The AMP is OPEN!

The full length of the Arabia Mountain PATH (AMP) is officially open! This dedicated, paved trail is over 30 miles long and will take you past lunar like landscapes, through peaceful meadows, and along a sparkling river. The multi-use trail was designed to hug the landscape and each curve beckons you to discover the next surprise around the bend. Download your own copy of our interactive map or check out three spectacular hikes below that are perfect for AMP explorers.  Remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Arabia Mountain Top

Start: Davidson Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve: 3787 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk every day.

Details: This hike is 2.5 miles round trip and is mostly sunny. Reaching the top of Arabia Mountain is modernly difficult. Get a map here. 

Directions: Park at the Nature Center and follow the paved Arabia Mountain PATH (AMP) to the back of the building. Once you cross a small bridge turn left and continue to follow the AMP. You’ll reach Klondike Road and be able to cross on a lighted crosswalk. Make sure to keep an eye out, traffic can move quickly though the area. You’ll enter the raised boardwalk quickly. The boardwalk continues for half a mile to the South Parking Lot. Go through the wooden kiosk and look for the cairns at the base of the mountain. These three foot tall piles of stone will lead you to the top. Explore the top of the mountain and then make your way back to the nature center.

Highlights: The boardwalk offers fanatic view of the mountain and the plants that thrive there. In the South Parking lot you can see the AWARE wildlife center which gives tours at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. As you go up the mountain keep your eyes open for evidence of past quarry activity. Each season offers new flowering plants and grasses to admire.

Alexander Lake Loop

Start: Alexander Lakes: 4835 Flat Bridge Road, Stockbridge, GA 30281. The park is open from dawn to dusk every day.

Details: This hike is 1.5 miles round trip and is a mix of sunny and shady. This hike is on the paved AMP but you should expect some hills. Get a map here. 

Directions: Park at the Alexander Lakes parking lot and walk down to the AMP trail next to the lake. Go right (east) around the lake and follow the large causeway over the water. Keep walking and you’ll leave the lake behind and come to an old horse barn. Follow the AMP though the barn and turn left back towards the lake. Keep going until you’ve reached the parking lot.

Highlights: Alexander lake is often still as glass an offers wonderful photo opportunities. You can often see turtles sunning themselves from the causeway. The Alexander Barn was a horse barn and is a great reminder of the farming history of the area. Butterflies abound at Panola and you’re likely to see several during your hike.

Monastery Retreat 

Start: Monastery of the Holy Spirit: 2625 Georgia 212, Conyers, GA 30094. The Monastery Visitor Center is open Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Monastery grounds are open to the public every day from 8am until 8pm. 

Details: This hike is about 3 miles round trip. Make sure to leave extra time to visit the Abbey church and the Monastery gift store! 

Directions: Park at the AMP parking lot (which is labeled with PATH Foundation signs) located on your right directly after you pull into the main entrance of the Monastery. Take the trail to the covered bridge and proceed to the large bridge over the South River before turning around and heading back. 

Highlights:  The peaceful ground of the Monastery are the perfect start to a hike or ride. You’ll pass through covered bridge before weaving through shaded forest. The South River bridge is the longest one ever built by the PATH Foundation and is 525 feet. You’ll have spectacular photo opportunities as you pass high over the river.