Field Notes

Monadnock Madness is known for the Triple Hike Challenge, where participants hike Arabia, Panola, and Stone Mountains in Georgia. But did you know that there’s a fourth mountain challenge as well? If you hike Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and take a selfie, include it with your submission and you’ll earn an extra prize! That’s […]

Let big beautiful trees shade you as you hike or bike this spring on the coolest trails at Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area! We’ve explored the AMP and hiking trails for areas that shelter you with leafy canopies. While you enjoy lower temperatures in the shade, you’ll also pass by bubbling streams, historic landmarks, and […]

Did you know that Arabia Mountain in Georgia is home to fragile ecosystems and species found almost nowhere else on earth? That includes a variety of rare and endangered plant species like Diamorpha, snorkelwort, and quillwort. These plants live in solution pits (small patches of sand, dirt, and muddy water) that dot the seemingly barren […]

The National Heritage Area has over 34 miles of paved trails perfect for biking. Some of the most popular trailheads are around Arabia and Panola Mountains, but did you know that there’s a lot more you might be missing out on? Here are a few trailheads that offer the best biking spots in the NHA! […]

Photo: Abby Stagna Spring is here, and the National Heritage Area has been more crowded than ever – especially at Arabia Mountain. If you’re looking for places to get outside and enjoy Arabia, here’s a guide on where to park: And don’t forget about the rest of the National Heritage Area, including the Monastery of […]

Discover the powerful history of one of Georgia’s oldest African American communities at the Flat Rock Archives. Flat Rock is an over 150-year old Black community located in DeKalb County with several historic sites, including the Lyon Farm, Flat Rock Historic Cemetery, T. A. Bryant, Sr. Home, and Flat Rock Church site that you can […]

Monadnock Madness is underway, meaning you can win prizes for exploring metro-Atlanta’s granite outcrop! Adapted for COVID-19 safety, this outdoor celebration takes place across Arabia, Kennesaw, Panola, and Stone Mountains throughout the month. Hike all four mountains and receive a prize! We’re also excited to announce an extra prize: the First to Finish Challenge! Be […]

Discover the powerful history of one of Georgia’s oldest African American communities at the Flat Rock Archives. Flat Rock is an over 150-year old Black community located in DeKalb County with several historic sites, including the Lyon Farm, Flat Rock Historic Cemetery, T. A. Bryant, Sr. Home, and Flat Rock Church site that you can […]

Have you visited Lorraine Park and Trailhead in Rockdale County? Located at 3465 Highway 138, Lorraine Park is connected to the 34-mile PATH trail system and the South River. You can hop on the trail here and hike or bike through the rolling hills of the Georgia Piedmont, or sit and enjoy a nice picnic overlooking […]

The popular Arabia Mountain PATH trail system has expanded yet again – a new 1.3-mile segment links Henry County to the trail! Emerging from Panola Mountain State Park, the new addition goes over GA-155 and through the lush, wooded hillsides of the Georgia Piedmont. You can access the new trail segment, called the Panola Mountain […]

Are you a photography fan, a casual shooter, or a professional shutterbug? The National Heritage Area is photo-ready throughout the year, with gorgeous landscapes and iconic historic sites to enjoy. Some spots require a permit for certain photoshoots, though, and that can be confusing. We’ve compiled answers to our most commonly asked questions below! Have […]

A veteran, civil rights activist, and community organizer, Lucious Sanders made an impact on the City of Lithonia and contributed to national change. After serving in the military in WWII, he returned to a country where he was being deprived of basic rights as an American citizen. “I had spent four years in the U.S. […]