Perhaps it's obvious at this point that I'm looking for the strange and unique, lesser known Georgia "gems" to explore. For the most part, I explore a couple of different places each weekend. Most don't end up on my Blog. I attempt to pick the most interesting of the places I've been, ones that I hope readers will be inspired to check out for themselves.
Arabia Mountain is definitely one of those lesser known gems.
It's a State Park and a wildlife preserve. It's not too crowded and it's beauty is truly spectacular. It's a place to check out on a lazy weekend afternoon. It's not too far from Atlanta (about 20 minutes or so) and it's free!
So, drive on out and take a look for yourself! The following is just a tiny bit of what you have to look forward to!
The mountain itself is actually the tip of a giant piece of granite and stone. You might know it's sister: Stone Mountain. The main difference is Arabia Mountain is still natural, untouched for the most part while Stone Mountain is...well we all know how tacky and dirty it is. Arabia Mountain is not as large as Stone Mountain, but it's just as unique and gorgeous!
After parking in a very small lot (don't park at the Nature Center, go about a mile further and park in the main lot-it's only about 10 spots, but it's a very direct entrance to the mountain)you will pass through the trail head kiosks and read about the red moss that grows there, then cross a short wooden bridge into another world.
This place is truly alien. You are walking on stone the entire trail (unless you enter the woods). You can see the grooves and lines in the stone and water and other elements have caused discoloration in many places. It doesn't sound like it, but it's an amazing array of color and design. I can only equate it to walking into an abstract painting.
There are natural dips and craters everywhere. Vibrant moss has grown in some of the holes. Others are full of standing water. I felt as if I had stepped out onto the rocks at La Jolla Cove (San Diego, CA) and half expected to see crabs and fish in the water holes. In my mind I could almost hear the rush of waves and smell the salt in the air. In reality, there isn't anything in this water. Except more moss and plant life.
My husband and I climbed up to the peak easily (it's really a moderate climb). From the top, the view is trees and mor
e trees. It's nice to feel secluded and "one with nature" after being in the bustle of the city every day. We spent about 20 minutes exploring the top. You can see the too perfect "shelves" in the rock where the mountain has been quarried. The debris from the quarrying is still scattered near the "shelves". You'll know it when you see it. It's the strangely rectangular pieces of rock.
We wandered into the woods at the base of the mountain and turned around and went back up Arabia Mountain. You can go further. At the base of the mountain, in a clearing, is a small lake and Panola Mountain (the 3rd sister rock).
I recommend climbing the peak at dusk and watching the sun set. It reflects off the puddles of water, making the mountain appear to have spots of fire.
This is an amazing place to bring your family, but be aware that there is quite a bit of broken glass (partiers?) scattered about. Arabia Mountain is sure to stick in your memory. Take a break from the shopping and spending and experience Georgia's diverse ecological wonders. Because that's what Arabia Mountain is. An ecological wonder.
Arabia Mountain is definitely one of those lesser known gems.
It's a State Park and a wildlife preserve. It's not too crowded and it's beauty is truly spectacular. It's a place to check out on a lazy weekend afternoon. It's not too far from Atlanta (about 20 minutes or so) and it's free!
So, drive on out and take a look for yourself! The following is just a tiny bit of what you have to look forward to!
The mountain itself is actually the tip of a giant piece of granite and stone. You might know it's sister: Stone Mountain. The main difference is Arabia Mountain is still natural, untouched for the most part while Stone Mountain is...well we all know how tacky and dirty it is. Arabia Mountain is not as large as Stone Mountain, but it's just as unique and gorgeous!
After parking in a very small lot (don't park at the Nature Center, go about a mile further and park in the main lot-it's only about 10 spots, but it's a very direct entrance to the mountain)you will pass through the trail head kiosks and read about the red moss that grows there, then cross a short wooden bridge into another world.
This place is truly alien. You are walking on stone the entire trail (unless you enter the woods). You can see the grooves and lines in the stone and water and other elements have caused discoloration in many places. It doesn't sound like it, but it's an amazing array of color and design. I can only equate it to walking into an abstract painting.
There are natural dips and craters everywhere. Vibrant moss has grown in some of the holes. Others are full of standing water. I felt as if I had stepped out onto the rocks at La Jolla Cove (San Diego, CA) and half expected to see crabs and fish in the water holes. In my mind I could almost hear the rush of waves and smell the salt in the air. In reality, there isn't anything in this water. Except more moss and plant life.
My husband and I climbed up to the peak easily (it's really a moderate climb). From the top, the view is trees and mor
e trees. It's nice to feel secluded and "one with nature" after being in the bustle of the city every day. We spent about 20 minutes exploring the top. You can see the too perfect "shelves" in the rock where the mountain has been quarried. The debris from the quarrying is still scattered near the "shelves". You'll know it when you see it. It's the strangely rectangular pieces of rock.We wandered into the woods at the base of the mountain and turned around and went back up Arabia Mountain. You can go further. At the base of the mountain, in a clearing, is a small lake and Panola Mountain (the 3rd sister rock).
I recommend climbing the peak at dusk and watching the sun set. It reflects off the puddles of water, making the mountain appear to have spots of fire.
This is an amazing place to bring your family, but be aware that there is quite a bit of broken glass (partiers?) scattered about. Arabia Mountain is sure to stick in your memory. Take a break from the shopping and spending and experience Georgia's diverse ecological wonders. Because that's what Arabia Mountain is. An ecological wonder.
