Summit Skyride
A scenic gondola ride to the summit of Stone Mountain, offering panoramic views and a unique perspective of the famous carving.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful ride
Summit Skyride
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful ride
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic gondola ride to the summit of Stone Mountain, offering panoramic views and a unique perspective of the famous carving.
"It's so big and amazing to see that close. I absolutely recommend this experience if you go to Stone Mountain."
🎟️ Get an Attractions Pass
Most visitors need an attractions pass for the Skyride. Look for deals that bundle it with other park activities.
🚶♀️ Explore the Summit
Don't just ride up and down! Walk on the granite top for amazing views and photos. Safety ropes are there for a reason.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Summit of Stone Mountain
Soar to the top for unparalleled 360° views of Atlanta and the surrounding Georgia landscape. See the iconic carving up close.
The Iconic Stone Mountain Carving
Ascending the Skyride
Witness the immense scale of the Stone Mountain bas-relief carving from a unique vantage point as you ascend.
Walk on the Granite Outcrop
Summit of Stone Mountain
Explore the vast granite surface at the summit, with safety ropes guiding you to incredible photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Passes and Pricing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Get an Attractions Pass
Most visitors need an attractions pass for the Skyride. Look for deals that bundle it with other park activities.
🚶♀️ Explore the Summit
Don't just ride up and down! Walk on the granite top for amazing views and photos. Safety ropes are there for a reason.
📸 Capture the Carving
The Skyride offers a fantastic perspective of the Stone Mountain carving. Have your camera ready as you ascend!
💨 Enjoy the Breeze
Even on hot days, the breeze at the summit is refreshing and enhances the enjoyment of the views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Get an Attractions Pass
Most visitors need an attractions pass for the Skyride. Look for deals that bundle it with other park activities.
🚶♀️ Explore the Summit
Don't just ride up and down! Walk on the granite top for amazing views and photos. Safety ropes are there for a reason.
📸 Capture the Carving
The Skyride offers a fantastic perspective of the Stone Mountain carving. Have your camera ready as you ascend!
💨 Enjoy the Breeze
Even on hot days, the breeze at the summit is refreshing and enhances the enjoyment of the views.
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Hours can vary, especially seasonally. Confirm the Skyride's operating times before your visit to avoid disappointment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Summit Skyride for its breathtaking views and unique perspective of the Stone Mountain carving. It's considered a great family activity, offering a refreshing breeze and amenities at the summit. Some find the ride a bit pricey for its short duration, but most agree the experience is well worth it.
"Such an amazing view. This is great for the whole family. The sky ride is only 2 minutes long, feels a little scary but is soooo worth it. Clean bathrooms, snack shop and indoor area up top. As you go up, you have a great view of the carving in Stone Mountain. It's so big and amazing to see that close. I absolutely recommend this experience if you go to Stone Mountain. This is included in your day pass or membership."
Veronica Gomez
"Wow covers it. You go up fast . You really get the vastness for the mountain. You see why it's the largest granite outcropping in the world 5 me round 825 ft High. Several miles below ground. At the top you can look out and see downtown Atlanta. There is a small gift shop ,coin machine to make souvenir coins and there's like a restaurant cafeteria up there. You can walk out on the top of the mountain they've got you know safety ropes and everything that you can actually walk out and take pictures it is an awesome site"
daniel morris
"I have been to stone mountain maybe once before MANY MOONS ago but this was my first time take the sky ride to the top of the mountain. It is definitely an experience worth trying at least once and I am glad I got to enjoy it with my family. We had a blast and for it to be hot, it felt amazing the breeze from the top was refreshing and made the view that much more enjoyable."
Lady Hawkins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Summit Skyride is located within Stone Mountain Park, easily accessible by car via US-78 E. Follow signs for Stone Mountain Park attractions. Parking is available near the Skyride entrance.
Yes, Stone Mountain Park offers ample parking. Depending on the pass you purchase, parking may be included or an additional fee.
Public transportation options to Stone Mountain Park are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for the most convenient access.
From Atlanta, take US-78 East towards Stone Mountain. Take the exit for Stone Mountain Park and follow the signs for the main attractions, including the Summit Skyride.
While the Skyride itself is accessible, navigating the park and the summit may present challenges for those with mobility issues. The trails are steep, but the Skyride offers a way to reach the top without strenuous hiking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a ticket or an attractions pass that includes the Summit Skyride is required for entry. These can often be purchased online in advance or at the park.
Ticket prices can vary. It's often included in a Stone Mountain Park attractions pass, which can be a good value if you plan to do other activities. Check the official Stone Mountain Park website for current pricing.
Tickets are generally available for purchase on the day of your visit, but buying in advance online is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to secure your spot and potentially get better rates.
Look out for special promotions and bundled deals, especially for families or groups. The park sometimes offers discounts on attractions passes.
Attractions passes typically include access to the Summit Skyride, the Scenic Railroad, and sometimes other seasonal activities. Some passes may also include seating for the Lasershow.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The ride itself is quite short, often described as around 2-5 minutes each way, offering a quick but impactful journey to the summit.
Some visitors find it a little scary due to the height and speed, but it's generally considered a smooth and safe ride. The views are well worth any initial apprehension.
At the summit, you can walk on the granite surface, enjoy panoramic views of Atlanta, visit a gift shop, and access restrooms. Safety ropes guide visitors on the exposed granite.
Yes, there are clean restrooms and a snack bar or cafeteria-style restaurant at the top, offering refreshments and souvenirs.
Yes, there are hiking trails to the summit, but they can be steep and challenging. The Skyride is a great alternative for those who prefer not to hike or have mobility concerns.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are during the ascent, capturing the Stone Mountain carving, and at the summit, with its expansive views of Atlanta and the surrounding landscape.
Yes, the gondolas offer clear views, and you can easily take photos through the windows. Be ready to snap pictures quickly as you ascend past the carving.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the granite.
Drone usage is typically restricted within national and state parks for safety and privacy reasons. Check Stone Mountain Park's official regulations regarding drones.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers clear views of the carving.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing an attractions pass that includes the Skyride and other family-oriented activities within the park, such as the Scenic Railroad or seasonal events. This can offer good value and ensure a full day of entertainment. Remember to check the park's schedule for any special kid-friendly programming.
🚶 Budget Travelers
If budget is a primary concern, consider if the Skyride is a must-do for your group. Hiking to the summit is free and offers similar panoramic views, though it requires more physical effort.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best shots, aim for the golden hours around sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting. Even midday offers clear views, and the granite surface itself provides interesting textures and patterns. Don't forget to capture the Skyride gondolas against the backdrop of the mountain and sky.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Stone Mountain Carving: A Monumental Feat
This colossal work of art is carved into the north face of Stone Mountain, a massive quartz monzonite monolith. The carving project began in 1915 and was finally completed in 1972, though it has been a subject of controversy and discussion due to its subject matter. Regardless of one's views on the figures depicted, the sheer engineering and artistic effort involved in its creation is undeniable.
Seeing the carving from the Skyride provides a different appreciation than viewing it from the ground. The gondola's path allows you to trace the figures and understand the depth and breadth of the sculpture in a way that’s difficult from a static viewpoint. It’s a powerful visual that many visitors highlight as a key part of the Skyride experience.
Exploring the Summit: Beyond the Ride
Visitors are encouraged to explore the summit, with safety ropes in place to guide you along the edges and to designated viewing areas. From here, you can take in breathtaking 360-degree views, including a distant glimpse of the Atlanta skyline on a clear day. It’s a fantastic spot for photography, offering panoramic vistas that change with the light throughout the day.
At the summit, you'll also find amenities like a gift shop and a cafeteria-style restaurant, making it a comfortable place to spend some time. You can also find coin machines to create souvenir coins, a fun memento of your visit. The refreshing breeze at the top, even on a warm day, adds to the overall pleasant experience.
Summit Skyride vs. Hiking Stone Mountain
However, Stone Mountain also offers hiking trails that lead to the summit. These trails can be steep and require a moderate level of fitness. Hiking allows for a more intimate connection with the mountain's natural environment and offers different perspectives along the ascent.
The choice between the Skyride and hiking often comes down to personal preference, fitness level, and time constraints. The Skyride is quick, offers incredible views during the ride itself, and ensures everyone can reach the top. Hiking provides a more active and immersive experience.
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