Visiting Stone Mountain Park, Georgia

Stone Mountain Park, located in the suburbs of bustling Atlanta, Georgia, is a 3,200 acre family oriented theme park centered around the wondrous natural rock formation that is the largest exposed piece of granite in the world. This natural wonder is amazing in itself, but the Stone Mountain carving is one of the main attractions to visitors.

The Confederate Memorial Carving on Stone Mountain is an extremely detailed depiction of three Civil War heroes, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. Carved into a space on the rock that measures about three acres and is 400 feet above the ground, the Stone Mountain carving is the largest high elevation sculpture of its kind in the world.

Stone Mountain Park is open year round and is one of the most popular family attractions along the eastern coast. A parking permit gives you unlimited access to Stone Mountain’s activities, including 15 miles of hiking trails and the infamous Stone Mountain laser show, displaying 40 minutes of fascinating lighting synchronized with a variety of popular music.

An all inclusive pass to Stone Mountain Park includes access to all of Stone Mountain’s attractions, including the unforgettable Summit Skyride that offers a close view of the Stone Mountain carving and a variety of shows, from animals to story telling, that will entertain the entire family. For an additional charge, you can “Ride the Ducks”. This reservation-only Stone Mountain attraction is an experience like no other! Take a ride through the park on a converted 1940’s military vehicle and test the capabilities of this amphibious DUKW with a dip in Stone Mountain Lake.

Stone Mountain is a perfect day trip for those in the Atlanta metro area, but visitors from further away will need plenty of time to explore the park so overnight accommodations are conveniently located in and around the park. Schedule a relaxing family vacation at the historic Marriot Stone Mountain Inn inside the park or take in a luxurious weekend of golf and pampering at the park’s Evergreen Marriot Conference Center.

If your ideal Stone Mountain vacation is more adventurous, load up your camping gear and visit the largest family campground in the area, the Stone Mountain, Georgia campground. There are 247 sites with water and electrical hookups, perfect for your Coleman dome tent or your folding camper, as well as 147 fully equipped sites for RVs. If you’re looking for a more primitive camping adventure at Stone Mountain, there are 47 primitive sites at the Stone Mountain Campground.

Besides the diverse outdoor activities available at Stone Mountain, including boating, fishing, hiking, and bicycling, the unique attractions like the classic riverboat cruise and a fun-filled five mile train ride, and the family pleasing shows with amazing animals and classic stories, Stone Mountain Park is also home to great southern cuisine and one of a kind handcrafted gifts.

From on the go chicken, pizza joints, and hotdog stands to casual lakeside dining and hearty southern style buffets, there are several restaurants within Stone Mountain Park to satisfy every taste. If unique Stone Mountain gifts and wares are what you’re looking for, watch as local crafters create gorgeous candles and transform fragile glass into breathtaking blown glass sculptures. From handcrafted leathers, classic toys, and woven fabrics to old fashioned candies, traditional souvenirs, and savory peanuts the shopping is just as varied, and as enjoyable, as the many other Stone Mountain, Georgia attractions.