Atlanta Day Trips: What Each One Costs
Each trip below is rated by distance, cost and effort. All of them need a car, since MARTA rail stays within the metro area. Costs are in US dollars.
Quick comparison
| Trip | Distance | Typical drive | Main cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Mountain Park | 16 miles east | About 30 minutes | Parking $20 a vehicle |
| Athens | About 70 miles east | About 1 hour 15 minutes | Varies by what you visit |
| Dahlonega | About 65 miles north | About 1 hour 15 minutes | Tastings vary by winery |
| Helen and Anna Ruby Falls | About 85 miles northeast | About 1 hour 45 minutes | Falls about $5 for ages 16 and up |
| Blue Ridge Scenic Railway | About 90 miles north | About 1 hour 45 minutes | Ticket price set by the railway |
Stone Mountain Park
Allow half a day. The big attraction is the granite dome, which is free to climb on foot once you have paid for parking. The park measures the trail at 1 mile, and other sources give about 1.3 miles each way. Rain makes the bare rock slippery, and storms put hikers at risk of lightning, so pick a dry morning.
The dome carries a carving of three Confederate figures: Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. A United Daughters of the Confederacy leader proposed it, the Klan announced its re-founding there in a 1915 summit ceremony, and the work was unveiled in 1970 and finished in 1972. Georgia law prohibits changing or removing it. The Atlanta History Center discusses its Lost Cause roots and links to the 1950s segregation campaign, and you can read its account beforehand.
The Summit Skyride and other rides sit behind an Attractions Ticket. After 40 years the Lasershow was shelved, and the Music Across America Drone & Light Show took its place, with the classic show returning for a few dates. Use the park’s ticket page for dates.
Athens
A drive of about 70 miles east reaches Athens, the University of Georgia town with a strong music tradition. Plan around the campus and the downtown streets.
Dahlonega
The town sits about 65 miles north, with a historic square and nearby wineries: Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Montaluce Winery and Cavender Creek Vineyards. Tasting hours are set by each winery, so phone ahead, and arrange a sober driver.
Helen and Anna Ruby Falls
Helen is styled as a Bavarian village. Anna Ruby Falls charges about $5 per person aged 16 and up, opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., stops selling entry at 4 p.m. and has free parking.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
The railway makes a 26-mile round trip from Blue Ridge to McCaysville in Georgia and Copperhill in Tennessee, following the Toccoa River. Rides last two hours or four hours. In 2026 its seasons ran from February 28 to May 31, then June 1 to September 18, then September 19 to November 3. The railway’s site lists the latest dates.
River floating warning
The Chattahoochee north of Atlanta can rise by several feet within minutes after a Buford Dam or Morgan Falls Dam release, and the water is cold. Life jackets are essential. The Army Corps release line is 770-945-1466, and Morgan Falls is 404-329-1455.
To compare organized outings, try Viator’s Atlanta day trip listings .
Read more: Atlanta multi-day trips and the 4 day itinerary .