Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is a protected region near Atlanta that spans over 40,000 acres of granite peaks, woodlands, and waterways containing multiple communities and natural sites. The area connects parks and nature preserves through an extensive network of pathways designed for walking and cycling.

The region served as a trading route for Native Americans before European settlements appeared in the 1820s, transforming the landscape. Granite quarrying later became the defining industry for the area, shaping its economy and communities through much of the 20th century.

The Flat Rock community was founded by formerly enslaved people and preserves its cemetery and local records that reflect African-American settlement and self-determination. Walking through this area, visitors can see how people built independent lives and maintained their heritage over generations.

The area features about 30 miles of paved paths connecting multiple parks and nature sites, giving visitors several route options for exploration. Walking or cycling are the best ways to experience different sections, and visitors can choose distances based on their interests and abilities.

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, established in 1944, protects one of the largest privately managed green spaces in the Atlanta metropolitan area on its extensive grounds. This monastic community offers visitors a secluded retreat set within a sprawling protected forest.