Stone Mountain itinerary scene

One-night itinerary

One night between granite, Georgia woodland, and the village

Arrive before breakfast Saturday, climb the Walk-Up Trail in suitable weather, picnic by the lake, visit the Grist Mill and covered bridge, eat in the village, then walk King’s Trail Sunday.

By Cal Mercer — a Second Star Guide itinerary

Stone Mountain rises sharply above wooded parkland and the Atlanta metro, with the village just outside the park.

Best length

1 night

Arrive before breakfast Saturday, stay once in Stone Mountain Village, and finish with King’s Trail on Sunday morning.

Stay

Stone Mountain Manor

A small independent inn in Stone Mountain Village for travelers who want local restaurants and the village…

Main activity

Granite summit, park woodland, lake, and village

Weather determines whether the exposed summit is suitable, while the park’s operating calendar determines which ticketed attractions are available.

Main outing

Summit or lower park trails

Do not stack a hot summit climb, every attraction, and an Atlanta evening into one day.

Walk-Up Trail crossing exposed granite on Stone Mountain
Put the exposed summit walk in the coolest suitable weather window.
Painterly view of Stone Mountain Village at dinner time
The village provides restaurants and an overnight base outside the park.
Family lake outing beneath Stone Mountain
The lake picnic separates the granite climb from the Grist Mill and covered bridge.

Saturday

Walk-Up Trail, lake picnic, Grist Mill, then village dinner.

Start on the Walk-Up Trail in a cool, dry morning window, eat beside the lake, stop at the Grist Mill and covered bridge, then return to Stone Mountain Village for dinner.

11:30 AM

Afternoon

Move from granite into shade, lunch, or lake air.

After the climb, eat beside the lake, then visit the Grist Mill Historical Gardens and covered bridge before checking in.

Sunday

Huskers breakfast, King’s Trail on Indian Island, then home.

After breakfast, walk the three-quarter-mile King’s Trail loop before leaving Stone Mountain. Skip the walk if storms or unsafe footing close the route.