Amidst all of the social unrest and removal of confederate monuments, one that hasn't escaped attention is the large carving on the side of Stone Mountain just outside of Atlanta. Due to the immensity and placement of the carving, removal would be difficult to say the least. I'm not taking a side on this particular issue, but time will tell what happens to this landmark. In the meantime though, I decided to take advantage of another hike with one of the Meetup groups to do a sunset hike to the top of Stone Mountain. I've been to the top a couple of times over the past few months and generally don't like to repeat hikes, but a sunset hike a new perspective.
Meeting up with the ten other participants at the Walk-up Trailhead, we do a round of introductions begin making our way up the granite behemoth. Along the way, we note many of the carvings place here by settlers more than a century-and-a-half ago. This climb is always a pretty good workout, but I'm feeling strong today, even after hiking Gold Branch earlier this morning.
Arriving at the top, we find a good spot to park ourselves and then begin snacking and enjoying great conversation as the sun sets in a cloudy sky behind the Atlanta Skyline some miles west of us. It's a pretty view, but would have been better with fewer clouds. As darkness approaches, we put on our headlamps and make our way back down the mountain and say our goodbyes.
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