It's called a mountain because mountains are hard to come by around here. But Stone Mountain is, in fact, a huge hunk of exposed granite -- a rare and astounding example of an exfoliated dome, to all you fans of geology. The monolithic memorial relief carving, begun by the same artist who carved Mount Rushmore, honors three major figures of the Confederacy: Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson. The huge face of the mountain is the staging area for the very popular Lasershow Spectacular.

Of all the recreational opportunities the Atlanta area has to offer, Stone Mountain is surely the most comprehensive. Boating, fishing, golf, camping, paddle boats and tennis are among your options. Hot summer days draw grateful, landlocked crowds to the four great water slides at Stone Mountain Park's Beach & Waterslide area, including the Mountain Screamer and Southern Pipeline, or catch some sun on the white-sand beach set on the huge Stone Mountain Lake. A children's playground (with toilets and a water fountain) features a maze of slides, tunnels and things to climb, as well as a toddler's play structure. Picnic tables dot the scene everywhere you go.

You'll be hard-pressed to choose which of the many special attractions to visit. Everything from a re-creation of an 1800s plantation to a Car and Treasure Museum will vie for your attention. Hiking to the top of the mountain is also popular. The trail, a mere 1.3 miles, will make huffers and puffers of all but the most fit. The view from the top -- 1,683 feet above sea level -- is nothing less than spectacular when the air is clear. If the hike is more than you care to take on, you can also reach the summit by cable car. -- Judith Augustine (Photo: Courtesy Stone Mountain)