Animals

Stone Mountain Park is a haven for wildlife, and not just the kind you might expect! From the smallest insects to the largest mammals, and even some creatures from the distant past, the park is teeming with life. In the mammals section, you will find information about common mammals found in the park, such as white-tailed deer and raccoons, along with some fun facts about each one. The birds section will introduce you to a variety of birds that call the park home, including the red-tailed hawk and the eastern bluebird. Reptiles and amphibians, such as the eastern box turtle and the American bullfrog, are also abundant in the park and you can learn more about them in their respective section. Lastly, the insects section will provide information about common insects found in the park, such as the monarch butterfly and the ladybug. For those interested in creatures from the past, don’t miss the Dinosaur Explore attraction. And if you want to experience the local wildlife from a different perspective, consider renting a kayak or SUP from the lake rentals and paddle your way through the park’s waterways. Remember to observe the animals from a distance and do not feed them.

Stone Mountain Park Animal Fun Facts:

• Beavers in the park build dams out of sticks and mud, and their teeth never stop growing!
• The gray fox, found in the park, can climb trees using its sharp claws.
• Male Eastern Bluebirds in the park have brighter feathers than females to attract a mate.
• The Golden Silk Orb-weaver spider in the park spins a web with a golden-yellow color and incredibly strong silk.
• The Eastern Box Turtle in the park can completely close its shell to protect itself, and each one has a unique shell pattern.

Stone Mountain Park Plant Fun Facts:

• The Southern Red Oak, found in the park, is also known as the Spanish Oak.
• The Mountain Laurel in the park produces beautiful flowers that are also the state flower of Connecticut.
• The Wax Myrtle produces berries that are a favorite food of many birds in the park.
• The Flowering Dogwood, found in the park, produces red berries that are toxic to humans but safe for birds.
• The Turkey Tail mushroom in the park is named for its colorful bands that resemble a turkey’s tail.

Plants

The plant life at Stone Mountain Park is diverse and beautiful, and there’s no better way to experience it than by hitting the trails. In the trees section, you will find information about common trees found in the park, such as the southern red oak and the loblolly pine, along with some interesting facts about each one. The flowers section will introduce you to the colorful variety of flowers that bloom in the park, including the mountain laurel and the black-eyed Susan. The shrubs and bushes section will provide information about common shrubs and bushes found in the park, such as the wax myrtle and the flowering dogwood. Lastly, the fungi section will provide information about common fungi found in the park, such as the turkey tail and the fly agaric. For those looking to immerse themselves in the local plant life, the park offers a variety of hiking trails that will take you through different habitats and ecosystems. Remember to respect the plant life by not picking the flowers or damaging the trees.

Rocks (Geology)

The geology of Stone Mountain Park is a geologist’s dream. The park is famous for its massive granite dome, which is one of the largest exposed pieces of granite in the world. In the types of rocks section, you will find information about common rocks found in the park, such as granite and quartzite, along with some interesting facts about each one. The minerals section will introduce you to a variety of minerals found in the park, including quartz and feldspar. The fossils section will provide information about common fossils found in the park, such as trilobites and brachiopods. For a deeper dive into the geology of the park, check out this blog post. Additionally, the Historical & Environmental Education Center is a great place to learn more about the history of Stone Mountain Park and its natural features. Remember to leave the rocks, minerals, and fossils where you found them for others to enjoy.

Stone Mountain Park Geology Fun Facts:

• The granite at Stone Mountain Park is around 300 million years old!
• Quartz, found in the park, is one of the most common minerals on Earth.
• Feldspar, also found in the park, is used in making glass and ceramics.
• Trilobites, whose fossils can be found in the park, lived over 500 million years ago.
• Brachiopods, also found as fossils in the park, are ancient sea creatures that look like clams but are not related.

Stone Mountain Park Seasonal Fun Facts:

Spring: Spring is a great time to visit the park for bird watching as many migratory birds pass through the area.

Summer: Summer is the perfect time for water activities at the park. You can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard from the lake rentals and enjoy the water. Also, the Yellow Daisy Festival in the park is one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the country.

Autumn: Autumn brings a spectacular display of fall foliage to the park, making it a great time for hiking and photography. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that will take you through different habitats and ecosystems.

Winter: Winter at the park brings Stone Mountain Christmas a popular event with festive lights, music, and entertainment making it a magical time for a visit.

Year-round: No matter the season, the Skyride is a great way to see the park from above. The gondola takes you to the top of Stone Mountain where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Seasons

Stone Mountain Park is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique beauty and activities. In the spring, the park comes alive with blooming flowers and budding trees. The summer brings warm weather and a host of outdoor activities, such as hiking and picnicking. Autumn is a time of change, with the leaves turning vibrant colors and the air getting cooler. Winter offers its own charm, with crisp air and, occasionally, a dusting of snow. In each season section, you will find information about what to expect during that time of year and activities for kids and parents to enjoy. For more information about the weather at Stone Mountain Park, visit our weather information page. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and stay hydrated.