So I finally find the first arc of Higurashi: when they cry, and have finished reading it and enjoyed it immensely. Only problem is I have no idea which arc is next. There was mention of an "Atonement" arc as the solution arc, though it kind of looks like it is basically just an alternate ending. Either way I still don't know what I'm supposed to read next chronologically speaking! Any help?

From the description page :

The question arcs are:

1. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Onikakushihen
2. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Watanagashihen
3. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Tatarigoroshihen
4. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Himatsubushihen

The answer arcs are:
5. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Meakashihen
6. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Tsumihoroboshihen
7. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Minagoroshihen
8. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Matsuribayashi-hen

Read them in this order.
And don't worry about 'alternate endings', just keep going.

(If I'm not mistaken, the 'atonement' arc is n°6.)

Thanks alot! This really helped clear things up. Now it just comes down to me finding a place that actually sells them…