Stone Mountain

For my next adventure, I decided it was time to go back to Stone Mountain! I have been to Stone Mountain about 3 times in my entire lifetime, and considering I moved here from Texas when I was one year old, it was time to go back. Of those 3 times, I walked up Stone Mountain for the first time last summer. The other two times, I went with my family to Stone Mountain Village for the fireworks around the 4th of July and the other time for the laser show during the holidays. Both of which are great times to go by the way!

Walking Up Stone Mountain is free, you only have to pay for parking. Parking is $10 per day or you can purchase an annual pass for $35. I only had $15 on me so I had to buy the daily pass, otherwise the $35 pass would've been a great deal, especially since we plan to go again! The Walk-Up Trail is open from sunrise to sunset, I like working out in the morning, so we went around 10 AM. The Walk-Up Trail is about one mile and from the top, it is 1686 feet above sea level (Stone Mountain Park). The trail is marked by a yellow line so it is easy to remain on track and enjoy the views along the way. I loved the fact that there was plenty of shade for most of the hike (with the exception of the steep part of course). 

My brother David loves going to Stone Mountain so it seemed ideal to take him with me. Before embarking on our hike, he challenged me to not stop for a break until we reached the top. My brother and I are extremely competitive individuals. So being challenged helped me keep pushing even when the hike became difficult. Considering he is taller than me, it was challenging to keep up with his fast pace, but I pushed through. 

The first time I walked up Stone Mountain, I took a break by the picnic area and again right after the steepest part of the hike where the metal bars are located. This time around, it was tempting to take a break right after the steep part, but I pushed through! I wanted a picture of the steep part, but I decided to wait until we were on our way back down to snap a picture of him there. I am so glad I did, because I had a great sense of accomplishment when we reached the top without stopping! 

Together we made it!

Making it to the top without stopping was challenging, but  worth the endorphin/adrenaline rush obtained from our hike up Stone Mountain! I was surprisingly full of energy when we made it, perhaps it was the adrenaline or sense of accomplishment, but I was filled with so much joy and energy that I wanted a picture in the air on top of Stone Mountain. 

When the energy started wearing off and the tiredness kicked in, it was finally time to take a break and enjoy the spectacular view from the top! It was so refreshing and relaxing to sit in silence and take in our view. Our view consisted of the Atlanta skyline and the North Georgia Mountains, and the surrounding Stone Mountain area. 

The top of the mountain's amenities include restrooms, water fountains, gift shops, and snacks.  

Something I learned from this hike: there are an additional 15 miles for hiking trails in Stone Mountain. We purchased the annual pass, so we will definitely have to go back and explore the remaining trails there!