Hike up Stone Mountain

There are hikes that wind gently through the forest, and then there is the Stone Mountain Walk-Up Trail. Located just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, this isn't your typical walk in the woods. It's a 1-mile, straight-up assault on the largest piece of exposed granite in the world.

The trail itself might only be 2.2 miles round trip, but don't let the short distance fool you. The continuous 700-foot elevation gain will have your calves burning and your lungs working in overdrive long before you reach the summit.

Follow the Yellow Line

Starting near Confederate Hall, the trail begins as a deceptively gentle slope across the smooth, gray rock face. Your guide to the top? A thick yellow line painted directly onto the granite. In the early morning, before the Georgia heat bakes the rock, the walk up is peaceful. But as you push past the "Halfway House" pavilion, the mountain begins to reveal its true steepness.

"It’s not just a physical climb; it’s a mental one. When the slope steepens and the horizon drops away, it’s just you and the rock."

The Final Push

The last quarter-mile of the trail is where the mountain earns its reputation. The granite curves sharply upward, becoming so steep that metal handrails are bolted directly into the stone to help hikers pull themselves up. The surface can be incredibly slick, especially if there's been morning dew or a recent rain, requiring absolute focus on your footing.

The Summit Reward

Pushing past the final handrails, the rock levels out, and you are officially 1,686 feet above sea level. The reward for the grueling climb is an uninterrupted, 360-degree panoramic view.

On a clear day, you get it all:

• The sprawling silhouette of the downtown Atlanta skyline.
• The sparkling waters of Stone Mountain Lake below.
• The distant, rolling peaks of the North Georgia mountains stretching across the horizon.

Trail Fast Facts:

Whether you’re training for a massive trail run or just want a quick, intense workout with a massive payoff, the Walk-Up Trail never disappoints. The climb is tough, but standing above the clouds makes every step worth it.