Hike Arabia Mountain

The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is a Georgia State Park known to few that offers a number of hiking options for young and old. A perfect day-hike opportunity for families looking for short circular hikes that are just challenging enough to make it fun for all ages.

Arabia is split into two sites; one mountain hike and another quarry/lake hike. Both are 1-2 mile hikes, but there are more than 30 miles of trails to explore if you choose to get off the beaten path. History abounds in every nook and cranny, so keep your eyes peeled for old stone splitting nails and evidence of the granite works that took place before the land became a park.

The ecosystem at Arabia is also unique. Arabia is dotted by small craters that hold solution pools, and depending on the time of year you will be greeted with amazing blankets of bright red and white elf-orpine. Lichen and other colorful moss cling and thrive across the granite surface, so please keep to the solid rock and be aware of the fragile plants.

The basic hike from the Arabia mountain parking lot takes you out to the base of Arabia Mountain and then a relatively easy climb to the summit where the majority of solution pools can be found. Large rock cairns have been stationed along the hike, so the path is very easy to follow. From the summit you can return the same way, but take the path less traveled and drop down to the lake on your right where you will find bouldering rocks and more wildlife.

The Lake side of Arabia mountain is a flat, 2 mile loop that wanders out over much of the former quarry stone works to the small lake found at the backside of the park. From the lake you follow the remainder of the trail through the woods back to the parking lot. Again, rock cairns will guide your way while on the granite. Along the way you will see evidence of old structures including a jail cell that that kids love to play in.

The park also includes a paved running/cycling path for those so inclined but you will see more of what Arabia has to offer if your adventure remains on foot and off the path well traveled.