Stone Mountain Sunrise - Winter Solstice

PLEASE READ ALL OF THE DETAILS BELOW TO ENSURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING YOURSELF INTO. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ANYTHING BELOW, PLEASE POST IN THE COMMENTS OR DIRECT MESSAGE ME BEFORE THE DAY OF THE HIKE. I WILL NOT BE CHECKING POSTS OR MESSAGES THE DAY OF THE HIKE. The winter solstice will occur on Monday, 12/21. Lets hike up Stone Mountain and witness the first rays of the sun, which will occur at 7:38 AM. We'll meet at the restrooms by the walkup lot and make our way up the Walk-up Trail in the dark. We'll hang out at the summit and enjoy the sunrise and then head back down. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND BRINGING A HEADLAMP OR FLASHLIGHT. The total distance for the hike will only be about 2.5 miles, but the elevation is nearly 700 ft. This is appropriate for beginners, but be aware the climb can be taxing and we won't be waiting for those that can't keep up. Please plan accordingly. As the granite can be very slick when wet, I may cancel the event if we have rain that evening or in the couple of days leading up to the hike. WE WILL LEAVE PROMPTLY AT 6:30 AM. IF YOU'RE LATE, YOU CAN CATCH UP TO THE GROUP ON THE MOUNTAIN. STONE MOUNTAIN PARK CHARGES A $20 ENTRY FEE OR YOU CAN PURCHASE A $40 ANNUAL PASS. Directions: From the I-85N / I-285E Junction, head south on I-285 for about 4.7miles Take exit 39B and merge onto US-78E towards Snellville/Athens Drive 5.9 miles and then take exit 5 for GA-10W toward Memorial Drive / Stone Mountain Village Continue on GA-10W for 0.3 miles Take the East Ponce De Leon Avenue exit towards Stone Mountain Village Follow E Ponce De Leon Ave to Robert E Lee Blvd in Stone Mountain (about 1.2 miles) Turn left onto James B Rivers Memorial Blvd and follow 0.6 miles Follow this into the park, check in, and turn right onto Robert E Lee Blvd. The Parking area will be on your left.