Stone Mountain offers the rare treat of an amazing view at just minutes outside of Atlanta. Rising over 800 feet from the surrounding area, on a clear day you can see downtown Atlanta, Kennesaw Mountain, and even some of the Appalachian Mountains. Stone Mountain is also the site of the world's largest bas-relief sculpture, depicting Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis.

There are several large parking areas, but the trail up the mountain begins near the Confederate Hall parking lot. Next to the parking lot are restrooms and water fountains.

Crossing over the train tracks, the path starts off very mild and gradually gets steeper. Stone Mountain, as its name suggests, is one giant rock, and thus the entire trail is rock. About half way up, a covered picnic area is a great place to catch your breath. It just gets steeper from here.

A metal railing helps many up the next hill and then it’s only one more steep climb before the top. At the summit is an observation building and the end point to the Summit Skyride, a Swiss cable car transport to the top. One might wonder why they didn’t just ride it to the top instead of walk…

All that’s left to do is head back down, which can be just as much of a challenge due to the steep decline, so take your time.