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Visit Georgia’s three monadnocks during the month of March.
Arabia, Panola and Stone Mountains: Georgia’s Three Monadnocks
With spring nearing and the arrival of beautiful flora, March is the perfect time to get outdoors and explore the natural wonders that exist in the metro Atlanta area. Monadnock Madness is an annual month-long celebration named for Georgia’s three monadnocks (a stone outcrop that rises out of the surrounding landscape). The event encompasses activities planned across counties that are home to Arabia Mountain, Panola Mountain and Stone Mountain.
Hike at Your Own Pace or Pick an Event
This year, the calendar of events looks a bit different, as they have been adapted to be enjoyed while observing social distancing practices. The Triple Hike Challenge, which is typically completed in large groups, is presented in an alternative hike-as-you-like format. Snap photos of your visit to Arabia, Panola and Stone Mountains and submit them to a virtual passport in order to claim a prize. Kennesaw National Battlefield Park is also joining in on the madness! Hike this fourth mountain and earn a special prize.
Other fun outdoor options include yoga classes at Arabia Mountain, photography workshops at all three monadnocks and guided hikes at Panola Mountain—the only remaining pristine monadnock ecosystem in the southeastern United States. In order to maintain this designation, Panola Mountain is only accessible through a scheduled guided hike where participants are led along paths that avoid disturbing the plant life that calls Panola Mountain home. Call the Nature Center at 770-389-7801 to register for a guided hike.
While Panola Mountain is something to behold year-round, March is a prime time to view diamorpha and stonecrop blooming on the surface of the mountain. In addition to the natural beauty of the environment, there are a number of reasons people enjoy participating in this month-long event. “I’ve been a volunteer for Monadnock Madness for five or six years. I love sharing with people these natural resources and amazing places that are right in their own backyards. That is my favorite part about Monadnock Madness,” says Anna of Locust Grove, GA.
Visiting These Popular Locations
Spanning Henry, Rockdale and Dekalb counties, these mountains see a large number of people through the year. With the increased number of individuals spending time in outdoor spaces comes the possibility of crowds if you visit these locations during their most popular days and times.
The Arabia Alliance created this helpful guide to parking alternatives situated near the Arabia Mountain trailhead while providing visitors a starting point to their hike they may have not known existed. You can find out more about the parking locations by reading the blog.
Get event details and registration information for Monadnock Madness here.
You are invited to get outdoors and enjoy all that Arabia Mountain, Panola Mountain and Stone Mountain have to offer!