7 mile hike at Arabia Mountain

Come join me in a hike in the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve in East DeKalb County. This jewel of a park is a premier location for cycling, and it also has some very nice hiking trails. Most of the hiking trails are short, but they are tied together by the multi-use PATH, so we will spend some time on concrete and boardwalk going between the various trails. This route is about 7 miles with about 400 feet of climbing but it could be more or less, so bring your sense of adventure and be flexible. We will go slow enough to enjoy the sights and take a photo or two.

The route takes us by Arabia Lake, some former farms, pine forests, hardwood forests, a former quarry, some waterfalls, and some rock cairns. I have modified the original route by omitting as much of the concrete and boardwalk as possible, concentrating on dirt trails and exposed granite. I think we will be glad we checked this close-to-town gem!

Up to two well-behaved dogs on leash (as required by the park) are welcome.

The Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve is in East DeKalb County just south of I-20. Coming from Atlanta, take Exit 74 and at the light turn left onto Mall Parkway. Turn right onto Klondike Road. Pass the Stonecrest Library on the right, the Arabia Mountain/Vaughters' Farm, and look for the Arabia Mountain Nature Center on the right at 3787 Klondike Road, Stonecrest, Ga.

Because this is a nature preserve, please stay on the trail and do not disturb or remove anything.