Let Us Take A Walk at Arabia Mountain

Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve offers unique ecosystems along with a working history.  There are rare and endangered plants that live in the solution pits (small patches of sand, dirt, and muddy water). These plants bloom at different times of the year, and we are fortunate to be able to see the red diamorpha nestled along the rock surfaces. Thus, we need to "leave no trace" during our hike by staying on bare granite and treading lightly.

Our hike will start at the information kiosk near the restrooms at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. We will hike the Fisheye trail to the saddle between Arabia and Brandley Mountains. We will investigate the unusual terrain of the mountains while enjoying the blooming flowers and the views. The history of rock quarrying is apparent, and we can see where the Tidal Grey granite was quarried.

After visiting the summits of both mountains, we descend to the shore of Mountain Lake. We take the blue trail along the edge of the mountains to the boardwalk and continue along the boardwalk, crossing the road to join the Arabia Mountain Trail. Along the way, we will visit the early 1900's quarry office. After a while, we branch off to the forest trail where we follow a creek up to Arabia Lake dam. We will see the ruins of the site where the navy worked on minesweeps. The forest trail leads us past quarry sites, and we will visit an old gravesite. Our hike also takes us past an eclectic farmstay where we can see some unusual places to stay. Finally, we end up back at the park kiosk.

Upon completion of our hike, we will have walked approximately 5.5 miles at 2.5 mph with an elevation gain of 450 feet. The hike will be a moderately paced hike with time to enjoy the scenery.

We will meet by the kiosk at 9:50 am for introductions and a prompt hike start of 10:00 am.

 

Take I-20 east from I-285 to exit 74 to Evans Mill Road.

Continue through the Lithonia Industrial Boulevard intersection toward Evans Mill Road.

Turn right at Evans Mill Road.

 At the next traffic light, turn left onto Mall Parkway.

At the next light (about 0.6 miles), turn right onto Klondike Road.

Drive about 2 miles.  The Arabia Mountain Nature Center is on the right at 3787 Klondike Road, Stonecrest, GA (this address will work in Google Maps).

Please join us for a picnic after the event. Bring your lunch and an item to share.

There is no parking fee at this park!

If you cannot attend, please cancel as soon as possible.