The Main Street Academy's third-grade class embarked on an educational adventure to Stone Mountain Park, a geologist's dream, on Thursday, October 26, 2023. The remarkable park spans 3,200 acres of pristine natural landscapes, showcasing oak and hickory forests, rocky terrain, serene lakes, flowing streams, and picturesque waterfalls. At its heart stands Stone Mountain, an awe-inspiring geological formation comprised entirely of granite, making it the largest exposed granite formation in the world. Stone Mountain's history dates back over 300 million years, formed alongside the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains as molten magma rose from the Earth's core and solidified into granite. It is classified as an inselberg, a small mountain rising dramatically from a flat surrounding area.
The third graders were captivated by the geological wonders of Stone Mountain, including its diverse rock composition, which includes granite, quartz monzonite, and granodiorite. They explored the lower slopes adorned with Georgia oaks and pines and ascended to the summit, standing at 1,686 feet above sea level, to witness breathtaking views of the North Georgia Mountains and the Atlanta skyline. The class also had the opportunity to walk the one-mile Walk-Up Trail for a close encounter with rock formations, rock pools, and indigenous trees. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the five-mile Cherokee Trail provided an opportunity to explore the base of Stone Mountain, with views of the mountain, serene lakes, babbling streams, and oak and hickory forests. The Quarry Exhibit further enriched their educational experience, providing insights into the geological history of Stone Mountain. It was an enriching and educational trip that left the third graders in awe of the geological marvels of Stone Mountain Park.