Here are some of the most common questions we get in the Heritage Area. If your question isn’t answered here, send it to us here and we’ll get you an answer!

Why is it called Arabia Mountain?

No one really knows. Some speculate that the mountain was called Arabia by quarry workers who felt the rock was “hot as Arabia“. Do you have a theory? Let us know through our contact page.

What is a National Heritage Area?

A National Heritage Area, or NHA, is an area designated for its historical, cultural and natural significance. There are over 60 NHAs across 36 states, 3 of which are in Georgia. NHAs are managed by non-profit organizations, separate from the National Park Service, but are partially funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior. To learn more about National Heritage Areas, visit the Alliance of National Heritage Areas website.

What time do you open and close?

The Arabia Mountain PATH and trails at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve are generally open dawn to dusk. The Arabia Alliance Administrative Office is open and typically staffed Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Other sites within the NHA have their own scheduling so visit their websites individually to view them.

Where do I park? Is it free?

The Heritage Area contains many sites, such as parks, preserves, non-profit operations and other destinations spread out across the intersection of DeKalb, Rockdale and Henry Counties. Parking information for several flagship points of interest for recreation follow:

To hike Arabia Mountain, the nearest parking is the Arabia Mountain South Lot (or the AWARE Wildlife Center lot) at 4158 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038. This lot tends to fill up quickly on holidays and weekends. In this case, the second closest parking lot is at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve (Nature Center) at 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 and is about a 0.8 mile walk to the base of the mountain. The Nature Preserve is also home to popular soft trails and is intersected by the Arabia Mountain PATH.

Parking for the Vaughters’ Farm Trailhead is at 3366 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038. This area includes access to Vaughters’ Barn, as well as the northern stretch of the Arabia Mountain PATH.

Panola Mountain State Park‘s main entrance and Nature Center is located at 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281. Parking for Alexander Lake is at 5015 Flat Bridge Rd SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281. 

All parking is free, except at Panola Mountain State Park (including Alexander Lake), which is $5 without a Georgia State Parks ParkPass.

For parking / location info about all other sites, please visit their pages individually.

Do I need a permit to take photos or shoot film?

The Heritage Area contains several commonly photographed and filmed sites like Vaughters’ Farm and Barn, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve and Arabia Mountain itself. Each site has its own rules and regulations surrounding photography and filming. Please visit the Film & Photography Permits page and see the list of sites. If you do not see the site you’re interested in, write to us via our Contact Form, send us an email at info@arabiaalliance.org or give our office a call at 404-998-8384 (our office is generally staffed Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm).

Where can I eat, stay or camp nearby?

Visit the Restaurants & Lodging page to see a list of recommendations for lodging and amenities within the NHA and nearby.

Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Dogs are permitted on trails, but must be leashed at all times. Please mind your fellow visitors, wildlife and delicate environments like vernal pools and sand pits.

Are campfires allowed?

Campfires, and fire-based activities including smoking and firecrackers, are prohibited at parks and green spaces throughout the Heritage Area.

When do the daisies and diamorpha bloom?

The yellow daisies (Helianthus porteri) and diamorpha (Sedum smallii) both appear and bloom seasonally and relatively quickly. The daisies typically bloom early to mid-September, and are in full bloom by the end of the month. This bloom lasts only 2-3 weeks. The diamorpha emerges early to mid-March, then briefly blooms for a couple of weeks in late March / early April, then goes dormant entirely at the end of the spring season.

Are there picnic pavilions for rent?

Picnic shelters with grills are available at Panola Mountain State Park on a first-come basis for free, and can be rented out privately for a fee (in addition to $5 for parking without a Georgia State Parks Pass). Learn more here.

I found an injured or abandoned animal. Who can I contact for help?

The Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort (AWARE) Wildlife Center specializes in treating and rehabilitating local wild animals. Please fill out their contact form, and they should reach back out ASAP. In the case that they are too busy or are unable to take in the animal, you can use this tool to locate an alternative animal rehabber nearby. The AWARE Wildlife Center is located at 4158 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 (at the base of Arabia Mountain).

How can I hike Panola Mountain?

Panola Mountain State Park is a conservation area. To protect fragile plants, only guided hikes are available to the top of the mountain. To find a hike, check out our calendar here or Panola’s website.