This huge, multifaceted park located 25 kilometres from Atlanta is based around a quartz monzonite dome monadnock, to give it its full name, the largest exposed granite outcropping on Earth. Aside from this landmark attraction which rises 514 metres above sea level and which is worth the visit alone, there's the Confederate Memorial carved onto the north face of the mountain, which is the world's largest sculpture, measuring 27 metres by 58 metres. The Civil War memorial depicts three Southern heroes: President Jefferson Davis and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson and was started in 1923 but not finished until 1972.
Stone Mountain's summit can be reached by a 1.6 kilometre trail on the west side of the mountain, or by the Skyride aerial tram. There is also a cable car that lifts you to the mountaintop and a steam train that chugs around the mountain's base. The top of the mountain is covered with bare rock and rock pools, and on a clear day, the views of the surrounding area include the skyline of downtown Atlanta, Kennesaw Mountain, and if conditions are perfect, even the Appalachian Mountains.
Aside from these two attractions, there's a wealth of other things to see and do. In the summer, the Lasershow Spectacular, an outdoor light display set to music and projected onto the side of the mountain, is a must-see. There's also a wildlife reserve, an excellent and informative antebellum plantation, a swimming beach, two golf courses, and two museums dedicated to the Civil War. Plenty of people choose to extend their visit with an overnight stay and there is a camp site, a hotel, a resort and several restaurants to accommodate you.
An Adventure Pass gives you all-day access to the trails, train and cable rides and a whole host of other activities. The park is open year-round and it’s difficult to get their via public transport, so it's best to drive.
