Thu, May 19 2011 - Photo Hike - Arabia Mountain Heritage Area & Sunset (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): John Christopher, Lisa Maldonado Participants: John Christopher, Lisa Maldonado, Beth H, Richard K, Hope, Chris H, Glenda H, Lemmy, Marie Earley, Kendra, Christy Dyer

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Write Up:
Everyone gathered at the Arabia Mtn Nature Center kiosk after a hectic commute through Atlanta traffic. We were all ready for some relaxing hiking and great scenery. The hike started on the forrest trail out of the Nature Center parking lot. The trail winds through a fairly dense forrest with old trees, carpet of pine needles, and plenty of bushes. We were very careful to avoid poison ivy and there was plenty of it.

Our first stop was by Arabia Lake. This lake was created with small dam and served the old quarry. There are a couple of very large, old rusting structures in the lake and we wondered about their original purupose. From the lake we moved out onto the granite and picked up the South Lake Trail. This trail is well marked with rock cairns and makes the easiest way to cross the granite. We stopped in a couple of spots to observe the lichen, yucca plants, and various flora that grows naturally on the granite. It's all very spectacular even thought the colors were not as briliant as in early spring.

After heading across the granite we found the cairns identifying the trail linking the two parts of the park. This trail crosses the paved bikeing/walking path that is very popular with AOC cyclists. The trail then crosses Klondike Road and heads toward Arabia Mountain itself. Once we navigated this trail we emerged onto the granite that makes up Arabia Mtn. Just to the right there were some late blooming spring flowers. We saw some yucca, cactus, and other small wildflowers in bloom among the lichen. The blooming cactus was a fairly rare and was a highlight of the hike.

After making our way to the top of Arabia Mtn, we wer treated to a spectacular sunset. There were just enough clouds to pick up the deep range of oranges from the setting sun. Words really can't describe the scene but a few pictures are available below. Check them out!

Click here for event photos (From John)
Click here for more photos (From Hope)
Click here for even more photos (From Lisa)
Click here for yet even more photos (From Richard)

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