NOTE:   This field trip is now scheduled for a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.  Preregistration is highly encouraged but not required.  Please email Philip at

Field Trip Leader:   Philip Bouchard

Description:  This field trip focuses primarily on the unique vegetation found on Piedmont granite exposures, although we will also hike through some moist woodlands. Starting from the south parking on Klondike Road, we will walk up the gentle slope of Arabia Mountain.  After examining the vegetation of the solution pools and “dish gardens” scattered across the bare granite, we will return to the parking lot.  Part 2 of the outing (for those who are interested) will be a clockwise loop around the park, across a quarried area to a small lake, then up to the nature center, then back down to our parking lot.  The loop trail will allow us to explore several distinct habitats.  In the granite exposures we should see a carpet of Elf Orpine in bloom, and the rare aquatic Snorklewort in some of the solution pools.  Flowers we are likely to see during the hikes include Ohio Spiderwort, Piedmont Azalea, Narrowleaf Evening-primrose, Crow Poison, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, One-flower Stitchwort, Yellow Sunnybell, Swollen Bladderwort, Fringe Tree, Yellow Jessamine, and several others.

Location & Directions:   Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, located on Klondike Road in Stonecrest, is in eastern DeKalb County.  Depending on your starting point, you are likely to approach the area via I-20.   From I-20, take exit 74 for Evans Mill Rd and head south on Evans Mill Road, which soon becomes Woodrow Drive.  After a mile, when Woodrow Drive ends, take a right on Klondike Road.  After 1.2 miles, you will pass the parking lot for Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center.  Keep going south on Klondike Road for another mile, and you will see the parking lot for Davidson-Arabia Mountain Trailhead and AWARE Wildlife Center, which is where we will gather.

Meet At:   The Davidson-Arabia Mountain Trailhead parking lot is located just south of Arabia Mountain on Klondike Road.  Note that this parking lot is located one mile south of the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center, which has its own parking lot.

Bathroom Facilities:   Primitive restrooms at the parking lot.  In the latter half of the loop trail, we will pass by better restrooms at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center.

Walking Difficulty:   The hike involves several long but moderate slopes, often walking across bare granite.  In the initial out and back, we will cover up to two miles.  Part 2 of the outing, the optional loop around the park, will be another 3 miles across a variety of surfaces.

Bring:   Water, snacks, and a sack lunch (if you are joining us for Part 2).  Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.  Dress in layers so you can adjust to changes in the temperature.  You may want to bring binoculars, hand lens, notebook, and camera.

Contact:   Philip Bouchard 678-620-4657 (mobile),