Summit Skyride Cable Car: Your Guide to Riding to the Top of Stone Mountain

The Summit Skyride is one of the most recognizable attractions in the Stone Mountain area, just outside Atlanta, Georgia. If you’ve ever driven east on I-285 or U.S. 78 and seen cable cars gliding up the face of Stone Mountain, that’s the Skyride.

Whether you live in Atlanta and want a quick day trip, or you’re visiting and looking for a unique view of the city, this guide walks you through what the Summit Skyride is, how it works, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit.

What Is the Summit Skyride?

The Summit Skyride is a high-speed cable car that carries passengers from the base of Stone Mountain up to its summit. It’s part of Stone Mountain Park, located in Stone Mountain, GA, roughly 20–30 minutes east of downtown Atlanta by car (depending on traffic).

Key features:

• Type: Aerial tramway / cable car
• Route: Base of Stone Mountain to the top (and back)
• Views: Panoramic views of Stone Mountain, the Atlanta skyline, and (on clear days) distant North Georgia mountains
• Audience: Families, out-of-town visitors, school groups, photographers, and locals looking for an easy way to get to the top

You can hike to the top of Stone Mountain using the Walk-Up Trail, but the Skyride offers an easier, faster, and more accessible way to enjoy the summit.

Where It’s Located and How to Get There

Stone Mountain Park Location

Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

The Summit Skyride boards from inside the park, at the Skyride Plaza near the base of the mountain.

Getting There from Atlanta

Most Atlanta-area visitors reach the Skyride by car:

• From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:
  Take I-20 East or I-285 East to US-78 East toward Stone Mountain. Follow signs for Stone Mountain Park.
• From Decatur / East Atlanta:
  Use US-78 East; Stone Mountain is a straight shot from this corridor.
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
  Typically 35–50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Take I-285 north/east to US-78 East.

🚗 Parking Note: Stone Mountain Park generally charges a per-vehicle parking fee at the gate. This is separate from any Skyride ticket cost. The amount is widely known and relatively stable, but you’ll want to check current pricing before you go.

What the Ride Is Like

Riding the Summit Skyride is fairly straightforward and family-friendly.

The Experience in Brief

• Boarding: You enter a large cable car at the base station with other passengers.
• Ride Time: Usually just a few minutes each way.
• Capacity: The cars are standing-room and can hold a sizable group; you’ll typically share the ride with other visitors.
• Views:
  • Up-close look at the carved face of Stone Mountain
  • Sweeping views of Stone Mountain Lake and the surrounding forest
  • On clear days, you can often see the Atlanta skyline and, farther out, the North Georgia hills

The ride is generally smooth, but there can be slight movement or swaying, especially on windy days. Those sensitive to heights should be aware that you are suspended above the mountain’s slope.

Operating Hours, Weather, and Seasonal Considerations

The Skyride schedule can vary by season, day of the week, and special events.

Common patterns Atlantans should expect:

• Seasonal hours: Longer operating hours during spring, summer, and holidays; shorter in winter and on some weekdays.
• Weather-dependent:
  • Operations may pause or close in thunderstorms, high winds, or severe weather.
  • It’s not unusual for rides to stop temporarily for weather checks or safety procedures.
• Event days: During major events or holiday seasons at Stone Mountain (like large weekend festivals), hours may be extended, but lines can be longer.

Because schedules can change, it’s wise to check the current Skyride hours before you leave home, especially if you’re coming from another part of metro Atlanta or bringing guests who are on a tight schedule.

Tickets, Costs, and What’s Included

The Summit Skyride usually requires its own ticket or pass, separate from general entry and parking.

Things Atlanta visitors typically want to know:

• Parking fee: Paid at park entrance, per vehicle.
• Attraction access: The Skyride is often included in certain attraction passes or all-attractions wristbands, and may also be available as a single-attraction ticket.
• Round-trip vs one-way:
  • Many people ride round-trip: up and back down.
  • Some choose one-way up and hike down, or hike up and ride down.
• Age-based pricing:
  • Ticket options commonly differ for adults, children, and sometimes seniors.
  • Small children may qualify for discounted or free fares depending on age and height policies.

Because prices can change and there may be special packages or seasonal offers, it’s smart to:

• Compare single-attraction tickets vs park attraction passes, especially if you also plan to visit other Stone Mountain attractions.
• Factor in the parking fee so your total cost doesn’t surprise you at the gate.

Quick Reference: Summit Skyride at a Glance

Accessibility and Who the Skyride Is Best For

The Summit Skyride is popular among:

• Families with kids who may be too young or tired for the full mountain hike
• Older adults or anyone who prefers not to hike a steep trail
• Visitors with limited time who still want the panoramic view from the top
• Photographers and sightseers looking for unique views of metro Atlanta

Accessibility notes:

• The Skyride offers an easier option than the Walk-Up Trail, which can be steep and hot in summer.
• Boarding areas are generally designed to handle groups, including strollers and typical mobility aids, but some visitors may want to call ahead if they have specific mobility concerns or use specialized equipment.
• The summit itself is mostly flat granite with some uneven surfaces. Appropriate footwear is recommended.

If accessibility is a key concern, consider arriving earlier in the day, when staff may have more time to help and crowds are lighter.

Safety, Comfort, and Crowd Tips

Safety Considerations

The Summit Skyride is operated with standard safety checks, and Atlantans have been riding it for years as a staple local attraction. Still, it’s useful to keep a few points in mind:

• Heights: You will be high above the mountain slope; those with strong fear of heights should consider this before boarding.
• Motion: The cable car may sway slightly; handrails are available inside.
• Weather: In summer, the summit can be very hot and sunny; in winter, it can be surprisingly windy and cold compared to ground level.

Comfort Tips for Atlanta Weather

• ☀️ Summer:
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
  • The granite reflects heat, and the summit can feel hotter than the base.
• 🍁 Spring/Fall:
  • Layer a light jacket or sweatshirt; it can be breezy at the top.
• ❄️ Winter:
  • Wear a warm layer and consider gloves; the wind on the summit can be sharp.

Avoiding Crowds

Stone Mountain is a popular outing for metro Atlanta, especially on weekends and holidays. To make your Skyride trip smoother:

• Aim for weekday visits when possible.
• If going on a weekend, try:
  • Early morning (shortly after opening) or
  • Later afternoon after the main midday rush.
• On peak event days, allow extra time for lines at the gate, parking, and boarding.

What to Do at the Top of Stone Mountain

Once you arrive at the summit via the Skyride, you’re rewarded with a wide, open granite landscape and sweeping views.

Common activities up top:

• Take in the Atlanta skyline: On a clear day, you can see downtown and Midtown skyscrapers in the distance.
• Walk around the summit: There are paths and marked areas where you can safely explore; always mind your footing.
• Photography:
  • Sunrise and sunset are especially striking when skies are clear.
  • The combination of city views, clouds, and granite creates memorable photos.
• Relax and enjoy the breeze: Many locals simply sit, talk, and enjoy the views before heading back down.

Remember that the summit is exposed rock. Be mindful of:

• Slippery surfaces after rain
• Keeping children within sight, especially near edges or steeper areas

Riding vs Hiking: How the Skyride Fits into Your Visit

If you’re planning a full Stone Mountain day from Atlanta, it helps to decide how the Skyride fits into your schedule.

Common Options

1. Round-trip Skyride
   • Easiest option; minimal walking required from the plaza to the summit and back.
2. Hike up, ride down
   • Popular with Atlantans who like a workout but prefer an easier descent.
   • The Walk-Up Trail starts near the base and leads to the summit; you can ride the Skyride back to the plaza.
3. Ride up, hike down
   • Good if you want to enjoy the summit view first and then walk down at your own pace.

Whichever you choose, plan your time and energy around the rest of your day. On hot summer days, many locals prefer:

• Hiking or riding up early, then
• Spending midday on lower-energy activities in the shade or near water.

Planning Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

A few practical pointers tailored to Atlanta-area visitors:

• Check hours and operations the day of your trip. Weather, maintenance, or events can shift the schedule.
• Build in traffic time. Driving from areas like Buckhead, Midtown, or Sandy Springs during rush hours can take longer than expected.
• Dress for the summit, not just the city. Conditions on the granite can feel more extreme than in your neighborhood.
• Factor in parking costs and walking distance. The Skyride boarding area is within walking distance of main parking, but you may still walk a moderate distance depending on where you park.
• Keep an eye on young kids. There’s plenty of space at the summit, but edges and slopes require supervision.

Basic Contact and Info Resources

For the most up-to-date information about hours, tickets, accessibility, and current operations for the Summit Skyride, you can contact the main Stone Mountain Park office.

Typical contact options include:

• Address:
  Stone Mountain Park
  1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
  Stone Mountain, GA 30083

• Phone:
  The park maintains a main guest services line; Atlanta-area visitors usually call ahead to confirm:

  • Current Skyride hours
  • Ticket options or attraction passes
  • Any weather-related closures or limited operations

For many Atlantans, a quick call or online check on the morning of the visit helps avoid surprises, especially if you’re bringing out-of-town guests who are excited about riding the cable car.

If you’re in or around Atlanta and want a quick but memorable view of the whole metro area, the Summit Skyride cable car at Stone Mountain is one of the region’s most accessible “big view” experiences—without requiring a long hike or a long drive into the mountains.