Cycling Atlanta Suburbs on the Route to Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Stone Mountain Trail
Distance: 25 miles
The Stone Mountain Trail is one of Atlanta’s most established long bike paths, running about 19 miles from Centennial Olympic Park to the base of Stone Mountain. It links major neighborhoods, parks, and historic landmarks, while also providing direct access to Stone Mountain Park. The trail is paved and generally smooth.
The route heads east through Atlanta’s urban core. Early on, cyclists should be ready for a mix of dedicated trail and stretches that run on busy streets with painted bike lanes. This is one of the biggest drawbacks of the route. Several riders note that traffic is heavy, drivers are often impatient, and intersections can feel unsafe. Signage can also be inconsistent, and it is easy to miss a turn if you are not following a GPS track. Still, the downtown section passes cultural landmarks such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, if you’re looking for diversions.
Rolling through urban areas
Leaving the city, the trail moves through Decatur, Avondale Estates, and Clarkston. These sections combine greenway paths, sidewalks, and low-traffic roads. The surface is generally good, though some areas show wear and patching. Grades are mild, with rolling rises that add variety without serious climbing. The trail is used heavily by joggers and walkers, especially near residential neighborhoods, so a bell and caution are recommended.
Closer to Stone Mountain Park, the trail improves, with longer uninterrupted stretches through wooded areas and bridges over creeks. Entering the park brings more traffic, but the wide roads and clear route to the mountain’s base are helpful. Riders can end the trip here, return to downtown, loop around the mountain on park roads, or continue to explore on foot by hiking to the summit.
Ride with care
Reviews are mixed. On the positive side, there are plenty of food and drink options in Decatur and Clarkston, and several public parks offer water fountains. On the downside, safe crossings in urban sections can be stressful, and weekend congestion is common. Many riders recommend avoiding rush hour traffic and riding at quieter times.
Riders who go in prepared and well-informed will find a worthwhile urban-to-park connection, while those seeking a fully protected path may find it somewhat frustrating.
A Georgia bike trail in the shadow of a mountain, without the climbing.
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