Last updated October 28, 2026
The Walk-Up Trail at Stone Mountain is probably the most-hiked mile in Georgia, and for good reason. It's about 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta, it takes you straight up a giant granite dome, and the view from the top stretches across the whole metro, with the Atlanta skyline on the horizon.
It's also steeper than a lot of people expect. Most people climb it in 30 minutes to an hour, and the round trip takes 1.5 to 2 hours with time on top. This guide covers where to park, what the climb is actually like, what you'll see on top, whether to take the Skyride and the mistakes to avoid.
The Atlanta skyline on the horizon from the summit, even on a cloudy February day.
Stone Mountain Walk-Up Trail at a Glance
Where: Stone Mountain Park, about 30 minutes east of downtown Atlanta
Trailhead: The west side of the mountain near Confederate Hall, with parking at the Walk-Up Trail lot and the Walking Trails lot
Length: About 1 mile each way, a little over 2 miles round trip
Elevation gain: About 700 feet to a summit of roughly 1,686 feet
Time: 30 minutes to an hour to the top, about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip with time at the summit
Difficulty: Moderate. It's short, but it climbs the whole way and gets steep near the top.
Cost: The hike is free, but parking is $25 per car per day or $40 for an annual parking pass
Park gates: 5 a.m. to midnight every day
Best for: A quick workout with a big payoff, sunrise and sunset, and showing visitors a classic Atlanta view
Getting to the Trailhead
The Walk-Up Trail starts on the west side of the mountain, near Confederate Hall. Plug "Stone Mountain Walk-Up Trail" into your map and park at the Walk-Up Trail lot. If it's full, the Walking Trails lot is just past it, a little farther from the start.
The trail crosses the park's railroad tracks near the bottom, so keep an eye out for the train. The Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad runs a 5-mile loop around the base of the mountain on select dates, pulled by a big 1940s locomotive. It rolled right past me before I started my hike, and it's a fun bonus if your timing lines up.
The Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad rolling past near the start of the Walk-Up Trail.
How Long the Climb Takes and What It's Like
Plan on 30 minutes to an hour to reach the top, and 1.5 to 2 hours round trip with time at the summit. The first 0.6 miles is a steady walk, and the steep stretch after the Halfway House is what pushes slower hikers past the hour.
There's no dirt path on most of the Walk-Up Trail. You're walking on the granite itself, following a painted line up the mountain. It starts with a steady climb through pines and over rocky ground, passes the Cherokee Trail junction early on, and keeps climbing the whole way.
Follow the painted line up the bare granite.
About 0.6 miles up is the Halfway House, a covered pavilion and the best place to take a break. After that the trees thin out and the rock opens up. Around the three-quarter mark you hit the steepest stretch, where the park has installed metal handrails. Some grades here top 20 percent, so take it slow and use the rails, especially coming back down.
Open granite near the top, with the park and lake far below.
The last part flattens into a wide, open dome of bare rock. Take your time wandering around the top before you head back, because the views change depending on which edge you walk to.
The View From the Top
On a clear day the park says you can see about 60 miles. To the west is the Atlanta skyline, with Buckhead off to the northwest and Kennesaw Mountain way out on the horizon. To the east, you look down on Stone Mountain Lake winding through the trees below.
Stone Mountain Lake below the summit, with the Skyride cables overhead.
I went on a cloudy day in February, and I could still pick out the skyline sitting on the horizon. Gray skies won't ruin it, but a crisp, clear day after a cold front is when the view really opens up.
Pines framing the distant Atlanta skyline.
The summit also has the Skyride's upper station, with its tall support tower and cables running down the mountain. There are restrooms up top too.
The Skyride tower on the summit.
Walk Down or Ride the Skyride?
I walked up and down, and that's what I'd recommend for most people. It's free, and the walk down gives you the view the whole way.
The Skyride is the other option. It's an aerial tram that runs between the summit and the base of the mountain on the north side, usually from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and it needs a separate ticket. Just know that it drops you on the other side of the mountain, and there's no shuttle back to the Walk-Up Trail lot. If you parked there, you'll have a long walk back to your car.
The Skyride summit station, where the cable car drops riders off on top.
Dogs on the Walk-Up Trail
This one is confusing. The park's own Walk-Up Trail page currently says dogs are allowed on a leash, but some older guides say pets aren't allowed on the trail. Check the park's site or ask at the gate before you bring your dog. If you do, keep them on a short leash, bring water and watch their paws on hot rock in summer.
When to Hike Stone Mountain
Sunrise: The gates open at 5 a.m., and watching the sun come up over the lake from the top is one of the best things to do around Atlanta. Bring a headlamp for the climb.
Fall through early spring: The best hiking weather and the clearest views. In winter and early spring you'll also see the tiny red diamorpha plants growing in the shallow pools on the rock.
Summer: Go early. There's almost no shade once you're on the granite, and the rock gets hot by midday.
Sunset: Popular and worth it, but busy. Leave yourself enough light for the steep section on the way down.
Weekends, holidays and big park events bring huge crowds. A weekday morning is the easiest way to get a parking spot and a quiet summit.
The wide-open summit on a gray winter day.
Mistakes to Avoid
Wearing the wrong shoes. The granite is smooth and gets slippery when it's wet or covered in sand or pine needles. Wear shoes with real grip.
Underestimating the climb. It's only a mile, but it's uphill the whole way. Pace yourself and rest at the Halfway House.
Riding the Skyride down without a plan. It lands on the opposite side of the mountain, far from the Walk-Up Trail lot.
Hiking up after a storm. Wet rock on the steep section is slick, and lightning on an exposed summit is dangerous. Check the weather first.
Skipping water. There's no shade on the upper half, even on cool days.
Forgetting about parking. You need a parking pass to drive into the park. Buying online can be cheaper than paying at the gate.
About Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain is a massive granite dome, one of the largest exposed pieces of granite in the world, and the park around it covers more than 3,000 acres with a lake, trails, a golf course and attractions. The mountain's north face holds the Confederate Memorial Carving, which has made the park's history the subject of ongoing public debate. The Walk-Up Trail climbs the west side, and you don't pass the carving on the hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Stone Mountain?
Most people reach the top in 30 minutes to an hour. Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip with time at the summit.
How long is the Stone Mountain Walk-Up Trail?
About 1 mile each way, a little over 2 miles round trip, with about 700 feet of climbing.
Is the Stone Mountain hike hard?
It's moderate. It's short, but it climbs the whole way and the top section is steep enough to have handrails. Most people with average fitness can do it with a couple of breaks.
Does it cost money to hike Stone Mountain?
The trail is free, but you need a parking pass to drive into Stone Mountain Park. It's $25 per car per day or $40 for an annual pass.
Can you see Atlanta from Stone Mountain?
Yes. The Atlanta skyline is visible to the west from the summit, and you can see it even on a cloudy day.
Can you take the Skyride down after hiking up?
Yes, with a Skyride ticket, but it drops you on the north side of the mountain and there's no shuttle back to the Walk-Up Trail lot.
Are there bathrooms on Stone Mountain?
Yes. There are restrooms at the trailhead and at the summit.
Make It a Full Day
If you like hiking on granite, the next stop is Arabia Mountain, about 20 minutes south, with its pools and cairns on open rock. My Panola Mountain State Park guide covers its neighbor, where the summit is guided only. On the west side of town, my Sweetwater Creek State Park guide has rapids and mill ruins. For more close-to-home trips, see my Metro Atlanta outdoors guides, or use Find a Trip to filter every guide by drive time and difficulty.
Want to hike with a group? The Explore Georgia Hiking Club runs free group hikes around Georgia, and every pace is welcome.