Trails Day in the AMNHA!

National Trails Day is June 1st. Looking for a way to get out on the trails but not sure where to start? Here’s a quick outline of our many trail options, for June and throughout the year:

The Arabia Mountain PATH (AMP)

The AMP is the great connector of the National Heritage Area. Using the AMP, you can travel from the northern tip of the National Heritage Area in Historic Downtown Lithonia all the way down to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, south of Conyers. The AMP connects three counties and, with over 30 miles of trail, endless hours of fun. This trail is ADA compliant to ensure that everyone can enjoy the National Heritage Area!

Explore a map of the AMP here.

The Lithonia Walkabout Tour

The City of Lithonia arose as a bustling quarry town and, even today, many of the original granite buildings still stand downtown. Today, you can discover the history of this “city of stone” through our Lithonia Walkabout Tour, which takes you on a historic meander to view notable buildings and sites dotted across Lithonia.

Begin your Lithonia walkabout here.

Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

Arabia Mountain is one of the gateways to the National Heritage Area, part former quarry site and part untouched mountain. Walk along massive granite outcrops, forest trails, and along lakesides to discover one of the most otherworldly places you can visit. The rock outcrop also harbors rare wildlife, so be sure not to step in the puddles and sandpits as you walk. You can also fish at Mountain and Arabia Lakes; stop by the Nature Center (3787 Klondike Road) for more information.

Explore Arabia Mountain here.

Panola Mountain State Park

Explore one of Georgia’s untouched granite mountains at Panola Mountain State Park. Sign up for a guided hike to enter the conservation area and see a landscape untouched by human hands. You can also enjoy some of Panola’s self-guided hikes, such as the Rock Outcrop Trail and the Arabia Mountain PATH, which start from the Nature Center. You can also enjoy fishing at Alexander Lake (note: Lake currently under construction; check back for details).

Begin your Panola Mountain adventures here.

Take a Walkthrough African-American History

Flat Rock is one of the oldest African-American communities in Georgia. Explore the rich history of this resilient community, from before the Civil War to modern day, with Flat Rock Archives Co-Founder Johnny Waits. Beginning at the Lyon Farm, the oldest homestead in DeKalb County, you will visit a slave cemetery, church site and end at the historic T. A. Bryant, Sr. Homestead. Discover a story of a group of African-Americans who, despite immense odds, grew to prosper in the Deep South.

Sign up for a Flat Rock Archives tour here.