Pedal, Walk, or Wander: Arabia Mountain’s Spring Events Make the Outdoors Irresistible

Spring hits different in Georgia. The pollen might still be clinging to your car, but the skies are clear, the trees are green again, and everything’s practically begging you to go outside. If you’ve been craving a reason to stretch your legs (or just escape the noise), Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area has you covered with a lineup of spring events that blend nature, history, and just the right amount of quirk.

If your bike’s been collecting dust in the garage—or your sneakers have been begging for a little trail time—this is your sign to get moving. Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is kicking off its spring season with Pedal the PATH, a month-long cycling (or walking) challenge that blends local history, nature, and a little friendly competition. Add in a lineup of National Parks Week events, and April’s looking like the perfect time to explore one of metro Atlanta’s most underrated outdoor escapes.

🚴‍♀️ Pedal the PATH: April 15 – May 15

This isn’t just a casual Sunday ride. Pedal the PATH challenges cyclists to log miles and visit historic landmarks across the 30+ miles of paved PATH trails that wind through the Heritage Area. These trails stretch from Lithonia to Panola Mountain, cutting through shaded forests, wide meadows, and past granite outcrops that feel a little like stepping onto another planet.

There are three ways to win:

1. Ride all 30+ miles of the PATH
2. Visit at least 5 historic sites in the Heritage Area
3. Participate in two bike events in the NHA

Complete any one of those goals and you’re in for a prize—usually something outdoorsy and practical, like gear or branded swag (no spoilers, but it’s always worth it). You can register anytime between April 15 and May 15 on the Arabia Alliance website to get all the tracking details.

And good news if biking’s not your thing: walkers and runners can join too. The trails are wide and welcoming, and honestly, some of the best views show up when you’re moving slow enough to really see them.

🏞️ National Parks Week: April 19–27

As an official partner of the National Park Service, Arabia Mountain goes all out for National Parks Week, and this year’s lineup blends kid-friendly fun, community events, and citizen science in the most Atlanta way possible—laid-back, creative, and surrounded by trees.

Here’s your game plan:

April 19: Junior Ranger Day at Panola Mountain

From 10am to 12:30pm, kids can earn their Junior Ranger badge while learning about the Heritage Area’s ecosystems, history, and partners. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure mix of crafts, scavenger hunts, and short hikes, perfect for younger kids with lots of questions (and energy).

April 19: Earth Day Summit in Stonecrest

After Junior Ranger Day, swing over to the Stonecrest Earth Day Summit, running from 12 to 2pm. Expect booths from local environmental groups, speakers, and hands-on demos. Think of it as a block party for planet lovers.

April 23: Little Free Library Unveiling at Vaughters’ Barn

Tucked between the trees and meadows near Arabia Mountain, Vaughters’ Barn is already a favorite for photographers and picnickers. On April 23 from 4:30 to 5:30pm, it gets even better with the unveiling of a Little Free Library stocked with books about nature, wildlife, conservation, and maybe even a few surprises. Bring a book, take a book, and hang out for cookies and conversation.

April 25–28: City Nature Challenge

This global event is basically a nature scavenger hunt using your phone. Download the iNaturalist app, head out into the Heritage Area, and start snapping photos of whatever you see—plants, bugs, birds, fungi. Every upload contributes to a global database of biodiversity and helps scientists track species across the world. You don’t need to be an expert, just curious.