Stone Mountain Park
Categories: Amusement Parks, Hotels, Parks, Museums [Edit]
US Hwy 78 EExit 8
Stone Mountain, GA 30087 (770) 498-5600
- Price Range: $$
- Good for Kids: Yes
18 Reviews for Stone Mountain Park
Of course had to do the whole touristy thing when we first moved down to Georgia, so first stop on our list was to go see the big rock! Since then we have enjoyed many trips to Stone Mountain for various cultural events they hold there, as well as the 4th of July, the laser shows, and Christmas! ( yah we take allof of out of town guests there!)
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An amazing place to visit. If you live in Atlanta, you have to climb the big rock. I moved here from North Carolina, and this is the first touristy thing we did. We took the tram all the way to the top and walked down. Boy, did the walk down take a long time and man, my legs started to hurt!
Got the annual pass, so I hope to make it back for a laser show. I hear that can be tres cool.
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We visited this park forever ago - pre-marriage and pre-kid - probably 15 years ago in the early '90s. WOW has this place changed. It's a whole entertainment complex now.
The rock is the main attraction - very cool. The kids had a blast. We took the tram up to the top and back; rode the train; and played in The Barn. The Barn is a giant indoor climb-n-slide place where you collect "fruit" (colored balls) and they get sucked up into big vacuum counters.
The kids had a great time. If I had to do it over again, I would ride the tram to the top and walk down with the kids, then take the train. We'd also spend more time here - probably a full day instead of the half-day we spent.
There is also a historical living museum, petting zoo, mini golf, splash pool/slide, and duck boat rides. There is a laser show in the summer - that looks cool but it wasn't going on when we visited. Lots and lots to do here with the kids. There is also a new giant outdoor play place opening this summer. We'll definitely come back if we're visiting Atlanta again.
Stone Mountain is filled with things to do and see. It is a very impressive landmark. I love the trek up the mountain. I've never taken the skyride but it looks interesting. I like doing the walk personally. It's extremely good exercise. The laser show is very stunning at night. This historical confederate rock is a must seee for anybody that can see it.
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On my first ever trip to Georgia I had a long list of touristy places to visit, and though my weekend trip wasn't long enough to make it to Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez's memorial, I was very happy when time permitted this huge confederate rock.
This is such a weird place. It's just a huge granite formation in the middle of what looked like nowhere (at least from the top of the rock) that "mysteriously" eroded perfectly into the formation of several confederate generals (a similar phenomenon has taken place in South Dakota).
While the mountain is definitely the main attraction, the re-located plantation buildings were pretty rad. I'm kind of into replaced historic landmarks. Especially interesting was that there was an actual Civil War survivor and his knitting wife sitting outside the plantation home offering historic tidbits about the architecture. The entrance and exit of this exhibit doubled as an awesome peanut store that was also historically accurate, selling jarred preserves from Paula Dean's kitchen.
If in the Atlanta area, this destination is highly recommended.
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This review is more aimed at the only reason I've ever come to Stone Mountain: the laser show. THE LASER SHOW! The name alone just espouses some hick-ass repercussions. "We're gunna go out and sit in a big ol' field with blankets and KFC and rub bugbite juice on Mabel so them damn skeeters don't eat her up, and then they gonna splash big rings of light up on that rock! You ain't lived till you stood in the mush field with one hand o'er your dang heart and listened to those ol' boys sing PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN while they shoot flickery pink and purple light all around. I ain't funny queer, but sometimes it makes me cry."
Seriously though, the laser show can be fun to watch, if only for the great heehaw moments. It's super patriotic and filled with Waffle House music. But sometimes it's nice to get out.
My favorite tidbit about Stone Mountain is that it was originally going to be made into a monument glorifying the KKK. The guy that originally owned it was a founding member or something of that nature and was going to carve a memorial to one of their leaders on the rock. Somehow he got stopped. I didn't make that up. But now today we have this place.
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I have been to the park many parks. Actually I had purchased yearly pass for three years when I was in Atlanta. At that time, the cost for a yearly vehicle pass was only about 4 single passes.
The walk-up trail is very good. If one doesn't want to climb up and down. One can take the one-way Skyride. The laser show is also good.
Now they also bulit some attractions that need separate tickets. Have not tried them yet.
http://www.stonemounta...
I've been to quite a few "landmarks" since I've been here in the A-- the acqarium, the botanical gardens, high museum-- and most haven't lived up to expectations. I'm happy to say that Stone Mountain Park was a very pleasant outing and totally surpassed my expectations.
I went to go for a hike up the mountain with my sister. The trail was not only a great workout, but it was very well maintained and scenic. There were tons of folks of all shapes and sizes out there getting there hike on. It was beautiful.
After the hike we explored the rest of the park including the confederate hall museum and the stone mountain monument. It was a nice way to wind down after the workout, plus we learned alot about the state's history.
There a portion's of the park that is alot like an amusement park-- i.e., admission fee (~$24), rides, attractions, etc.-- but that wasn't on our agenda so we didn't check that out. But the rest of the park is beautiful, and well worth the $8 parking fee. I highly recommend it as a day outing.
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This place has changed a lot over the years.
I think every kid who grew up in Georgia probably remembers their first trip up Stone Mountain. I know I remember running up and down the mountain as a little kid. If I tried to attempt that same feat today, I may be a little faster, but that whole running thing would last about two minutes.
The laser show has become somewhat mediocre, and they really do not put a lot of focus on changing up the show from year to year. I think the last time I was there they had the same Ray Charles "Georgia" song playing at the end of the show, which was followed by the usual fireworks and redneck yells.
For those of you who visit the city of Atlanta though I definitely recommend you give this place a try. Its not every day that you see a real mountain made of stone with confederate soldiers carved in the front.
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Calling all Sports Enthusiasts and people looking for a great outing...get ready!!!
Whether you like to jog, hike, swim, cycle or roller blade (I am sure that I am missing something) Stone Mountain Park has something for you. I traditionally thought that Stone Mountain was just for those looking for a trendy Southern "tourist" destination but it has so much more to offer.
If you are looking for traditional Southern Plantations, Great golfing or either a view 1.3 miles above the Atlanta skyline...Stone Mountain Park will provide you with either the relaxation (Marriott Conference Center has a great SPA) or a 5.2 mile run around the mountain, make sure to put Stone Mountain on your to do list.
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The first time my brother and I decided to do the 1.3 mile hike up Stone Mountain I was not prepared. It was hot. It was humid and it is literally 825 feet from the bottom of the mountain to the top. Notice I keep saying MOUNTAIN.
On my first try I made it about half way. There was no way I was ever going to see the top of that thing. My brother decided that we were going to make it to the top! And you know what? He was right! A week later we made it all the way to the top. Trust me, it wasn't an easy trip. That hike is HARD and anyone that tells you that it isn't is a LIAR.
Stone Mountain is 1,683 feet above sea level. That's kinda high. The main attraction at this park is the Confederate Memorial Carving that depicts Confederate heroes of the Civil War, Jefferson Davis and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. Its the largest High-Relief Sculpture in the World.
We went back on July 4th for the fireworks. There had to be 30,000 people at that park. It was very interesting to see. The fireworks and laser show were a huge let down though.
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We started off our morning by hiking to the top of the Stone Mountain Park. It was just a short trail but we felt very refreshing and the view from the top was astonishing. With breezy wind, blue sky and stunning view, this is my absolute favorite spot to relax and enjoy mother nature!!! Besides, this is a great getaway place for all ages. With just $8 per vehicle, you get to venture around the park with numerous outdoor activities like hiking trails, public picnic area, children's playground and the spectacular laser light show. Luckily my friend purchased a yearly pass, I got in for free. :)
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Stone Mountain taught me who won the Civil War: the gift shops. I for one salute our new gift shop overlords.
It's a monument to both commercialism and Confederate generals. The view from the top of the mountain is the best part, I can do without the view from the bottom.
The laser light show is a local favorite for those who enjoy getting trashed and watching the pretty lights. I highly recommend it. And yes, that was intentional.
Hours and attraction operations change depending on the season and month, so be sure to check out the park website before you take off to see the sights.
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Stone Mountain Park is awesome. The trek up the rock is strenuous enough for a good workout, and the bike trail from Decatur makes it accessible other than by car. Annual vehicle parking passes are $35, though, which is great since daily parking is $8 - the annual pass pays off in 5 visits. With the laser show, mountain and bike/running trails, it is more than easy to make your annual pass well worth it.
A suggestion to the unprepared - if you're going to climb the mountain between April and mid-October, do it early in the morning. It gets harder as the day becomes hotter and more humid.
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Stone Mountain is interesting. I guess you would like it more or less, depending on the time you went. I had French relatives in town a few years ago and we went during the winter. We checked out the village of shops and it was cute.
During the summer they have a laser show you have to see at least once every decade. After that, bring out-of-towners for an interesting picnic. If you go on a regular basis, well, I have nothing to say. It's sort of a redneck haven, filled with pig-faced kids running amok while their drunk parents scream, "Billy Bob! Bobby Sue! Get yo fat butts back over heyah- ya'll hear me? I'm gone whack yo ass!!"
The best part about Stone Mountain is the trek up the mountain. If you think taking the tram to the top is cheating, try walking up the side of the mountain. It is so fulfilling. They also have a track around the base of the mountain for walkers, joggers, and pet walkers.
The cutesy Southern stores in Stone Mountain are located in antebellum houses that are supposed to be haunted. I love ghosts, so sorry I keep adding them into my reviews! But if you love a good ghost story stalk around one of these places!
What a Beautiful Park!!!! The best part I encountered with this place is taking the sky lift up to the top of the mountain and seeing the 360 degree view of Georgia, absolutely beautiful!!!!!!
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When I was a little girl and we would come down to Georgia to see my grandparents, Stone Mountain was such an exciting place to me. The laser show where the horsemen ride off the mountain, i mean WOW. When I was 18 and I moved to Atlanta, I discovered that Stone Mountain was not viewed by everyone with such wonder and amazement. Come on though, it has a man made lake to paddle around in and many trails and a large slab of granite to climb, fantastic! I seriously enjoy visiting Stone Mountain. It's so fun, go there and ride the train around the mountain and do the Stone Mountain thing.
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Stone Mountain Park definitely deserves 5 stars. An Atlanta landmark, Stone Mountain's claim to fame is two-fold; it is not only the biggest granite rock you will probably ever see in your life, at 1683 feet (513 m) high, it champions the world's largest "high-relief sculpture" (which Atlantans refer to as "the carving") on the mountain's side.
Though a state park, it has quickly become both a resort and an amusement park as well. The list of things to do is just exhaustive, but the absolute indisputable favorite is the laser show.
The laser show begins after dusk and is displayed on the side of the mountain. A variety show, it is set to music and is an emotional roller coaster ride. From just plain cool, to incredibly amusing, to tearfully heart wrenching, it is an absolute must to see. The finale brings the carving to life and if you do not shed a tear, then you will surely be the only one in the crowd who does not.
Laser Show Tip: Come early to set up on the lawn and bring your cooler (no alcohol), picnic items, chairs or a blanket. You can picnic while you wait and you can even bring games or cards for play. Seating fills fast and early.
Other attractions vary in both expense and type. A quick running list would include the Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard, Antique Car & Treasure Museum, Stone Mountain Museum, a riverboat (the Scarlett O'Hara), pedal boats, railroad, skyride (or you could just walk up the mountain), the "Great Barn" (a kids dream), the "Treehouse Challenge" (another kids dream), mini-golf course, playgrounds, and a historic bridge that crosses over the lake and which comes complete with hungry ducks and geese. In the summer it even boasts a water slide.
There is a shopping area based on an 1870s southern town called Crossroads and a 4D theater is located inside as well as an interesting southern restaurant with employees wearing old-time dress. They'll toss you muffins or biscuits which melt in your mouth. Yes, I said toss and I mean what I say here. The other food is only okay, but the atmosphere is better and worth the time there.
If you wish to spend the night there are hotels and campsites also available, but the official site contains much more detail than I could ever provide here.
As a child, like Susan said in these reviews, I grew up going to Stone Mountain. Back then though, it was just a park and there was not as much to do as there is now. Still though, it was fun for a day.
The major drawback to the whole Stone Mountain adventure is the overall exorbitant price. Though you only pay the state park parking fee when you enter, nearly everything else listed is an additional payment, except for the laser show, the bridge and walking up the mountain.
Still though if you've never been, it is a definite must see and especially for tourists. Plan a whole day if you wish to see it all, and be sure to stay for the laser show.
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