4/30/2023 0 Comments Stone mountainThere are many ways that rock changes over time. Embedded in the granite are pieces of biotite gneiss and amphibolite. A third theory includes post-formation geological events (primarily earthquakes).Īnalysis of the rock reveals that the magma that created the pluton was comprised of quartz, feldspar, microcline and muscovite with smaller amounts of biotite and tourmaline. Others believe that the area was flooded after the formation of the mountain and the water eroded the surrounding material. Some believe that the entire Georgia Piedmont region was higher than the mountain and over time, erosion simply wore the dirt and metamorphic stone surrounding the mountain away. Geologists, however, are stumped as to how this enormous rock (the largest known granite formation) became exposed. This occurred during the Alleghenian Orogeny, a massive collision of tectonic plates perhaps 350 million years ago. Once the pluton was formed it began to cool. Before the molten rock hit the air it stopped, initially forming the west side of the "pluton." Successive attempts at eruption (breaking through to the surface of the earth) also failed, but added to the size of the dome from west to east. The magma that created Stone Mountain was formed deep inside the earth, then forced its way out of the earth's molten center. Technically known as a pluton, the mountain was formed during the complex folding and faulting that created the Blue Ridge Mountains, although Stone Mountain is not part of that range. ![]() Rising to a height of 1,683 feet above sea level (roughly 650-750 feet above the surrounding Georgia Piedmont, depending on where it is measured), it is visible from Kennesaw Mountain to the west, Amicalola Falls State Park to the north and Mount Yonah to the northeast. However, those who want to get their blood pumping with an outdoor workout, history buffs, and parents who need their kids to expend some energy will love it here.Stone Mountain sits on the western edge of a large belt of Lithonia Gneiss granite although the younger intrusive granite that comprises the mountain is entirely different from Lithonia granite. The world's largest bas-relief carving on the mountain depicts three Confederate generals. If you're offended by the South's Confederate history, you may want to steer clear. All said and done, what-and who-is this best for? Additionally, most facilities are wheelchair-accessible. Just buy a ticket for the Summit Skyride cable car and you can ride up. Those with mobility issues aren't left out of seeing the view from the top of Stone Mountain. If you're just there to see a particular element of the park (the Old Grist Mill? Farmyard Petting Zoo? SkyHike Adventure Course? Historic Square's collection of antebellum homes?), consult the map and park as close as possible-this place is massive. Grab a map at the gate when you enter (entrance fee according to vehicle size), and park in any one of the well-marked parking lots. Visitors gather on the Memorial Lawn for a coordinated laser light show on the mountain set to music, punctuated by a mesmerizing fireworks finale. If you’re there after the sun goes down on a Saturday from April through October (and daily during the summer), the Lasershow has been an Atlanta tradition since 1983. The signs will tell you what you’re looking at, including downtown Atlanta, Kennesaw Mountain, and even the Appalachian Mountains in the distance. Whether you hike or walk up the relatively easy marked trail or ride the Swiss cable car, the view on a clear day can’t be beat. The view from the top of the mountain shouldn’t be missed. Bring a picnic or cookout at one of many charcoal grill sites, or grab a bite at one of a dozen restaurants and snack bars. History buffs may want to hop aboard the Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad for a trip in a 1940s open-air train car, or on a DUKW (known as “Duck”), an amphibious vehicle from WWII, for a historical tour that ends in the lake. As you meander around the property, there are lots of different settings to explore and activities to take on. There’s a five-mile paved loop around the mountain favored by walkers, runners, bikers, and rollerbladers. ![]() ![]() You can take an easy one-mile hike up to the top, or explore more than 15 miles of wooded trails around the park. The centerpiece is the mountain itself, the world’s largest piece of exposed granite, from the top of which you can see up to 45 miles on a clear day. Stone Mountain Park is Georgia's most-visited attraction and its 3,200 acres hold wide appeal, thanks to myriad activities.
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