Arabia Lake is over 100 years old and was built to supply water for the quarrying operations that were in full swing during the first half of the 20th century. The dam is not readily apparent, due to large trees growing on it, leading many people upon first seeing the lake to conclude that it is a natural lake.
Arabia Lake
A recent fisheries survey showed the lake to be inhabited by bluegill, large mouth bass, warmouth, and black bullhead. The overall fishery status was rated poor, though quite a few people fish the lake. Extensive bladderwort vegetation interferes with fishing.
Bladewort in Araba Lake
The lake has heavy beaver activity, with many trees having been cut down by beavers over the past few years. From the cache, look just upstream on Stephenson Creek and note the beaver dam. At the head of the lake, you will note a number of trees either felled or gnawed on by beavers. Many of the beaver tree cuts are somewhat conical. Note one on the little peninsula at the head of the lake not far from the cache.
During World War II and as late as the early 1950's Georgia Tech, under contract with the U. S. Navy, conducted underwater tests of various types of explosives. Explosive detonations were set off at a depth of 10 feet and varied from less than one pound up to 90 pounds. The metal piers on the east shore and the metal structure farther out in the lake were used in the underwater testing. The near shore piers once supported a walkway. Munitions were hoisted out over the lake by means of a cable and pulley system, then lowered into the water. The nearby Quonset hut structure was used for storage during the testing. The early 1950's testing involved the development of an underwater sound system.
Stephenson Creek below Araba Lake
Closest parking is at the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area office parking lot on Klondike Road. From the Nature Center, take the yellow marked Forest Trail to Arabia Lake, a distance of one mile from the Nature Center. Near the head of the lake, take an unnamed trail to the right. Bikes are not permitted on the Forest Trail, so if you are biking, please park your bike at the Nature Center.
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Cell service will be limited in various areas on the AMNHA Geo-Path. If you are using your cell phone, you can download the cache info to your phone and travel the trails using the offline mode.
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This nature preserve, like other Georgia woodlands, has ticks during all but the winter season. Take precautions that include wearing a hat, a long sleeve shirt, and long pants with legs tucked into socks. Wear light colored clothing for ease of spotting ticks, especially deer ticks that are the size of a pin head. Use bug spray with the chemical DEET and especially spray around the ankle area. Additional info for tick prevention measures.
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Come explore the Arabia Mountain PATH and earn trackable prizes along the way!
The AMNHA Geo-PATH is a geocaching program spread along the entire 30+ miles of the Arabia Mountain PATH hike/bike trail. We have over 60 geocaches just waiting for you to find.
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See additional waypoints for parking coordinates, points of interests and trailheads.
Each cache is classified in one of following series:
Arabia Mountain Adventures
Lands Less Visited
Lithonia's Historic Hike
Panola Mountain Pathways
Past and Present Passages
South River Stroll
Download the passports to collect the passwords:
Geo-Path Passport
Lands-Less-Visited Passport
Past and Presents Passages Passport
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