A Day of Discovery in Stone Mountain Park
April 2022
Reaching the Summit, The Walk-Up Trail
We started our hike up the Walk-Up Trail on Stone Mountain on a cool, clear day. The one-mile climb was a steady workout, but the views of Georgia’s landscape made it worth it. As we got higher, we saw more of the scenery. When we reached the top, the weather suddenly changed. Dark clouds moved in, and the wind turned cold. Standing on this huge, isolated rock, also called a Monadnock, felt amazing, but we didn’t stay long. We hurried back down to avoid the storm, not wanting to risk lightning or sliding on the wet granite.
Life at the Base, The Cherokee Trail
After we got back to the car, we put on our raincoats and set out on the Cherokee Trail. This five-mile loop around the base was a nice way to continue our visit. The trail was easy, through woods and along the lake, with great views of the water and the mountain. What surprised me most was how plants survive in harsh conditions.
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What surprised me most was how plants survive in harsh conditions. Even in the barest spots on the rock, we saw tiny, bright red Diamorpha succulents and colorful lichens growing where you wouldn’t expect anything to live.
History in Stone, The Confederate Memorial Carving
During the hike, we also saw the huge carving on the mountain’s face. It’s actually the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world, even bigger than Mount Rushmore. It was carved by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who also carved Mount Rushmore. While the carving is an engineering wonder, it is also a controversial monument since its history is connected to the “Lost Cause” movement and the rebirth of the KKK. Even though the sculpture is protected by Georgia state law, debate continues over its future.
