Dentist Near Mountain Park, GA

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - More than 4 million people visit Stone Mountain Park each year — hiking, picnicking, and snapping photos beneath the massive carving of three Confederate leaders etched into the granite face.

Critics say the park’s story still celebrates the men who fought to preserve slavery, while leaving out those who were enslaved and terrorized during that same era.

The carving, which began in the 1910s and was revived during the Civil Rights era, is the largest Confederate monument in the world. The mountain itself once hosted Ku Klux Klan ceremonies, and under Georgia law, it remains officially designated as a memorial to the Confederacy.

On a walking trail meant to provide historical context, there’s just one brief mention of slavery — something that stood out to visitors from Germany, where public monuments honoring Nazi leaders are banned.

“Being face to face with the enormity of this memorial — and then seeing Confederate flags still flying — honestly, it shocked me,” said Alexandra Schenke, a University of Munich student studying how nations remember dark chapters of their past. “In Germany, we don’t have statues or memorials honoring Nazi officials. To see Confederate symbols displayed so proudly — it’s baffling."

Haley Snyder, an American now living in Germany, said seeing her home state through a foreign lens has been eye-opening.

“I grew up here and never questioned the flags or monuments,” Snyder said. “But hearing Germans’ shock — it made me realize how normalized this all is.”

The group visited Stone Mountain as part of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Critical Memory Tour, which examines how societies confront legacies of hate — from Holocaust remembrance sites in Germany to Confederate memorials across the U.S.

University of Munich professor Dr. Andreas Etges, who studies how Germany removed Nazi symbols, said the U.S. needs to face its own past directly.

“This needs to be critically contextualized,” Etges said. “You cannot deny that negative history — you have to face it.”

In response to the criticism, Martin K. O’Toole with the Sons of Confederate Veterans, issued a statement defending the park’s heritage:

“I am not surprised that a group hosted by the SPLC would have such a ‘public reaction.’ It sounds like a concocted media exhibition,” O’Toole said. “Why would someone come to a park which has been established by state law as a memorial to the Confederacy and be shocked to find Confederate flags? Why didn’t the SPLC warn these sensitive souls the trauma to which they might be exposed? Sounds like the SPLC docents were bad hosts.”

Georgia state Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-88) has long pushed for changes to the park’s designation and funding.

“We fund the Confederate memorial to the tune of two and a half million dollars a year,” Mitchell said. “One day, voters will say enough is enough.”

Activists from the Stone Mountain Action Coalition and the Atlanta NAACP are calling for the state to add more context to the park’s exhibits — and to tell the full story of how the carving came to be.

For now, the debate over what Stone Mountain represents — and who it honors — continues to carve deep divisions in Georgia’s landscape and history.

Stone Mountain Park is an outdoor playground where adventure, nature, and family fun collide. This 3,200-acre destination is home to the world's largest exposed granite mountain, a beautiful sight that rises above the ground. Aside from the giant rock, the park is also among the top must-visit family vacation destinations in the U.S. that both kids and parents will love. There are plenty of family-friendly adventures, like hiking trails and attractions, such as the Summit Skyride. Kids will also enjoy seasonal events such as pumpkin festivals or holiday shows.

The park is 30 minutes east of Atlanta, which means you can hop on a taxi and, within minutes, be surrounded by nature. If you're coming from overseas, the nearest major airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is about 25 miles from the park. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car and drive southwest to Stone Mountain in under 30 minutes.

Before it became a state park, Stone Mountain belonged to Venable Brothers, who mined granite from the monzonite dome monadnock. Georgia bought the land in 1958, and the park was opened in 1965. Over the years, Stone Mountain has become a popular place for outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences.

Camping, hiking and family fun at Stone Mountain Park

With 15 miles of hiking trails, Stone Mountain Park allows you to explore different landscapes and hardwood forests. You can take on the Cherokee Trail, a 5-mile moderate loop through a variety of habitats. This trail passes through the Confederate Memorial Carving and the Grist Mill Historical Gardens. If you prefer a short and moderate hike that's ideal for families, try the Nature Garden Trail. It's an easy trail of less than a mile, beginning at a native plant garden and winding along the Oak-Hickory forest that has a stream. Want to enjoy panoramic views from Stone Mountain? Follow the Walk-Up Trail, about one mile to the mountain summit, which involves climbing 768 feet up. Due to the high elevation, the trail is strenuous with a rocky path.

For an overnight stay or if you want to sleep under the stars, Stone Mountain Park is one of the best places to go camping in North America. With over 400 sites for camping and other accommodation options such as yurts and safari tents, there's plenty of space for everyone. Travelers will have access to water and electricity alongside complimentary Wi-Fi, a dump station, and laundry facilities. Aside from basic amenities, the campground has grilling spaces and picnic tables for cooking and eating outdoors.

If you're camping as a family, kids will enjoy the playground, volleyball court, and horseshoe pits. Family fun doesn't stop there; you can ride the Summit Skyride, a Swiss cable car that takes you to the top of Stone Mountain. The Skyride takes you over 825 feet above the ground and is open daily. However, before you go, make sure you confirm, because it closes during inclement weather. If visiting during fall, make sure to attend the Pumpkin Festival, featuring various entertainment options and a Glow by Night experience.

Other destinations near Stone Mountain Park

If you want to explore beyond Stone Mountain Park, there are numerous destinations to add to your itinerary. Just 15 minutes away is Decatur Square, a vibrant square filled with shops and restaurants. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a shopper, or an art lover, there's something for everyone in the 15-block walkable district. You can shop for gifts and home goods at Trinity or Odd Bird Gifts. History buffs will enjoy exploring the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, about 20 minutes from Stone Mountain Park. The museum has temporary and permanent exhibits that showcase Georgia's history. For instance, the Fernbank NatureQuest allows kids to explore dinosaur fossils and caves.

Decatur Square is also home to some of the prettiest restaurants in the world for foodie travelers. A good example is Brush Sushi Izakaya, named one of the best of Atlanta by Atlanta Magazine. The restaurant is known for its omakase experience, created by Michelin-starred chef Jason Liang. Enjoy delicious sushi treats such as Spicy Tuna Tartar Bites, Tempura Sampler, and Truffle Mushroom Egg Croissant. On the beverages menu, you will find different types of beers and cocktails, including Mr. Miyugi, Sunbeam Martini, and Red Dragon.

If you prefer a casual hangout spot for lunch, pause by Calle Latina. Savor the taste of lime-roasted wild king salmon, arroz con pollo, chicken tinga, as well as handhelds like calle fish tacos, fried chicken sandwiches, or cheeseburgers.

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