Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Railroad Name | Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad |
| Website | https://stonemountainpark.com/activity/attractions/scenic-railroad/ |
| Train ride | Diesel pulled train of open air cars around the base of Stone mountain |
| Location | 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Google Maps |
| Length of trip | Five miles of scenic trip |
| Cost of single ticket | $39.95 |
Information/History
The Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad is a tourist attraction in the Stone Mountain Park, located in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The railroad offers a scenic ride around the park, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area while enjoying the nostalgia of a train ride.
History of the Railroad:
The Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad was established in 1962 as part of the Stone Mountain Park’s attractions. It initially used two steam locomotives, the General II and the Yonah III, to take passengers on a loop around the park. Over time, the park added more locomotives and passenger cars to the fleet to meet the increasing demand for the train ride.
The railroad has undergone several changes over the years, including the replacement of the steam locomotives with diesel engines in the early 2000s. In 2018, the railroad underwent a major renovation, with the addition of new passenger cars, new tracks, and a new station. The renovation aimed to improve the visitor experience while preserving the historic and nostalgic aspect of the train ride.
Description of the Train Ride:
The train ride at Stone Mountain Park covers a distance of about five miles, taking passengers on a scenic tour around the park. The ride starts from the main train station, located near the park’s entrance, and passes through picturesque landscapes, including forests, streams, and a quarry.
The train ride lasts about 25 minutes, with narration from the train conductor who provides information about the park’s history, flora and fauna, and interesting landmarks along the way. Passengers can enjoy the ride from the comfort of the vintage passenger cars, which offer an authentic and nostalgic train experience.
Locomotives and Passenger Equipment:
The Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad currently operates three diesel locomotives and a fleet of passenger cars. The locomotives are named after famous locomotives from the past, including the General II, the Yonah III, and the Jupiter. The passenger cars include both open-air and enclosed cars, accommodating up to 250 passengers per train ride.
Notable Roster
| Locomotive | Type | Builder | Notes |
| 6143 | FP7 | EMD | Ex-Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific |
| 6147 | FP7 | EMD | Ex-Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific |
| 5896 | GP7 | EMD | Ex-Chesapeake & Ohio |
Getting There
The nearest Amtrak station to Stone Mountain Park is the Atlanta Amtrak Station, located approximately 20 miles southwest of the park. From the station, visitors can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the park. Alternatively, they can rent a car from the station and drive to the park.
The nearest commercial airport to Stone Mountain Park is the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located approximately 30 miles southwest of the park. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the park. Alternatively, they can rent a car from the airport and drive to the park.
Visitors driving to Stone Mountain Park can take several routes, depending on their location. From Atlanta, visitors can take Interstate 285 east to Exit 39B, then follow the signs to the park. From north Georgia, visitors can take Interstate 85 south to Interstate 285 east, then follow the signs to the park. From south Georgia, visitors can take Interstate 75 north to Interstate 285 east, then follow the signs to the park. Once inside the park, visitors can park their car and walk to the train station.
In conclusion, the Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of the Stone Mountain Park while enjoying a nostalgic train ride. With its historic locomotives, vintage passenger cars, and picturesque landscapes, the train ride offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
