“Monadnock Madness” offers hikers, photographers amazing views, fitness and workshops

Are you ready to rock? This March, get out and explore Georgia’s granite giants – Arabia Mountain, Panola Mountain and Stone Mountain – during the annual Monadnock Madness. Come celebrate these three major Atlanta-area monadnocks through hikes, workshops, classes and fitness throughout the month.

The activities include the ever-popular Triple Hike Challenge, in which hikers summit all three granite mountains in a single day. A celebration of nature, wildlife and some darn big rocks, Monadnock Madness will change how you see Atlanta’s outdoors.

Registration for triple hikes, photography workshop and mountaintop yoga opens on Jan. 22.

Now in its seventh year, the month-long outdoor extravaganza gives participants an opportunity to see rare, red diamorpha – also called elf orpine – with white blooms, vibrant vernal pools and amazing landscapes.

Hikers can also join in on a variety of activities including photography workshops, mountaintop yoga, various guided hikes and other special programs at all three sites.

“This is a great way to roll into spring,” said Mera Cardenas, executive director of Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance. “These are ecosystems not found anywhere else in the country, right here in Atlanta’s backyard.”