Two-Wheel Daytripping Exploring Arabia Mountain, Stone Mountain, and Panola Mountain by bike

By Collin Kelley

Gasoline is still sky-high, which might put the kibosh on a long road trip or weekend getaway this summer. For a cheaper alternative, hop on your bike and head for the hills that are literally in Atlanta’s backyard.

If you’re a cyclist, Stone Mountain, Arabia Mountain, Panola Mountain, and the South River Trail offer easy daytrips for all skill levels.

Arabia Mountain PATH Trails: Hike and bike more than 30 miles of recreational trail. Just 20 minutes east of Atlanta, cyclists will pass historic landmarks and stunning vistas.

Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve Trails: The Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve is made up of rolling hills, woodlands, and secluded lakes. This granite outcrop has well-marked trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Trails can be accessed from parking lots on Klondike Road or from the paved Arabia Mountain PATH trail.

S ELF-GU I DE D PAT H TO U R

Explore a land 400 mi lion years in the mak ng The Arabia Mounta n Nat onal Heritage Area (AMNHA) s an open landscape of breathtaking b e a u t y p e a ce a nd w o nd e r j u s t e a s t of A t a n ta a l o n g I -20 D o mi n a ted by t w o m a s s ve g ra n i te o u tc r o p s i t o e r s v is to r s natura wonders, compelling history and hear t-pumping activit y Th e PATH Fo u n d a t i o n t ra i l wi thi n th e AM N HA is d e s g n ed to link cultura , scenic, natura and h storic sites More than 30 mi e s of de d ca te d p a ved t ra i ls a re o p e n to bi ke r s a n d hikers We’ve h ghl ghted some of our favorite sites here

There are several oppor tunities with the Davidson-Ara bia Mou nta i n Na tu re Pre se r ve to hike tra s on foot and bike rack s are ocated at the entrances to severa of these tra s. Remember to always be prepared for your ride take p ent y of water, a ce phone and sunscreen The terrain is hilly and some bikers shou d be aware that some climbs are par t cu arly strenuous

His tor ic Dis tr ic t of Lithonia

Railr oad Cut

Vaughter s’ Far m

Arabia Mount ain & Quar r y

Remains

Quar r y O ce Ruins

Far ming Ter races

Horace K ing Commemorative

Covered Br idge

Evans Mill Ruins

His tor ic Dis tr ic t of K londike

Pole Br idge Creek Was tewater

Treatment Plant

Flat Roc k Communit y

Lyon Far m

South River Br idge #1

Alexander Bar n

The Par ker House Panola Mount ain

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail: Rent a bike from Atlanta Bicycle Barn or one of the many bikeshare stations. A combination of multi-use trails and linear greenspace, the Eastside Trail connects with the Freedom Parkway Trail and Stone

Mountain Trail for biking. Enjoy dozens of featured art installations along the 3 miles of multi-use trails that make up the Beltline.

Stone Mountain: In Stone Mountain Park, take the 4.5-mile loop trail around the base of the mountain for a look at the local flora and fauna and lake views. The Stone Mountain Trail has numerous access points with places to park.

South River Trail: About 15 miles southeast of Atlanta, the South River Trail offers a wooded route along its namesake river. Enjoy nature, scenic views, and sounds while biking the trail running parallel to the river. This trail ties into the extensive trail network with a connection to the Arabia Mountain Trail, which connects to the Rockdale River Trail.

Panola Mountain PATH Trail: A little further south is Panola Mountain State Park, which features a gorgeous five-mile trail through the park to glassy Alexander Lake. It’s a great way to check out the granite outcroppings covered in lichen, moss, and wildflowers.

For more information, visit pathfoundation.org and discoverdekalb.com.

“We’re honored that both Sterling Estates Communities have been recognized as ‘Best of Cobb’ for Retirement Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care again in 2022. I’m proud to say that it’s the 4th year in a row we’ve won these awards and an awesome tribute to our staff members. We’ve been serving seniors in greater Atlanta for over 25+ years now...we invite you to come and experience what sets us apart.” Marshall Gill, COO & Partner, Sterling Estates Senior Living Communities

Come See What Sets us Apart

“What

~ Susan S.

too."