Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad
Ride a historic train around Georgia's iconic granite mountain, enjoying scenic views and park history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical Polar Express experience
Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad
Best Time
Magical Polar Express experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic train around Georgia's iconic granite mountain, enjoying scenic views and park history.
"A charming and leisurely experience offering a picturesque journey around Georgia's iconic Stone Mountain."
🎯 Check Schedule Beforehand
Train times vary! Verify operating days & hours on the park's official calendar to avoid missing out.
🎟️ Consider All-Attractions Pass
Often a better deal than single tickets, includes Skyride & other activities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Train Journey
Stone Mountain Park
A 5-mile loop around the iconic granite mountain, offering woodland views and historical insights.
Polar Express Experience
Stone Mountain Park
During the holidays, this immersive ride transforms into a magical journey with carols and festive cheer.
Historic Locomotive Ride
Stone Mountain Park
Ride behind a beautifully restored EMD FP7 locomotive, originally built for the Southern Railway.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
All-Access Pass Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Schedule Beforehand
Train times vary! Verify operating days & hours on the park's official calendar to avoid missing out.
🎟️ Consider All-Attractions Pass
Often a better deal than single tickets, includes Skyride & other activities.
💺 Arrive Early for Seats
Especially during peak times, get there early for the best views on the open-air cars.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Open-air cars mean you're exposed. Wear layers suitable for the day's conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Schedule Beforehand
Train times vary! Verify operating days & hours on the park's official calendar to avoid missing out.
🎟️ Consider All-Attractions Pass
Often a better deal than single tickets, includes Skyride & other activities.
💺 Arrive Early for Seats
Especially during peak times, get there early for the best views on the open-air cars.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Open-air cars mean you're exposed. Wear layers suitable for the day's conditions.
🗺️ Park Map May Be Incomplete
Some attractions might not be on the map; ask staff for directions if needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad for its charming, leisurely journey offering a comprehensive overview of the park's natural beauty and historical elements. The holiday Polar Express experience is a particular highlight, creating a magical atmosphere. While the ride is relaxing and family-friendly, some note that the train's schedule can be limited and weather-dependent.
"We found that the Stone Mountain Railway is a great way to get a comprehensive overview of the park. Boarding at the Railway Station the train makes a large circle. Much of the trip is through the woods, with an abandoned town and a great view of the mountain on the way. A relaxing way to see the property."
Louis and Elaine
"Stone Mountain is a wonderful place. One thing to be advised of is that if you plan to take the Skyride to the top of the mountain, you can buy a ticket separately but, for the same price (just over 40 bucks) you can simply buy the all-attractions pass available in the main attractions area which costs the same amount, gives access to 'all' of the park activities, and includes the Skyride in its price. Folks can take the Skyride 1-way too, which is nice because then you have the option (e.g.) to hike back down and enjoy the interesting formations the granite has taken on. The countless etchings by human visitors are interesting too. I think the park opened in 1923 (the oldest etching we saw was from 1928). Definitely a fun place to visit for nature lovers and hikers."
Markie Mark
"We had a great youth trip to Stone Mountain and enjoyed riding to the top of the mountain, putt putt, the ropes course, train ride, dinosaur experiences, food, and the light show. We put in a full day and all ages enjoyed it. Staff was friendly and we even had a #trainbesties but I can remember her name. The staff was friendly and helpful but sometimes we’re not aware of where things were located in the park, and some items were not listed on the map, like the ropes course. There are some minor maintenance issues around the park, but nothing that detracts from the experience or causes a danger to anyone."
Paige Bowser
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad is located within Stone Mountain Park. You can drive and park, with options for free parking on Fourth Street (a 12-minute walk) or paid parking lots within the park. The closest parking to the station is recommended for easy access.
Yes, Stone Mountain Park offers parking. Some areas, like Fourth Street, offer free parking, while other lots within the park may have a fee, often around $20. Arriving early can help secure a spot, especially on busy days.
Yes, if you are entering Stone Mountain Park on foot or by bike, there is no fee. This can be a great way to save on parking costs if you're staying nearby.
The Railway Station is centrally located within Stone Mountain Park. Parking near the main attractions area is usually the most convenient for accessing the train and other activities.
While direct public transport to the park's entrance can be limited, many visitors use ride-sharing services or plan their visit with a car. Check local Atlanta transit for routes that might get you close.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but the Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad is often included in an all-attractions pass, which costs around $40 and offers great value. It's advisable to check the official Stone Mountain Park website for the most current pricing and package deals.
While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events like the Polar Express. This helps ensure you get a spot on your desired ride.
The all-attractions pass is a bundled ticket that grants access to multiple activities within Stone Mountain Park, often including the Skyride, the scenic railroad, and other seasonal attractions. It's typically a cost-effective option for a full day of exploration.
Discounts may be available for groups, children, or seniors. Keep an eye on the Stone Mountain Park website for any special offers or promotions.
The railroad operates on a set schedule that can change seasonally and is often tied to park events. Always check the official Stone Mountain Park calendar for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
The 5-mile ride circles Stone Mountain, offering scenic views of woodlands, lakes, and the granite mountain itself. You'll enjoy a historic feel with informative narration about the park's history.
Absolutely! It's a family-friendly attraction that offers a fun and safe experience for children, with engaging narration and picturesque views. Many kids enjoy the train ride as part of a larger park visit.
The excursion is approximately 5 miles long and takes passengers on a scenic loop around the mountain. The duration of the ride itself is typically around 30-45 minutes.
Yes, hiking is a popular activity at Stone Mountain. You can hike up to the summit for panoramic views and explore the unique granite formations. Some visitors enjoy hiking down after taking the Skyride up.
Stone Mountain Park offers a variety of activities including the Skyride to the summit, mini-golf, ropes courses, dinosaur experiences, and seasonal events like the Christmas light show.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the train against the backdrop of Stone Mountain, the surrounding woodlands, and any historic structures along the route. The open-air cars offer unobstructed views.
Morning light can be soft and beautiful, while late afternoon offers golden hour hues. Consider the direction of the sun relative to the train's path for optimal shots.
While the train primarily runs within the park, some vantage points might offer glimpses. However, the best photographic experiences are typically from within the park itself or during special events.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide scenic shots and closer details. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for holiday events.
Yes, the Skyride offers incredible panoramic views of the park and Atlanta skyline, making it a prime spot for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the train, consider the all-attractions pass which often includes the Skyride, dinosaur exhibits, and other kid-friendly activities.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the train ride itself is an experience, consider combining it with free activities like hiking to the summit or exploring the park's natural formations.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the train winding through the woodlands or against the imposing mountain face. For the best shots, consider riding in the open-air cars and using a versatile lens. The Polar Express event provides a festive and visually rich subject matter for photographers.
Don't forget the Skyride for panoramic vistas and the summit for unique perspectives of the mountain's geology. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad Experience
Throughout the ride, informative narration provides interesting facts and stories about the history of Stone Mountain and the railroad, making it an educational as well as enjoyable experience for all ages. The ride is generally smooth and comfortable, with open-air cars that allow for a refreshing breeze and unobstructed views of the surrounding natural beauty.
This railroad is particularly popular during the holiday season when it transforms into the magical 'Polar Express' experience, complete with carols and festive cheer.
It's a family-friendly attraction that provides a relaxing way to see a significant portion of the park's landscape and historical elements. Exploring Stone Mountain Park Beyond the Train
The park also features various recreational activities such as mini-golf, ropes courses, and dinosaur experiences, making it a full-day destination for families.
Beyond the natural beauty and activities, the park hosts seasonal events, most notably the spectacular Christmas light show and the 'Flight to the North Pole' experience on the train.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit