While working in the Atlanta area I was staying near this big rock sticking out of the ground, commonly known as Stone Mountain, and knew while I was there I'd have to get up on it. This park area is used heavily by locals and folks from the immediate metro Atlanta area.
The mountain has an elevation of 1686', with an actual vertical of 825' from the base and has a primary foot trail (1.3 mls each way), which just heads straight up the "rock" and thus is steep. The vertical gain on this trail is almost 900' which makes it very strenuous for most people and on the spring days when I hiked on the mountain I saw several folks who the were needing to pace themselves better and avoid the cramps and relative levels of dangerous over-exertion. There is also a Skyride which folks can use to access the summit. This is a day use park. The photo below is from the summit with some of the Atlanta skyline in the background.
If you'd rather ride a bike then you're in luck! There is a road which circles the mountain and which vehicle access to is limited because it is within the park boundary. The park is self-contained and charges fees for vehicle access. There are various parking spots and areas outside the park perimeter which one can utilize; which is what I did, and then walk in to avoid paying the daily rate for vehicles inside the park.
If you are an experienced hiker and look at the map for the park before you start you'll notice some primitive access roads for maintenance, which with some imagination and a little bushwhacking, you'll be able to find a route(s) to the top without having the crowds on the primary trail. This picture below was from a route I chose off the trial and I am heading to those trees on the top right of this picture which was just short of the summit. If you'd like further details on the routes I followed just respond and I'll send you the details.
I'd recommend this day hike if your in the area as there are some great views and awesome geology.
The mountain has an elevation of 1686', with an actual vertical of 825' from the base and has a primary foot trail (1.3 mls each way), which just heads straight up the "rock" and thus is steep. The vertical gain on this trail is almost 900' which makes it very strenuous for most people and on the spring days when I hiked on the mountain I saw several folks who the were needing to pace themselves better and avoid the cramps and relative levels of dangerous over-exertion. There is also a Skyride which folks can use to access the summit. This is a day use park. The photo below is from the summit with some of the Atlanta skyline in the background. 
If you'd rather ride a bike then you're in luck! There is a road which circles the mountain and which vehicle access to is limited because it is within the park boundary. The park is self-contained and charges fees for vehicle access. There are various parking spots and areas outside the park perimeter which one can utilize; which is what I did, and then walk in to avoid paying the daily rate for vehicles inside the park.
If you are an experienced hiker and look at the map for the park before you start you'll notice some primitive access roads for maintenance, which with some imagination and a little bushwhacking, you'll be able to find a route(s) to the top without having the crowds on the primary trail. This picture below was from a route I chose off the trial and I am heading to those trees on the top right of this picture which was just short of the summit. If you'd like further details on the routes I followed just respond and I'll send you the details.
I'd recommend this day hike if your in the area as there are some great views and awesome geology.
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