A trail heads off into an autumnal woodland. A trace of light kisses the canopy.
But...stay off, a sign cautions.
Nature Preserve Guide Hikes Only.
State Law 12-3-10B
Violators Prosecuted!
Why the ominous warning? The park's brochure reveals the answer:
Because of the rare species of plants that live on Panola Mountain, a guided hike is required to enter the conservation area and go on top of the mountain. While both Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain are similar geologic features, Panola Mountain has never been quarried, making it one of the most pristine monadnocks in the southeastern United States.
So, respecting the environmental concerns (and the law!), I took this photo from the (legal) Rockdale River Trail, a paved hiker/biker trail that follows the South River for several miles in Rockdale County, Georgia (an outlying suburban and exurban county in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area).
But, oh, off-piste looked inviting!
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