Photo: Thomson M, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This unusual 1,815-acre park was created to protect a 100-acre granite monadnock (mountain) often compared to Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain. Panola Mountain shelters rare plants of the Piedmont region. Hikers may explore the park's watershed and granite outcrop on their own, or join park staff for guided hikes onto the restricted-access mountain.
- Address2620 Hwy 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281
- Park Hours7 a.m.–sunset (office 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
- Visitor CenterTue–Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat–Sun noon–5 p.m.
- Parking Fee$10
- Park Phone770-389-7801
- GPS CoordinatesN 33.623400, W -84.172800
Getting there: 18 miles southeast of Atlanta on GA Hwy 155 via I-20, Exit #68. Park Facilities Map (PDF)
Park Amenities
- Created to protect the 100-acre mountain
- 55 primitive campsites ($15, half-mile hike in)
- 4 picnic shelters
- Playground
- Nature Center & gift shop
- Birding
- 2 fishing lakes (free permit required)
- Boat rental, GA fishing license required
- 2 miles of self-guided nature trails
- 1-mile fitness trail
- Guided 3.5-mile hikes to the mountain (reservations required)
- Weddings (park approval required)
- GeoCaching
- 12-mile paved Rockdale River / Arabia Mountain PATH Trail, Muddy Spokes Club
- Archery range (fee, annual pass available)
Water and a restroom are available in the parking lot for primitive campers. The 12-mile PATH Foundation trail connects Panola Mountain with Arabia Mountain and Stonecrest Mall for hiking, biking, and skating; dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash. Call 770-389-7801 to reserve a guided hike.
Picnic Shelters
All picnic shelters have grills and water faucets, no electrical service; alcoholic beverages and pets on the trails are prohibited.
- Shelter #1 – 100+ yards from parking, same side as the playground; not ADA accessible; maximum 25 cars
- Shelter #2 – across from the playground, low and not easily wheelchair accessible
- Shelter #3 – across from the playground, next to the 1-mile fitness trail; level ground, easiest access
- Shelter #4 – level ground, easily accessible; maximum 25 cars
Groups of 60-100 should reserve Shelters #2 and #4 together; they sit within 150 yards of each other. All visitors need a ParkPass.
Photos
Panola Mountain PeakReached on guided hikes only
Viewing Platform TrailSelf-guided walks near the mountain
Nature CenterStart here for ranger-led hikes
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Rob Meeks, CC BY-SA 3.0; Thomson200, public domain; Rob Meeks, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Conference Room
Nature Center Conference Room
24' x 34', seats up to 40 people, $100 per day (10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Includes a room divider, restrooms, heat and air, a projector with screen, a TV monitor with DVD player, and a dry erase board. Reserve through the Park Office at 770-389-7801, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. Cancellations must be made 30 days in advance (a handling fee applies); canceling inside 30 days forfeits the deposit. Pets are not allowed in the Conference Room area, and the building is smoke- and tobacco-free throughout, including guest rooms.
Conference coordinators: after entering the park, follow the road to the turn-around circle, then take the park personnel road to your right, which leads to the back of the Nature Center. Reserved parking is nearby for conference attendees.
Advertise Near Here
Lodging, outfitters, restaurants and attractions: reach people planning a visit to this part of Georgia. See our advertising options or download the 2026 media kit (PDF).