Exploring Greenspace Atlanta’s DeKalb County
Exploring Greenspace Atlanta’s DeKalb County, Georgia
One of the first things you see on the flight approach to Atlanta is the incredible urban growth. As a mater of fact, the city has not one, but three skylines, and city sprawl is everywhere. Just east of the city limits and 10 miles from the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Atlanta’s DeKalb County has made protecting greenspace a priority.
The benefits of establishing parks and greenspace are well known and an important component for a sustainable lifestyle. Overall health, both physical and mental, improve with exercise. The more greenspace DeKalb offers, the more residents and visitors are encouraged to spend time outside enjoying Mother Nature. Hiking, biking, canoeing and running are just a few of the many offerings. Along with the exercise component, it is well documented scientifically the important roll trees play in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis.
With a population of over 700,00 the county is the third most populous in Georgia. Over the years, DeKalb has placed an emphasis on protecting and preserving a wide variety of greenspaces in different forms.
Some of the most alluring eco-friendly parks, recreation spots and farmer’s markets are in this area of metro Atlanta. A mild climate makes this location ideal as a year round destination for exploring greenspace in DeKalb County. Residents and visitors alike find recreational space to take the family, trails to walk or run or somewhere to just relax and disconnect for a while; DeKalb county has them all. I was able to enjoy a few of the many eco-friendly spaces during a recent visit.
Arabia Mountain
On an early mountain hike I found one of the most breathtaking spaces in DeKalb, the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. This area is dominated by two granite monadnocks, Arabia Mountain and Panola Mountain, and has several sites worth visiting. Granite ecosystems and forest trails explode with life and color.
I was lucky enough to be visiting when the mountain was rolling out the red carpet. Once a year, the rare dimorpha smallii blankets the area with a small eye-catching crimson stem topped by a white flower. The visual treat circles the mountain pools and is a photographer’s delight. Crimson shadows greet the rising sun each morning during their show-stopping display.
Arabia Mountain is a part of the Davidson-Arabia Nature preserve and provides great trails for hiking and biking. Panola Mountain is a National Landmark that is a part of the Panola Mountain State Park. This mountain is pristine and has never been quarried.
Visitors to both areas can enjoy a myriad of activities from hiking and biking, to fishing, archery, tree climbing and geocaching. In fact, the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area includes over 30 miles of multi-use PATH trails for walkers, joggers and cyclists. The trails are expertly designed to take you past historic landmarks and amazing vistas which will enhance the quality of your experience. These trails are popular among locals and visitors alike.
Monastery of the Holy Spirit
Also located in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. Nestled into more than 1,000 acres of wetlands, streams and forests, you’ll find a true haven for appreciating nature, spiritual reflection and viewing beautiful architecture. It is amazing to realize the Trappist monks built the Abbey Church themselves. You can plan a walk through the Rockdale River trail which runs through the Monastery’s property, or participate in mid-day prayers or mass with the monks. Self-guided tours of the Monastery are possible as is exploring the Prayer Walk, Magnolia Lane and observing the wildlife at the Monastery Lakes.
The Monastary has created one of the few eco-friendly burial grounds in the United States. What exactly does that mean? Natural cemeteries save land and create significant nature preserves. Traditional practices are replaced with a plain pine box or shroud. Cremated remains are also accepted at Honey Creek Woodlands. Bodies are not embalmed, thus saving the earth from harmful chemicals. The simple practice which honors all faiths is an affordable alternative to traditional burials and allows a beautiful space to visit and contemplate in the 70 acres designated for the grounds. Hundreds of plant species have been recorded by botanist Jim Allison and can be studied on sit
Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is a popular greenspace in DeKalb County. It is situated on 3,200 acres of natural flora and fauna and is known for a multiplicity of family friendly and eco-friendly activities. A family friendly destination, some of the more popular activities are family picnics, taking a train ride around the mountain, skyriding to the top of the mountain on a high-speed cable car, visiting the historic square where you will find a collection of restored historic Georgia buildings, visiting the farmyard and exploring the Stone Mountain Park Museum.
Fernbank Forest
Another gem in DeKalb County worth visiting is the Fernbank Forest. Part of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, this is 65 acres of Georgia Piedmont, some of which are remnants of original Georgia forest vegetation. The addition of the Forset to the Museum makes it a terrific indoor/outdoor spot for families to explore the benefits of nature.
The many trails of natural terrain make for some great hiking (not stroller friendly) and guided tours by the rangers are great for learning about the biodiversity. It is an area that is widely studied by scientist due to this fact. The forest is dominated by unique trees such as the white oak, black oak and American beech. A guided tour of the forest is offered, and you will learn about the forest ecosystem and biodiversity. You will also leave with an appreciation for the need to preserve forested areas.
DeKalb Farmers Market
One of the most iconic spaces in the county is the worldly DeKalb Farmers Market. It was established forty years ago and supplies consumers with fresh produce at competitive prices. The market offers a wide variety of produce, food and responsibly sourced seafood items, many of which are very hard to find elsewhere.
It is therefore not surprising that the market attracts customers from many different cultures. DeKalb county is one of the most diverse areas in Georgia. More than 64 languages are spoken and that international flavor is reflected in the market. Taste your way around the globe with the many offerings. In addition to shopping, you can just walk around with the family or purchase a meal and enjoy it on site at one of several gathering sections. What stands out about the DeKalb Farmers Market is that the produce is naturally grown and always fresh, while offering such a myriad of selections from around the world.
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Wandering outside the city limits of a destination can often bring unexpected surprises. DeKalb County was one such unanticipated pleasure has many greenspaces and recreational areas for everyone to enjoy. I have to say there was something for everyone. The county promotes a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation and can serve as a model for other towns and cities across the United States.
PIN Me ♥ Exploring GreenSpace in Atlanta’s Dekalb County
Disclaimer: I was a guest of JetBlue on their inaugural flight from Boston-Atlanta and hosted by Atlanta CVB and Discover DeKalb during my stay. As always, opinions, views and experiences are 100% my own.
I love your pictures. They are great. I have now put DeKalb county on my bucket list. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by Carol. DeKalb was a great find, I only wish I had more time there. So much emphasis is put on Atlanta proper, and it was great to move outside the city and enjoy outdoor activity!
I would very happily go to Atlanta. I’ve only been to their airport and obviously did mot have the time to explore. Thx for the post.
I must say that I also had a preconception of Atlanta as being very urban indeed, and it is great to know that so much nature and produce and local life is available nearby for those who want a more laid back and authentic experience!
So beautiful! How fortunate you were there in the spring when the the flowers were in bloom. I am very impressed with your photography!
64 languages in DeKalb county? Wow! Fernbank Forest looks like my kind of place, and I also love the concept of the eco-friendly burial site. Good on ya, Atlanta!
The burial site opened my eyes, I had never thought in that direction before. Certainly makes a lot of sense.
Such a good idea to have this within easy reach of the city, such a great resource for people to explore, and a good mix of things too with the farmers’ market and monastery as well as the outdoors areas.
I have colleagues from Atlanta and they say it has bigger sprawl than LA! I love that you found so much so close to the city – it is always worth getting away from the skyscrapers!
You make Dekalb County sound lovely. I love the interior church shot.
It’s so important for city-dwellers to have easy access to nature and outdoor activities. DeKalb looks perfect for this. I’d love to visit the farmer’s market and source my picnic foods before hitting the trail in search of dimorpha smallii…
Sounds a fabulous region to explore. I’d particularly enjoy the farmer’s market. I love trying food from different cultures and it sounds as if you’d be spoilt for choice here.
It looks like such a lovely place, and those little red and white flowers are gorgeous!!
C x
That was really an interesting history. I really enjoy your post. Dekalb County is very beautiful.There all picture is magical. Fernbank Forest is very beautiful there all tree is looking nice. Really your post is interesting. Thank you so much for sharing.
I love those small flowers, so unexpected in the more rocky terrain – beautiful forest hikes too
Everything is seem to me so lovely in your article that is mountain, flower, food and all are green In Atlanta. I know that Georgia is a city without traffic lights. One of the first things that everybody see on the flight approach to Atlanta is the incredible urban growth. As a mater of fact, the city has not one.
Wow, love what you wrote here and I am really loving this post card that you have here for us to leave a comment! The flowers at our local monadnocks are gorgeous!