Mount Rushmore in South Dakota is an undying symbol of Americana. This massive sculpture is truly impressive to see. Nicknamed the “Shrine of Democracy,” over two million people a year visit this amazing work of art that’s sculpted into the Black Hills. Here in Georgia, we have our own massive mountain-carved sculpture that’s actually even larger than Mount Rushmore. Stone Mountain Park is located just outside of Atlanta and boasts an impressive larger-than-life work of art that draws over four million visitors a year. There’s even a walk-up trail that will allow you to climb to the top of this mighty mountain!

Stone Mountain is the largest bas-relief artwork in the world. The carving was completed in 1972 and depicts three leaders of the Confederacy during the U.S. Civil War: Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
The carving obviously draws comparisons to the massive Mount Rushmore, which opened a few decades earlier. Depending on how you measure the size, Stone Mountain can technically be considered larger.
Thomas Wolf/Wikimedia Commons
The carved area on Stone Mountain is about 160 feet wide and 76 feet high. Robert E. Lee's head measures 16 feet in height. In comparison, George Washington's head at Mount Rushmore is over 60 feet high! Mount Rushmore's portraits are done in a much larger scale, but it only contains four heads, whereas the Stone Mountain carving has upper bodies and even horses. The overall carved area is larger on Stone Mountain, though the portraits themselves are larger on Mount Rushmore.
Interestingly, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore, Gutzon Borglum, was originally set to create the carving at Stone Mountain.
Agniva Saha/Alltrails
He was fired after starting the project due to financial conflicts, and the remainder of the carving was completed, on a smaller scale, by Augustus Lukeman.

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One of the most unique hikes in Georgia is the trail up to the peak of Stone Mountain. This is a massive mountain: at its base, it measures more than five miles in circumference!
Richelle Garcia/Alltrails
The hike is about 2.2 miles and is considered of moderate difficulty due to the steepness in some areas, particularly the first half. If you're able to handle the physical exertion, the views are incredible!
Lijesh K.P./Google Maps
This is such a unique spot unlike anywhere else in Georgia!
Kim Mauro/Google Maps

The future of the carving at Stone Mountain is uncertain. The carving is controversial due to its ties to the Confederacy and slavery. Regardless of the artwork, the mountain itself is an amazing natural wonder in Georgia and the hike up to the top is a magical experience.

You can learn more about the hike to the top of Stone Mountain at Alltrails

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