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Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve

4.6 (41 reviews)
Closed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Mary M.

We decided to come to Arabia one Saturday morning. It was less commercial than Stone Mountain, you don't have to pay to park and it wasn't overly crowded. We parked and walked through a little trail on the way to the bigger piece. We passed by a small house that had Mother's Day activities going on inside and some outdoor training going on in front. We proceeded to climb Arabia Mountain, but saw a new path for the lake so we decided to follow the yellow signs and see what that was about. It's is great place to do anything outdoors. You can take pictures, climb the mountain, walk the trail to the lake and/or exercise. I enjoyed every moment of walking, even though I was hot and sweaty from carrying a fetus and hiking. We made a choice to try and do it every Saturday we're in town. It was a hot, Spring day but that made it better. We got to feel the "burn" - lol. I loved the way the mountain was set up, the landscape was much different than Stone Mountain and there were parts and time where we didn't see any other people for long lengths of time - which I loved. It was serene and calm. This is my new favorite place.

Jett enjoying the trail
Angelica D.

What a gem! I can't believe I've lived in Lithonia all this time and I'm just now discovering this place. The trail was well kept and had pathways that led to a lake and Arabia mountain. It was gorgeous! There were several benches located throughout the trail. I think I enjoyed the walk more than my dog. The only downside was a couple of people who didn't have their dogs on leashes. We'll definitely be returning soon to discover more of this beautiful place.

Ivan S.

As with its more popular sister park, Stone Mountain, this hidden gem is a geologic wonder--a rare granite outcropping found in few places on Earth. Unlike its sister, it still remains, with the exception of a few trails, pristine. The lack of any Confederate iconography cut into its side is a good clue. It's strange though. Few, even native Atlantans are familiar with this unique park. With the exception of the occasional busload of prepubescent field trippers, the crowds are mercifully thin. Granted there's no antique locomotive to drive you in circles in some strange throwback to the old times there are not forgotten, so you'll just have to make due with the miles of newly built trails, the friendly park rangers and the secret lake begging for picnic partners. Climb to the top of the Arabia Mountain. Go ahead. You won't hurt it. When you're there, marvel at the vista that is Lithonia. Enjoy the breezes. Breathe in the fresh(ish) Atlanta air. You won't regret coming here AND you'll be the coolest kid in your clique when you show off this secluded treasure.

Falicia G.

This is one of those hidden treasures. It's secluded, off the highway and down a few narrow roads. It's close to Stone Mountain but doesn't have all the "tourist-y" hoopla. We hiked for several hours dipping in and out of heavily wooded areas to wide open spaces of granite outcroppings. On our hike, we saw animal foot prints as well as massive trees which we could not resist climbing. It was great! The park is not a busy as Sweetwater Creek or the Chattahoochee Nature preserve so, if you're looking for some quiet time to meditate and relax with nature, this is a great choice.

Robin S.

If you've not caught a sunrise at Arabia Mountain, you must go. Dreamlike. Afterwards, stay and explore the park. It's like none other.

Beautiful lake at the end of a winding trail!
Andrew F.

This place really is a great alternative to Stone Mountain. Took the kids and had a ball. The trail leading to the lake wasn't as exciting according to my 2 millennials, but it was adventurous to say the least. Overall we enjoyed our time there.The girl at the information center was very helpful and kind. If you're one who doesn't need to be surrounded by mobs of people to have a good time, this place is for you. Fun for all ages. Midmorning and sunset will probably be the most romantic times to visit and catch the nice breeze at the mountain's peak.

Scott L.

I've been coming to Arabia Mountain for nearly 30 years. A lot has changed. Way back then, there was limited parking off the side of the road. There was graffiti everywhere.....Someone actually painted the lyrics to Stairway to Heaven.....That's all gone and what is left is pure nature. Every time I go, I manage to see or find something I had not seen before. This park is large with plenty of hiking trails. There's a pond on the other side of the main peaks. There are remnants of the quarry work that went on years ago. It's a great place to go if you want to feel alone and isolated. Arabia Mountain is older than Stone Mountain as it had formed, then re-formed due to heat and pressure. Be sure to look closely for gobs of quartz and other minerals embedded in the granite. Bring your dog, just be sure to keep it on a leash and clean up after. Best nature value in the area.

In the spring the Diamorpha bloom creating beautiful red pockets on the granite.
Cris H.

The parks department really did a great job here. There are miles of trails and everything is well marked and well maintained. Go to Arabia Mountain, it's worth it and pretty easy. Park in the south parking lot and follow the well marked stone markers (cairns) up to the top.

Sarae R.

This was an unexpected find but I really enjoyed my visit here. The hike up the hill was easy and short. The view at the top was so refreshing and the sun set was a big plus.

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Excellent walking trails, back to nature. No distance issues. Nature center has good information on the preserve.

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Review Highlights - Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve

Arabia Mountain is older than Stone Mountain as it had formed, then re-formed due to heat and pressure.

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Glenwood Park

Glenwood Park

4.8
(8 reviews)
14.6 mi

Glenwood Park is a mixed-use development which opened in 2005 in East Atlanta. If traveling from…read moredowntown on I-20 eastbound, Glenwood Park is just off exit 59B (Memorial Drive, Glenwood Avenue). If traveling westboard towards downtown, take exit 60 (US 23, Moreland Avenue). This low key neighborhood, sandwiched between Grant Park and East Atlanta Village, is sort of "hidden." I think if you asked the average metro Atlantan if they've heard of Glenwood Park, they'd probably say no. Glenwood Park opened the same year as Midtown's Atlantic Station. Like Atlantic Station, Glenwood Park is all about urban and sustainable living. Unlike Atlantic Station, Glenwood Park isn't big. It's relatively small at just under 30 acres in total size. It's a lot quieter and isn't as commercialized. The property feels more residential than anything with quiet streets and wide sidewalks with nicely manicured lawns. After about a decade of existence, the development still looks great. There's a park/greenspace with a picturesque pond and a beautiful fountain. The community collects almost two-million gallons of its own well water per year in order to irrigate the park and street trees. There's a community garden where residents can reserve plots filled with high quality, organic soil. There's a dog park, playground, and neighborhood pool. One courtyard features a little stone fountain and full-sized bocce ball court. The layout was designed with pedestrians in mind, though there's plenty of free street parking and parking lots located on the development. It's clean and feels safe. The Atlanta BeltLine runs through the neighborhood in a north-south line. Food-lovers probably know Glenwood Park because of its restaurants, Gunshow, The Shed at Glenwood, and Vickery's Bar & Grill. Local celebrity chef Kevin Gillespie opened Gunshow in 2013 with fellow chefs Andreas Muller and Joey Ward. It may very well be *the* best restaurant in Atlanta. It's certainly one of the most fun and unique with it's American-style dim sum. You can read my review of Gunshow here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/gunshow-atlanta-2?hrid=_Zvxkqv86FBPQtUBysU21Q. The Shed at Glenwood is a modern farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal fare. Vickery's, known for its cocktails and burgers, opened its second Atlanta location in Glenwood Park. Drip coffee shop also has a location here.

I'm not sure how to review a neighborhood but it shouldn't be too hard. This place is great -…read morebungalow style houses, flats, condos, townhomes and great neighbors. There are a handful of retail businesses on the south end of the neighborhood that we frequent and the usual smattering of intown amenities - proximity to downtown, Virginia Highland, Starlight Six Drive-In. You get the point. Since moving here in 2009 we have made so many good friends and really love where we live. There's a community garden, a pool/gym and a dedicated dog park free to residents (as of this writing). A brownfield redevelopment and product of Green Street properties, GWP is home to the 2005 Southern Living Idea House. Many of the homes are distinct in design, presentation and vary in style but all still flow together. Most lots are very small but we managed to eke out a wonderful front flower garden and transform the triangle shaped garden in the back into a treed and flowered sanctuary. We tried our hand at gardening in the community garden but the summer Atlanta sun and invasive weeds had us handily beat by mid July. In October each year, the Hotoberfest beer festival is held in and around the main park (now Brewer Park) drawing a few thousand people to the neighborhood. Less exciting but nearly as big a draw (maybe stretching here) is the annual garage sale. A handful of movies have been filmed here including the Blind Side and Hall Pass as is part of the Real Housewives of Atlanta (one of them lives here as of this writing). Like other neighborhoods that started mid real estate boom but not finished before the bang, there are empty lots, foreclosures and short sales. The last builder to get going has long ago gone out of business and a few independent developers have put up new homes but it remains to be seen if the original vision of Green Street and the first residents will be fulfilled. However, this remains a one-of-a-kind neighborhood south of I-20 and a great alternative to the stunning but prohibitively expensive homes in Morningside, Virginia Highland and the handful of other established intown neighborhoods. Being so close to everything available in Atlanta has spoiled us for going to festivals (Inman Park, Dogwood, Summerfest, Shade), the drive in and so much good food + drink in walking distance (you hear me $2 PBR at ten places I can walk to). The EAV and Grant Park are both short walks and great neighborhoods in and of themselves. The Zoo and Turner field are less than 3 miles away as are dozens of the best restaurants in Atlanta. The beltline trailhead is just across I-20 so you can walk off all the beer and carbs. Definitely kid friendly, we've seen at least six newborns arrive since we moved here. The little ones have a playground, a music class and no shortage of friends to grow up with. We will be adding our own in February 2012 so we're planning on being in Glenwood Park for the foreseeable future.

Photos
If you look very closely, you will see the rainbow going through the water...at Glenwood Park right this second.  :)
If you look very closely, you will see the rainbow going through the water...at Glenwood Park right this second. :)
Outdoor bocce ball court.
Outdoor bocce ball court.
Glenwood Park

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Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

4.8
(20 reviews)
0.9 mi

My friends and I met up at 8:00 am on Sunday for the weekly walk with a naturalist. We went on a 4…read moremile hike with 3 rangers. Each ranger was so welcoming, knowledgeable, and answered all our questions. One ranger was so knowledgeable about the flora and fauna in and around the mountain. One ranger was a bird expert and shared their binoculars with us and showed us how to use a bird call app to figure out how to identify all the fowl we saw. The other ranger told us lots of stories of the history of the park. It was a great experience and I highly recommend you try it.

2nd time at this park in over 10yrs. Out running errands and this park is within minutes of my…read moredestination. There's parking less than a half mile of the main entrance the only thing about that is you have to get there early . Parking lot holds maybe 25 vehicles. When I pulled in there were 6 cars. I entered the trail on the south entrance. I saw no one ! I was looking around and behind me to make sure it was okay as I was alone. I finally came up behind 2 guys that were walking up ahead. I had been out there maybe 20 min. Saw a large Buck (deer) tried to get a pic but he ran when I pulled out the phone . The trails are completely paved with several wooden bridges along the way. Off pavement trails throughout the park. I did not venture off bc again I was alone and I'm not really familiar with the park. Great park to get you in top tier shape. Winding curves and elevation along the trail. Plenty of shade as the trees hover over . It reminds you of Stone Mountain Park just not as large. Idea weather 80 degrees low humidity. Managed to get in 4 miles. I most definitely will be back .

Photos
We saw some fish and water fowl here
We saw some fish and water fowl here
It was a perfect day to hike
It was a perfect day to hike
I think this was st.johns wort

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I think this was st.johns wort

Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve - parks - Updated June 2026

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