Atlanta, Georgia – January 25, 2026 — DeKalb County officials have announced a $15 million investment to extend the Stone Mountain Trail, creating seamless connections from the vibrant community of Clarkston directly to the gates of Stone Mountain Park, with completion targeted for summer 2026. This expansion builds on the trail’s legacy as a vital 19-mile multi-use pathway, first established nearly three decades ago by the PATH Foundation ahead of the Atlanta Olympics, and now maintained by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Department.
The project centres on upgrading a key segment that passes through Clarkston’s renowned international district, renowned for its cultural diversity, and extends eastward to Stone Mountain Village. County planners emphasise enhanced accessibility, with plans for smoother paving, improved lighting, intuitive wayfinding signage, and inviting public art installations to draw families, cyclists and walkers alike. “This initiative promises to knit together neighbourhoods while fostering healthier lifestyles and local prosperity,” stated DeKalb County Chief Planning Officer Maria Ramos during a recent community briefing at Clarkston Library on N Indian Creek Drive.
Funding for the expansion draws from a combination of federal grants, state allocations and a pivotal Community Development Assistance Program award from the Atlanta Regional Commission, totalling $15 million. Construction will prioritise minimal disruption, employing modular paving techniques and phased scheduling to keep the trail open for daily use. Key enhancements include dedicated spur trails linking to nearby MARTA stations in Avondale Estates and Clarkston, plus microtransit options like electric shuttles for shorter hops. These measures aim to boost mobility for residents without cars, particularly in underserved areas, while integrating green infrastructure such as native plant buffers and rainwater gardens to support local ecosystems.
Community input has shaped the vision since early engagement efforts, including booths at the Avondale Estates Farmers Market in February and a design charrette at Clarkston Woman’s Club in September. A comprehensive survey, closed in May 2025, gathered thousands of responses highlighting desires for family-friendly rest areas and cultural markers celebrating Clarkston’s global heritage—home to refugees from over 60 nations. “Residents told us they want spaces that reflect their stories, and we’re delivering with murals and sculptures co-designed by local artists,” noted project coordinator Jamal Thompson, who leads the equity planning team.
The expansion aligns with broader DeKalb goals for a 107-mile greenway network, positioning the Stone Mountain Trail as a cornerstone for equitable growth. Unlike more urban paths, this corridor preserves affordable housing through targeted zoning updates that encourage mixed-use developments with income protections. Economic ripple effects are already evident: nearby businesses in Stone Mountain Village report increased foot traffic from trail users, and planners project a 20 per cent uptick in local commerce by 2028, driven by pop-up markets and outdoor events.
Environmental benefits stand out prominently. The upgraded greenway will feature permeable surfaces to reduce urban runoff into nearby creeks, alongside tree canopies that cool summer paths by up to five degrees Celsius. Partnerships with groups like the South Fork Conservancy ensure wildlife corridors remain intact, promoting biodiversity in a rapidly developing region. “We’re not just building a trail; we’re cultivating a resilient corridor for generations,” Ramos added, pointing to pilot programmes testing solar-powered benches and bike repair stations.
Local leaders from Clarkston, Tucker, Avondale Estates and unincorporated DeKalb gathered at the Maloof Auditorium on 30 September 2025 to endorse the draft master plan, praising its balance of progress and preservation. Clarkston Mayor Beverly K. Howard highlighted the trail’s role in uniting diverse communities: “This path will symbolise our shared journey, connecting cultures through every step.” DeKalb Board of Commissioners Chair Lorraine Cochran Jackson echoed the sentiment, calling it “a blueprint for sustainable advancement that honours our roots.”
By summer 2026, families will stroll from Clarkston’s bustling refugee-led eateries to Stone Mountain Park’s expansive trails, enjoying panoramic views and granite dome adventures. Early renders depict shaded plazas with interactive maps and play zones, transforming the route into a destination that rivals regional gems. This endeavour underscores DeKalb County’s commitment to active living, with projections of 500,000 annual users fostering wellness and social bonds.
Stakeholders anticipate the first phase—paving and signage from Clarkston to Stone Mountain Village—to break ground in March 2026, followed by art and mobility integrations. Ongoing public forums, including a spring 2026 update at Toby Grant Recreation Center, will refine details. As construction advances, the project exemplifies collaborative governance, turning a longstanding trail into a beacon of connectivity, vitality and inclusive opportunity for metro Atlanta.
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