Arabia Mountain, Georgia

I went to Starbucks for a coffee and bagel outside of Atlanta. The parking lot was truly insane. People were cutting off each other to get in-line or park. Pedestrians had to speed up to get out of the way of cars. They parked sideways in spots. I send to the cashier, it’s pretty crazy out there. She responded, “Yep, that’s everyday here.” I spent a couple hours planning the next two weeks of the trip and then reading some photography blogs online.

Arabia Mountain

Around 11:30 I drove to Arabia Mountain for a hike.

Visiting Arabia Mountain in Georgia is a unique experience that offers something for everyone. Located just a short drive from Atlanta, Arabia Mountain is a beautiful and unique natural area that is home to a variety of outdoor activities and attractions. I was taking the cycle off the car when the ranger pulled up (Rick). He saw that I was not a local and wanted to let me know about the park. He also explained where I could and couldn’t cycle.

One of the highlights of Arabia Mountain is the stunning landscape, which is characterized by towering granite outcroppings and lush forests. In addition, there are small pools of water up the mountain which encourage growth of smaller plants. The mountain is home to a number of hiking and biking trails, which offer views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or simply looking to take a leisurely stroll, Arabia Mountain has something to offer. I rode to the trail head on one of the paved paths. I had decided to take the AllTrails, Arabia Mountain, Klondike, and Forest Loop Trail.

I was preparing to take the trail up the mountain and the ranger appeared again. He said, “hello again, are you headed up the mountain?” He told me about a couple of the paths. We talked for a while and we discussed the photography on the mountain. He had been interested in photography but recently sold his equipment. He reached into the back of the car and said “you’ll be able to make good use of this.” He gave me a small, but very stable tripod (It is very nice and is appreciated). We wished each other a good day.

Arabia Mountain is a granite monadnock, or a mountain that has been exposed above the surrounding land. The landscape is fairly desolate except for a few scattered trees. The mountain, which is part of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, is known for its unique geology and landscape, which includes large granite outcroppings, rocky cliffs, and winding trails. Apparently, there are three similar mountains in the area, one of which was never quarried. There is plenty of evidence on the mountain of quarry operations, but it is still pretty pristine.

One of the most distinctive features of Arabia Mountain is its granite dome, which stands at an elevation of 1,534 feet. The granite dome is surrounded by a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, hickory, pine, and cedar. The mountain is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, including wildflowers, ferns, and several species of birds and animals.

In addition to its natural beauty, Arabia Mountain is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors can hike the mountain's trails, go rock climbing, or participate in ranger-led programs and activities. There are also several historic sites located on the mountain, including a former granite quarry and a mill village, which provide a glimpse into the mountain's rich cultural and industrial history.

As I came down the mountain, I saw the blue blazes the ranger had mentioned. These led around the mountain and back to the trail I was on. My knee was bothering me, but the trail looked like it was flat and looped around the lake below.

I could not explain where these large rocks had come from. The mountain above these outcroppings is completely flat. Small Streams flowed down the mountain into the lake. This was also a little odd, because there is no visible source for the stream (I didn’t follow the stream up the mountain).

After the hike, I decided to explore some of the bike path. There are over 40 miles of paved bike path. I rode five miles and turned around because the sun was starting settle in the west. As I was packing up, Rick appeared again and asked how the hike was. He wished me a safe trip ahead.