For metro Atlanta residents looking to take advantage of state parks close to the city, Arabia Mountain is a great place to start. Similar to Stone Mountain, Arabia offers an easy hike on a granite incline but with far less people. Situated off I-20 East in Dekalb County, the drive is only about thirty minutes from Midtown Atlanta, but at the top of the mountain is a view of nothing but trees and rock. Short rock structures mark the 1.3 trail and the incline is gradual enough that the journey feels like an invigorating stroll rather than a climb.
For a more comprehensive experience the trail can be extended to explore the connected Bradley Mountain and loop around a peaceful lake.
Before becoming a state park Arabia was a quarry. Evidence of this is all around the mountain through drill holes and piles of small loose rocks. Rare plants such as red moss and black-spored quillwort can be found in rock depressions, as can pools of rainwater.
One of the most impressive parts of Arabia, however, has nothing to do with the mountain. The PATH Foundation has completed over 20 miles of bike paths around Arabia and through DeKalb County that take advantage the scenery and wildlife.