A popular hiking and bike trail will soon expand into Henry County. The Arabia Mountain PATH trail currently runs from the Monastery of the Holy Spirit all the way to historic downtown Lithonia, connecting sites including Panola Mountain State Park, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve and the historic Flat Rock Community. The newest phase of the trail will expand access westward, bringing the PATH closer to Atlanta.
On Thursday, January 23rd at 11 am, the Henry County Board of Commissioners and representatives from the PATH Foundation, Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites and the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance will celebrate construction on the much-anticipated Panola Mountain Greenway segment of the trail system. The event will take place at Panola Mountain State Park (2620 Highway 155 SW).
The multi-use Arabia Mountain PATH currently connects green space and historic sites throughout the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (AMNHA), a congressionally-designated, nationally significant landscape in the southeast Atlanta metro. This paved, accessible trail allows for walkers, bikers, hikers, and runners (as well as those in wheelchairs or parents with strollers) to enjoy the forests, meadows, and history of the National Heritage Area. Expanding the PATH out from Panola Mountain State Park (also part of the AMNHA and a National Natural Landmark) will provide even more opportunities for outdoor recreation and finally connect Henry County to the PATH system.
“This is only a part of the overall vision – but it’s an important one,” said Kelly Jordan, Founder and Board Treasurer of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, the nonprofit entity that works to protect and promote the entire AMNHA. “Ultimately, the PATH will run from Henry County to the City of Atlanta, where it will connect with the Atlanta Beltline. Someday, you’ll be able to bike or walk from Conyers all the way to Atlanta and beyond, thanks to the PATH Foundation, DeKalb County, Rockdale County and, now, Henry County.”
Construction on the new PATH segment is funded in part by Federal funds and in part by funds from the Henry County Board of Commissioners and the PATH Foundation, among other funding sources. In October, County Commissioners awarded Lewallen Construction with the bid. Construction is projected to wrap up in 2020.
About Arabia Alliance
The Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance is dedicated to protecting, connecting and sharing the powerful history, rich culture and engaging landscapes of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (AMNHA) for the benefit and enjoyment of all. The staff and volunteer board of the Arabia Alliance work with partners across the AMNHA to ensure that everyone can benefit from the cultural and natural resources of the National Heritage Area. For more information, visit www.arabiaalliance.org.
