The best walks and hikes in DeKalb County

Arabia Mountain offers a unique, almost moon-like landscape with exposed granite and rare plants in solution pits. It's generally considered a more natural and less crowded experience. Stone Mountain is a larger park with more amenities, featuring both the popular summit climb and extensive wooded trails around its base. While both are granite monadnocks, Arabia provides a quieter, more otherworldly hike, whereas Stone Mountain offers more varied trails and infrastructure.

Yes, many trails in DeKalb County are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. The multi-use PATH trails, such as those in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, are great options. Parks like Henderson Park and Mason Mill Park also welcome leashed dogs on their trails. However, access for dogs on the rock face of Panola Mountain is restricted, and it's always best to check specific park regulations before you go.

DeKalb County has several excellent options for family-friendly walks. The Candler Lake loop — Lullwater Preserve is a gentle path through serene woodlands. Another great choice is the trail system at Mason Mill Park, which is popular with local families and connects to Medlock Park, offering two playgrounds along the way. These trails are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for all ages.

Yes, the PATH Foundation has developed an extensive network of paved, multi-use trails throughout DeKalb County. These are perfect for walking, running, and cycling. Notable sections include the South River Trail within the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area and the South Peachtree Creek Trail. The Michelle Obama Trail is another well-regarded paved PATH segment that connects several local points of interest.

The trails offer a range of difficulties, but most are easy to moderate. You'll find many gentle, paved paths and flat woodland walks perfect for beginners. The main challenge comes from elevation gain on routes that ascend the granite monadnocks. For example, the Stone Mountain – Stone Mountain Summit loop from Stone Mountain involves a steep climb. Overall, the county is more suited to casual hikers and families than those seeking strenuous, difficult climbs.

The South River Trail, also known as the Weelaunee by the Muscogee Nation, offers a peaceful, natural setting. The trail follows the 'green water' of the river, winding through a significant wildlife corridor. You can expect to see dense forests, wetlands, and occasional views of the river itself. It's a great trail for birdwatching and experiencing the quieter, more forested side of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique experience of hiking on the massive granite outcrops like Arabia Mountain. The well-maintained and accessible trail networks, especially the paved PATH trails, are also frequently mentioned as a major highlight for both hiking and cycling.

While DeKalb County is not primarily known for large waterfalls, you can find smaller cascades and beautiful water features. The Cascade Trail loop — Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area follows a creek and features a lovely small cascade, especially after recent rainfall. The area around the historic Grist Mill in Stone Mountain Park also has scenic water features along the creek.

Panola Mountain offers a more protected and pristine hiking experience compared to Stone Mountain or Arabia Mountain. As a National Natural Landmark, the mountain's delicate ecosystem is carefully preserved. Access to the summit is restricted to ranger-led guided hikes, which you must book in advance. This makes for a very special and educational trip. The park also has several miles of forested trails for independent exploration if you don't join a guided tour.

For the most expansive panoramic views, the summits of Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain are unmatched. From the top of Stone Mountain, you can see the Atlanta skyline and the Appalachian Mountains on a clear day. Arabia Mountain offers a stunning 360-degree view of its unique, cratered landscape. For a different kind of scenery, the trails around Candler Lake in Lullwater Preserve provide peaceful and picturesque water views.

Many of the best hikes in DeKalb County are loops, making logistics easy. The Vaughter's Farm Meadow Loop — Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is a pleasant circular route through fields and forest. In Stone Mountain Park, the Venerable Lake, Grist Mill, Indian Island loop offers a moderately-rated circular path past several points of interest.

There are nearly 50 curated hiking routes available on komoot for DeKalb County. The majority of these are rated as easy, with the remainder being moderate. This collection includes everything from short, paved walks to longer forest loops, showcasing the region's diverse terrain from granite mountains to riverside paths.