Montgomery’s central Southeast location makes it an ideal launching point for day or weekend adventures to nearby metropolitan destinations such as New Orleans, Nashville, or Atlanta. If your plans include a visit to the Georgia capitol, don’t miss the opportunity for some outdoor exploration with a hike up Arabia Mountain, located just 20 minutes east of Atlanta along I-20.
But don’t let the ‘mountain’ designation concern you. Named a National Heritage Area in 2006 to help preserve the pristine region, Arabia’s barren summit is quite accessible despite projecting some 950 feet above sea level – the elevation gain is actually only around 200 feet starting at the Nature Center trailhead (South Parking Lot) on Klondike Road.
The modest incline up the mountain’s exposed granite provides a steady and manageable climb. The rock surface is rather coarse, worn down by erosion over the millennia, providing reliable traction for walking. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to wear non-slip footwear and carry a hiking pole.
We completed the invigorating 1.3-mile out-and-back hike in about 75 minutes, taking our time at the rocky summit to enjoy the 360-degree view stretching across DeKalb County. Along the way, we also added terms such as “monadnock” and “rock cairns” to our vocabulary.
We began the trail at the car park adjacent to the Nature Center of the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve (the 2,550-acre area’s formal title). The initial path is fairly level and passes through a former granite quarry dotted with craters – large and small – that form charming pools after heavy rain. Pine and oak forests surround the initial path towards the summit. Take note of a path on the right that splits off to a small lake that could be a secondary hike (see below).
As the surrounding tree line disappeared, we began climbing the granite outcrop known as monadnock – an “isolated hill of bedrock standing conspicuously above the general level of the surrounding area,” according to Britannica. Although the lunar-like surface may seem desolate of life, especially in the dry summer when we visited, vibrant plants flourish seasonally, including shallow pools of red diamorpha in the early spring and carpets of yellow daisies in the fall. Follow the rock cairns to the summit – piles of rocks that are used to mark a trail.
The region offers other trails of various lengths to explore. After descending Arabia Mountain and returning toward the car park, we ventured onto the previously mentioned second trail, marked by a blue blaze on a tree (now to the left). This 2-mile loop, while mostly flat, winds through diverse landscapes, including open fields, lush forests, manageable rocky terrain, and around Mountain Lake before circling back to the car park. Remember to bring plenty of water, especially during warm weather.
For a third hike, check out the Klondike Boardwalk Trail (also accessible from the car park). It runs alongside Klondike Road and is a level path with excellent views of the mountain summit from its base.
Although the origin of Arabia Mountain’s name remains uncertain, it possibly dates back to 19th-century quarry workers who endured the blistering summer heat while laboring on the exposed rock and described the intense conditions as being “hot as Arabia.” Having climbed the mountain in July, with temperatures soaring to around 95 degrees, other vivid idioms for the heat certainly come to mind! Regardless of the season, a trip to Arabia Mountain – just a couple of hours from Montgomery – promises to be a memorable experience.
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. His hiking column describes short trails, hikes, and walks from around the country that seniors might enjoy while traveling. See www.ItsAWonderfulHike.com.