Exploring the PATH Arabia Mountain Trail: Atlanta’s Scenic Escape on Wheels or Foot

If you live in Atlanta and want a greenway that feels like a mini–road trip through granite outcrops, farmland, and rivers—all without leaving the metro area—the PATH Arabia Mountain Trail is one of the best options. It’s part of the regional PATH trail network and connects several major DeKalb County nature spots just east of the city.

Below is a practical guide to what the trail is, where it goes, how to access it from Atlanta, and what to expect once you’re out there.

What Is the PATH Arabia Mountain Trail?

The PATH Arabia Mountain Trail is a paved, multi-use path that winds through the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area in southeast DeKalb County.

Key points:

• Paved, multi-use trail: Great for walking, running, biking, skating, and strollers.
• Rolling, curvy route: Expect hills, turns, and bridges—not a flat rail-trail.
• Connects multiple parks and sites, including:
  • Arabia Mountain
  • Panola Mountain State Park
  • Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve
  • Monastery of the Holy Spirit (via connected paths)
• Part of the PATH Foundation system, similar in feel to sections of the Atlanta BeltLine but more rural and scenic.

If you’re used to urban trails like the Eastside BeltLine, this one feels like a countryside version: same smooth pavement, but with rocky domes, lakes, and forests instead of restaurants and murals.

Where Is the Trail, and How Far Is It from Atlanta?

The Arabia Mountain trail system sits mainly along and near Rockdale and DeKalb counties, southeast of downtown.

Approximate distance from key Atlanta spots:

• From Downtown Atlanta to Arabia Mountain trailheads: about 20–25 miles
• From East Atlanta / Kirkwood / Decatur: often 15–20 miles, depending on your route

Common driving reference points:

• Many people use I-20 East to reach trail access points.
• The most frequently used access for Atlantans is near Lithonia and the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve area.

Main Access Points & Parking Near Atlanta

There are multiple places to get on the PATH Arabia Mountain Trail. These are some of the most useful if you’re coming from the Atlanta area.

1. Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve Area (Lithonia)

This area is a common “gateway” if you’re heading out from Atlanta.

Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve
3787 Klondike Road
Stonecrest, GA 30038

What to know:

• Paved PATH trail runs near the preserve and connects to several spurs.
• Good for combining a bike ride with a short hike onto the granite outcrop.
• Typically has restrooms and informational kiosks near the main lot.

2. Arabia Mountain / AWARE Wildlife Center Area

Near the central part of the heritage area, you can hop on the trail close to Arabia Mountain itself.

AWARE Wildlife Center / Arabia Mountain Area
4158 Klondike Road
Stonecrest, GA 30038

What to know:

• Convenient for riding toward both Arabia Mountain and Panola Mountain.
• Offers access to some of the most scenic segments, including bridges and lake views.

3. Panola Mountain State Park

Further east on the trail system, this is great if you want additional park amenities.

Panola Mountain State Park
2620 Highway 155 SW
Stockbridge, GA 30281

What to know:

• State park; parking may require a daily or annual park pass.
• Restrooms, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and ranger station.
• The PATH trail runs through and connects to other internal park trails.

How the PATH Arabia Mountain Trail Connects Across the East Metro

Think of the PATH Arabia Mountain Trail as a spine running roughly north–south and east–west, linking several key attractions within the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area and nearby green spaces.

You can ride or walk between:

• Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve
• Arabia Mountain and surrounding lakes
• Panola Mountain State Park
• Historic sites and farmland
• Local neighborhoods and smaller parks

Many Atlantans use this trail for:

• Long-distance fitness rides
• Family-friendly weekend outings
• Training rides with hills (more challenging than much of the BeltLine)
• Nature walks without having to hike on dirt or rock the whole time

Trail Experience: What It’s Like

Surface & Width

• Surface: Smooth, paved asphalt.
• Width: Generally wide enough for two-way bike and foot traffic, but some curves and bridges feel narrower.

Good for:

• Road bikes, hybrids, and mountain bikes
• Strollers and wheelchairs (though the hills can be strenuous)
• Inline skates and scooters on dry days

Terrain and Difficulty

Expect:

• Rolling hills – some climbs can be steep, especially for new riders or young kids.
• Curves, boardwalks, and bridges – plan to control your speed on descents.
• Open and shaded sections – forests, fields, and granite outcrop views.

Compared to in-town paths:

• Harder than the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail (which is mostly flat).
• Easier than steep mountain trails, but more of a workout than many urban greenways.

Scenery

Along the trail, you may see:

• Exposed granite outcrops and rock formations
• Wildflowers and unique plants adapted to the stone surfaces
• Lakes, creeks, and wetlands
• Historic structures, farmland, and forest corridors

This is one of the few places near Atlanta where you can bike smoothly on pavement and still feel like you’re in a natural, almost otherworldly landscape.

Typical Uses: Biking, Walking, Running, and More

Biking

Many Atlanta cyclists use the PATH Arabia Mountain Trail for:

• Recreational rides: 10–20 mile out-and-back rides are common.
• Hill training: The rolling grades offer more challenge than in-town trails.
• Family rides: As long as kids are comfortable with small hills and sharing the path.

Tips for Atlanta riders:

• If you usually ride the BeltLine or PATH along Freedom Park, expect more climbing here.
• Bring plenty of water; services are more spread out than in the city.

Walking and Hiking

You can walk the paved sections and then step off onto:

• Granite outcrop trails at Arabia Mountain or Davidson-Arabia
• Natural-surface trails at nearby parks

This is good for people who like:

• Short, scenic walks without rough footing
• Combining a stroll with a picnic or photo stop
• Birdwatching and nature observation

Running

Runners from across metro Atlanta use this area to:

• Practice on rolling terrain
• Get long runs in with fewer road crossings than many in-town routes
• Escape busy city sidewalks while staying on pavement

Planning Your Visit from Atlanta

Getting There by Car

Most Atlantans reach the PATH Arabia Mountain Trail by:

1. Taking I-20 East from Atlanta.
2. Using exits around Panola Road, Evans Mill Road, or Turner Hill Road depending on the trailhead.

Parking is usually in designated lots at:

• Nature preserves
• State park facilities
• Trailhead parking areas along connecting roads

Watch for posted signs indicating trail parking and closing times.

Transit Options

Public transit access is more limited than in-town trails:

• The trail is not directly served by MARTA rail.
• You may be able to get partway by bus from the Indian Creek or Decatur stations and then use rideshare or a longer bike ride to the trail.
• Many people find it easiest to drive or carpool from Atlanta neighborhoods.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Because the PATH Arabia Mountain Trail runs through a more rural setting than the BeltLine, it helps to prepare as if you’re going on a day outing rather than a quick city stroll.

Helpful items:

• Water bottle or hydration pack (especially in Atlanta summers)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Basic bike tools and a spare tube if you’re cycling
• Snacks if you plan a longer route
• Map or at least a sense of your route—there are spurs and connectors

Seasonal notes for Atlanta weather:

• Summer: Hot and humid; start early in the morning when possible.
• Winter: Generally rideable, but mornings can be cold; check for ice on bridges after freezing nights.
• Spring/Fall: Popular times thanks to moderate temps and foliage.

Safety and Trail Etiquette

To keep the path comfortable for everyone—from Atlanta cyclists to visiting families—most people follow simple greenway etiquette:

• Stay to the right, pass on the left.
• Announce your pass (“On your left”) or use a bike bell.
• Control your speed on hills, especially around curves and on bridges.
• Keep pets leashed and close to you.
• Use earbuds at a low volume if you listen to music, so you can hear others.
• Carry out all trash and respect posted rules in the national heritage area and parks.

Lighting is limited in many sections, so most visitors use the trail only during daylight.

How the PATH Arabia Mountain Trail Fits into Atlanta’s Larger Trail Network

The PATH Arabia Mountain Trail is part of a broader Atlanta-region trail and greenway system, which includes:

• PATH Foundation trails throughout the metro area
• The Atlanta BeltLine in-town loops and spurs
• Connector trails like PATH Stone Mountain, PATH Silver Comet connector segments, and others

Many Atlanta residents:

• Use in-town routes (like the BeltLine) during the week.
• Travel to Arabia Mountain, Stone Mountain, or the Silver Comet on weekends for longer, more scenic rides and walks.

Over time, the goal in the metro region has been to create a linked network where you can move between neighborhoods, suburbs, and natural areas on continuous or connected paths. The Arabia Mountain corridor is one of the most scenic examples of that vision on the east side of Atlanta.

Quick Snapshot: Is the PATH Arabia Mountain Trail Right for You?

For Atlanta residents and visitors who are willing to drive a bit east of downtown, the PATH Arabia Mountain Trail offers one of the most rewarding paved trail experiences in the region—combining the accessibility of a greenway with the scenery of a state park.