stone Mountain’s attractions remain open all year.
For those who have never heard of Stone Mountain or visited, the 3,200 acre park has something for everyone. Whether you are a family on vacation, a history enthusiast or just a couple looking to get away and enjoy the outdoors, the park delivers a retreat from the ordinary vacation, literally within sight of the downtown Atlanta.
Surprisingly, the park is centered on a rock, not just any rock but the world’s largest piece of exposed granite. On the mountain of granite is the Confederate Memorial Carving, which is the world’s largest relief sculpture. Depicted are Confederate heroes Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and Stonewall Jackson in a carving so massive that it has to be seen to be believed. A large enclosed ski lift type gondola, which takes visitors to the top of Stone Mountain, passes over the carving providing a great perspective on the size of the carving. Once at the top of the mountain, you can actually walk around and explore the great view, including Atlanta’s skyscrapers in the distance as jets approaching Atlanta’s busy Hartsfield airport seem to fly by at an altitude equal to your height on top of the mountain. Don’t expect to find much on top of the mountain, not surprisingly, very little grows in granite except for freshwater shrimp, which seem to magically appear after it rains.
Stone Mountain is a Georgia State Park, but its attractions are operated by a private company. Admission to the park is separate from admission to its attractions. The cost to enter Stone Mountain per private vehicle is $8. For the cost of admission to the park you have access to nature trails, the mountain walk-up trail and the once weekly laser show. The mountain walk-up trail is the alternative to the gondola ride to reach the top of the mountain. The trail is about one mile long and although it is “family friendly,” would not be recommended for anyone who has any type of type of health problem or anyone who has any problems with an extended uphill walk on uneven surfaces. (It is not a paved or prepared trail; it is “all natural.” It is, however, a favorite excursion for my eight year old daughter - give yourself a good hour each way to make it up and down the mountain or more, depending on how physical condition.)
Regarding the exercise and nature trails, the park has miles and miles of trails, jogging and cycling paths. It seems everywhere you turn you see visitors taking advantage of the paths that wind around the mountain, past lakes and past the Pines in the park.
Another big attraction is the laser show, especially in the summer. Common around the country in many planetariums, where music is put to laser lights, in this case the laser lights illuminate the side of the entire mountain and the Confederate Carving. Spectators need to arrive early to get a good spot to lay out their blanket. Show times vary greatly depending on the time of the year, but most Saturday nights usually feature a show.
Attractions
After you’ve entered the park, you’ll want to enjoy all of the attractions. A full “Mountain Membership” pass is $19; $16 for ages 3-11. If you plan on going more than two or three days during the course of the year, inquire on a yearly membership. The annual memberships are very affordable. A “Two-pack” membership is $109 and includes yearly admission for two adults as well as one annual car parking permit.
The attractions are centered on a replica 1870s town named Crossroads. The quaint town is complete with a replica mill and even includes a manmade stream running through it. With one admission, you can experience unlimited attraction rides. The signature attraction is the 4D “Tall Tales of the South” Theater. If you are wondering what is a 4D attraction versus 3D, you will not only feel like are experiencing what you are seeing on the screen thanks to special 3D glasses, but at certain times you actual feel the movie – you get sprinkled with real water, smell aromas and feel “things” on your seat.