Stone Mountain Park

There is Crossroads - very fun (sky hike! great barn!) for children but more pricey, though we got our money worth out of our Mountain Membership. It can also be crowded at some times, especially festivals. Weekdays will be easier to navigate. There is a lot of free stuff beyond that. There is a playground (contrary to a previous review from someone who apparently couldn't read the free map they give you..), a museum, of course- the LASER SHOW, the walk up trail to the amazing views at the top of the Mountain, the grist mill and covered bridge, running/bicycling paths, nature paths... Well suffice it to say, there is a multitude of things to do. Of course, it is nature. Go to any park and if you don't like nature, you'll be paying more for touristy things. The area has a rich history. (Only the uneducated and ignorant would think the racist history is the extent of it - it was there, as in most of the South, actually most of the country, but it is far from the complete story.) There is much about geology to learn. This is also the largest exposed body of granite in the world. (To the previous reviewer - I have a tree in my back yard. That doesn't mean the Taigan Forest is irrelevent.) There is a lot more to it then that, too. Going informed might improve your experience, but for anyone, it is a fun time. I have been going since I was a child, and now take my own child. I teach her and play with her - we have picnics, we hike, etc. We spent yesterday at Snow Mountain, which is a rare chance for her to see snow in Georgia! I trained for many races on the multiuse pathways. (and ran some races here that the ATC puts on!) This is a true jewel in Georgia. If someone can only visit one attraction in GA, this is it. more

My experiences of the park is land....lots of land with a bunch of over-priced mediocre activites. You already pay $10.00 just to get in (1 car). Then you pull out your wallet to pay for over-priced foods, activites, and expensive souvenier gifts. Or you can watch them make glass (LAAAAMMMMEEE!!!) I figured since the park was so big, they would at least have FREE swingsets and slides for the kids....YEAH RIGHT!!...Nothing is free in this park, unless, I guess maybe walking around and getting burnt up by the sun. Some sections of the park aren't even opened up...and have to be reserved...After observing it's clear that money is the most important thing here...4.00 for one small soda?!! No slides or nothing for the kids to play with for free...the only thing you can do for free, that is once you've payed 10 to get in...is sit around on some shade, that hopefully you will find...And that seems to be what everyone else does so...hey...(shrugs)..Oh the Granite??....Big WHOOPING Deal... I have granite in my back yard....smh...people are idiots!! Wasn't Stone Mountain just 40 years ago entirely racist, with some of the largest slave plantations in the south?...so what history are they teaching here? more

Where else can you see the world's largest hunk of exposed granite? You can't, because Atlanta has it right in their backyard. The face of the rock has a giant relief sculpture of Confederate leaders which is just cool. Of course a lot of us have never been to Mount Rushmore which is the only place to see a large sculpture like this. Stone mountain is also home to museums, hotels, and more outside recreation that you can shake a stick at. Make sure you take a ride on the railroad that goes around the entire piece of granite. Other highlights you don't want to miss is the nightly laser show that happens as darkness takes the park. And, check out the car museum if you're a car nut like me. Get ready to spend the day at the park unless you just stop in for the laser show at night - perfect for a date. more

Great park. Lots of scenery. Fantastic city views. Good for company outings, picnics, and events. Family atmosphere. Lots for kids to do. Fun learning experience. Historical. Sky lift ride to top of mountain. Trails available to walk from the bottom to the top of the mountain. Mountain top is fenced so you can go to the edge and look over without being afraid of falling. Marta bus accessible. Great for hiking and those who like to walk. Affordable. Pros: Great affordable park for all ages more

Lots of activities to do, from the beach to climbing the mountain, riding the train around the mountain, taking photos in western clothing, picnic grounds, camping grounds, hotels for those afraid of the outside, and the best of all the Laser show on the mountain with great music Pros: Activities for the whole family Cons: Heavy traffic on holiday's more

The park has great accomodations for would be grillers. It is very spacious and provides a great workout for someone looking to get in shape. The attractions are pretty good for the kids. The laser light show is one the best. It will leave you wanting more. It is a great place for fireworks on the 4th of July and offers a wonderful and professional safe show. The parking is a bit expensive for what is offered but overall you can have a great time with friends or family. The view is breath taking. You must experience it for yourself. Pros: The laser light show Cons: Parking prices more

I hadn't been to Stone Mountain since elementary school, and trust me that was a while ago, until recently that is. Stone Mountain is full of things to do. I have spent many a day there recently. I have seen music concerts, blacksmith working, glass blowing, and more. The train ride around the park is peaceful and gives your legs a rest before or after your hike up the mountain. The walk up is nice. It can be a challenge but it is worth it when you get to the top, what a view. Time is well spent in the park for a picnic or enjoying the laser show. The parking pass is good for all day so you can come in hang out and come back later for the show. You can't beat that. Pros: Plenty of things to do, great family fun more

If you've visited the world's largest hunk of exposed granite featuring a giant relief sculpture of Confederate leaders Lee, Jackson and Davis then you know what it is to feel your proud Southern heritage welling up inside you. Offering a Civil War museum, two hotels and a huge recreational spread, the park draws scores of unwashed visitors who you don't want to share a tram ride to the top of the mountain with. The restored antebellum plantation, scenic railroad and paddlewheel boat are popular. But the best event is the ""free laser show"" that allows you to witness greater Atlanta's lower class child rearing (or should I say beating) at its best, especially when witnessed against the backdrop of the late Elvis Presley crooning Glory, Glory Haleluia as the laser animated pieces of General Lee's broken saber regroup into the reunited states of the Post Civil War U.S. It's a chilling tribute to the War of Northern Agression and definitely worth the $8.00 price of admission to the park. Pros: Laser Show, Laser Show, Laser Show!!! Cons: Tram Ride = Rip Off!!! more

Great way to get exercise. For the summer, wear light clothing and bring a backpack of water. In the fall, wear layers of clothes, because you'll take some off on the way up. Bring a camera. It a great view of ATL. Check out the Stone Mountain village and stay for the lazer show. It's perfect for a family event and a romantic date. Only downfall is the $8 parking. Pros: Exercise. Lazer show. View from the top! Cons: Parking price. more

And it really is. As a child growing-up in Atlanta, many a Sunday picnic, was spent here. And yes we had to climb-up,spread out the blanket, eat fried chicken and talk about that 25 story bank building downtown. Fast forward, ride that SwissTran lift, munch on goodies from EatZi's, and contemplate which 50 story tower, to buy that condo in. The surrounding parks are wonderful. Walking,jogging, and pet friendly trails are everywhere. Yes, Georgia country in the city, and it's not Doraville! And don't miss The Yellow Daisy Arts & Crafts Fair, every Labor Day weekend! Pros: Georgia Country In The City! Cons: I Want To Build A Cabin In The Sky! more

The laser light show is a great evening get-away from the city. I have tons of fun every time I go. It's great whether you're going with the family or with a group of college students. Pros: Entertaining, Good Parking, Unique Cons: Crowded more

Stone Mountain is a gem of a place! It has something for everyone. We go here for so many reasons. It is the place to go to get away from the stress of daily life. Nice place to go after work on week nights to just let the kids play and grill a steak. We have yearly passes and they are WORTH EVERY PENNY!!! Some days we just drive out to ride the riverboat or ride to the mountain top for a relaxing view. 'Can't say enough positive about Stone Mountain Park. Pros: Close to nature, Variety, Relaxing more

I have to admit that I was told by someone back home that, while visiting the Atlanta area, Stone Mountain was a sight to see. I was skeptical, but I went, and was amazed by it. Maybe I'm not your typical tourist, but I enjoy natural history and seeing geologic formations, so even though it was a cold, wet, misty day, I enjoyed it. The short tram ride is not for those affraid of heights, though, since it's very steep. The carving was interesting. The mtn. was the only thing I visited at the park. We went off-season. Pros: kids will love tram, unusual, a sight to see Cons: pricey tram ride more

If this is the best Georgia can do for favorite - then sorry for Georgia. It's too expensive for what you really get to do, which is wait in lines. Now, stone mountain is great when it comes to the area parks and lakes and hiking trail, but parking is way to expensive. Pros: friendly workers, outside Cons: boring, seen all on 1st visit, expensive more

No matter how often we make the trek over frm Cobb County, we never get tired of visiting Stome Mountain. My kids love everything from the mini-golf to the paddle boats to the mountain itself. Every time we go, we make a day of it. The new attractions (Crossroads and The Barn) are a delight - better than we imagined. The yearly pass is well worth the money!! more

The park is a must see, for vistors to atlanta area, I am a long time patron of this park. Climbing the mountain at least twice a week while in high school visiting the park close to a 1000. Its a history lesson in progress. EVEN IF YOU DONT THINK YOU COULD WALK UP THE MOUNTAIN AT LEAST TAKE THE SKY LIFT UP THEN WALK DOWN ITS A GREAT VIEW DAY OR NIGHT. The lazor/firework show is a must see and its even free. You could spend the week and still be able to find new things to do. Just go you will not be disapointed. Pros: Great place for >>>>>, low cost family fun>>, or even a date Cons: The park is crowded>, on holidays. They do, handle crowds well more

A good place for families as well as people of all ages. The park is always clean and well maintained. more

No one should come to Atlanta without seeing Stone Mountain. A lot of the activities are expensive, but just to see the largest piece of exposed granite in the world is something else. If you can catch the laser show - do it! The walk to the top is strenuous, but beautiful view once you arrive. Pros: beauty, laser show, steam boat Cons: crowded, too commercialized more

I have lived here all my life & Stone Mtn. Park still continues to evolve & keep entertaining year after year. Pros: views, laser show, activities Cons: Restroom distances, traffic - lasershow more

I love Stone Mountain! It's an educational, yet fun place for people of all ages. The only setback was the extra fees you have to pay to experience all that the park offers. Pros: family oriented, fun, educational Cons: expensive more