Field guide
Stone Mountain Park hike and running trails
Plan your Stone Mountain Park hike or run. Find official information on the 1.3-mile Walk-Up Trail, the 5-mile Cherokee Trail, and parking fees.
Stone Mountain Park is located in the Atlanta, Georgia area. It offers 15 miles of trails with varying degrees of difficulty for hiking and running.
This guide provides official details on popular routes like the Walk-Up Trail and the Cherokee Trail, along with information on access, fees, and rules.
Official facts at a glance
- Location
- in the Atlanta, Georgia area
- Total trail length
- 15 miles
- Walk-Up Trail length
- 1.3-mile (2.1 km)
- Cherokee Trail length
- ~5 miles
- Walk-Up Trail elevation gain
- about 700 feet
- Walk-Up Trail surface
- smooth granite
- Overall trail difficulty
- varying degrees of difficulty
- Walk-Up Trail difficulty
- moderate, with some steep and rocky sections
- Walk-Up Trail duration (one way)
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Trail access fee
- Included with a daily or annual parking pass
- Parking fee
- Daily or annual parking pass required
- Walk-Up Trail restrooms
- Available at the trailhead near the parking lot and at the summit
- Dog rules
- Keep pets on a leash at all times
- Bikes on mountain loop
- Bicyclists can circle the mountain on a 5 mile loop with wide, dedicated lanes
Sources: Hiking Trails (stonemountainpark.com), Walk-Up Trail to Top of Stone Mountain (stonemountainpark.com), Cherokee Trail Guide (stonemountainpark.com). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The Walk-Up Trail to the summit
The Walk-Up Trail is a 1.3-mile route to the summit. It has an elevation gain of about 700 feet. The trail surface is smooth granite.
The route is considered moderate, with some steep and rocky sections. The estimated one-way duration is 45 minutes to 1 hour. Restrooms are available at the trailhead and at the summit.
Other trails for running and hiking
The Cherokee Trail is approximately 5 miles long. Bicyclists can use a separate 5 mile loop that circles the mountain. This loop has wide, dedicated lanes.
Park access and on-trail rules
Access to the trails requires a daily or annual parking pass. The trail access fee is included with the parking pass.
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times throughout the park.
Before you go
- A daily or annual parking pass is required for vehicle entry.
- Trail access is included with your parking pass.
- The Walk-Up Trail is a moderate 1.3-mile route on smooth granite.
- Pets must be on a leash at all times.
- Restrooms are located at the Walk-Up Trail trailhead and the summit.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Atlanta. All cities: City running and hiking guides.