AMNHA: Mountain Lake
Series: Past and Present Passages
Password: Located in the logbook
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Parking Options: See waypoints / Free
This cache is located just uphill from the Fisherman's Trail.
Mountain Lake, located in Stonecrest, Georgia, has a history intertwined with the region's rich granite quarrying heritage. Before 1990, Old Castle Corporation constructed Mountain Lake in anticipation of initiating a rock quarry operation in the area. However, due to significant opposition from the community, plans for quarrying at that site were abandoned. In early 2012, DeKalb County acquired Mountain Lake and the surrounding land, incorporating it into the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve.
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The Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve is part of the larger Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, which spans approximately 40,000 acres east of Atlanta. This region is distinguished by its unique geological features, notably the granite outcrops known as monadnocks, including Arabia Mountain and Panola Mountain. These formations are remnants of ancient mountains that have withstood erosion, offering a glimpse into the area's geological past. The preserve encompasses diverse habitats such as granite outcroppings, wetlands, pine and oak forests, and streams. It's also home to rare plant species like the red diamorpha and yellow daisies, which bloom in winter and fall, respectively. Additionally, the area contains abandoned rock quarries and remnants of mining structures, reflecting its history of granite extraction.
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Historically, the region surrounding Arabia Mountain was sparsely inhabited by Creek and Cherokee tribes before the 19th century. The land was ceded to the state of Georgia by the Creeks in 1821 and subsequently distributed to settlers through land lotteries. The availability of granite led to the establishment of numerous quarries, with the Davidson family operating one of the largest granite quarries in the world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their operations included extracting granite for construction and producing granite grit for poultry feed, a practice that gained prominence during the Great Depression.
Today, the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area serves as a testament to the region's complex history, encompassing natural beauty, cultural significance, and geological wonders. Visitors can explore the area through various trails, such as the Arabia Mountain PATH, which connects multiple historical, ecological, and cultural sites within the heritage area.
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Are You Ready To Find More Geocaches?
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 many geocaches waiting for you to find.
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