AMNHA: Arabia Mountain
Series: Arabia Mountain Adventures
Password: Located in the logbook
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Parking Options: See waypoints / Free
This cache is located in Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. The Preserve is along Klondike Road south of Lithonia in southeastern DeKalb County. From the AWARE parking lot, take the Mountain Top Trail to the top of Arabia Mountain. The cache is just beyond the top of Arabia Mountain. After reaching the top of Arabia Mountain, visitors can navigate to the cache by generally staying on the rock outcrop. Be careful not to step on sensitive plants, such as diamorpha, moss, or lichen.
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A Stunning View from the Top
Arabia Mountain is one of the two iconic granite peaks in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (AMNHA), located just east of Atlanta, Georgia. It’s a monadnock—a type of isolated rock peak that stands out from the surrounding landscape, shaped by millions of years of natural forces like erosion.
At 1,000 feet above sea level, Arabia Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. The hike to the top is about 1.3 miles via the Arabia Mountain Top Trail, making it an easy and rewarding adventure for visitors of all ages. The trail has a moderate climb, but the effort is well worth it for the sweeping views at the top.
From the summit, you can see a 360-degree view that includes:
- The Atlanta skyline - A surprising view of the city just a few miles away, contrasting with the peaceful natural surroundings.
- Panola Mountain - A nearby National Natural Landmark, home to rare plants and wildlife.
- Surrounding meadows and forests - The landscape includes granite outcrops, wetlands, and forests teeming with local wildlife.
- Historic landmarks - Remnants of old quarrying operations, like abandoned cutting sheds and quarry pits, provide a glimpse into the area’s industrial past.
The summit is a great spot for photography, nature observation, or simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area.
About the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (AMNHA)
The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is a unique landscape just east of Atlanta, known for its beautiful granite outcrops and rich history. Spanning over 40,000 acres, it includes not only the stunning Arabia and Panola Mountains but also former quarries, agricultural sites, historic communities, and spiritual centers.
The area has a deep history, from Native American settlements to European settlers and enslaved Africans. Arabia Mountain was once a major granite quarry that supplied stone for structures like the U.S. Naval Academy. Panola Mountain, however, was spared from quarrying and remains a pristine natural space with rare plants and wildlife.
Today, visitors can explore hiking, biking, and nature trails, and discover historic sites like Vaughters' Farm and the Flat Rock community, one of Georgia’s oldest African-American communities. The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, a peaceful retreat, is also located here.
Popular Trails in the Area:
- Arabia Mountain Top Trail (1.3 miles) – A beginner-friendly trail leading to 360-degree views at the summit.
- Mile Rock Trail and Forest Trail Loop (2 miles) – A scenic loop through forests and granite expanses, passing a picturesque lake.
- Arabia Mountain View Trail (2.3 miles) – A trail through shaded forests, open rock areas, and grassy meadows.
- Cascade Trail and Wilburn Farm Trail (3.25 miles) – A scenic loop that passes waterfalls and historic barn ruins.
- Arabia Mountain Boardwalk Trail Loop (5.1 miles) – The park’s most scenic trail, featuring forests, Arabia Lake, and panoramic mountain views.
The AMNHA offers a peaceful escape from the city, with opportunities for outdoor adventures and a deeper connection to Georgia’s natural and cultural history.
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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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