Just outside Atlanta, a mighty, bare granite colossus rises from the flat green: Stone Mountain. The huge rock dome is the heart of a sprawling recreation park and one of the region's most popular outings. Up top a wide view over the surrounding country, down below a park with a cable car, a historic railroad and the well-known evening laser show.
What you should do
The classic, and my clear tip: ride up on the Summit Skyride, a cable car, and walk back down on foot via the Walk-Up Trail. The walk is lovely and not strenuous, and from up top on clear days you have a wide view all the way to the distant skyline of Atlanta.
The evening laser show
The big summer highlight is the evening light and laser show, in which lasers, projections and music dance across the mighty rock face. For a few years now a much more modern version has been running with a far larger image. An experience for the whole family, best enjoyed with a picnic blanket on the lawn in front.
The park all around
Around the dome lies a large recreation park with a historic steam railroad, a rebuilt old village, hiking trails and many attractions. Good for a whole day, especially with children. One thing you should know: the park has been heavily commercialized over the decades. In the past part of it was even free, today you pay a parking fee, and the big attractions cost extra.
The huge rock relief
Carved into the rock face is a mighty relief of three Confederate leaders, the largest bas-relief in the world and the best-known feature of the mountain.
