ATLnature

ATLnature is your guide to Atlanta's trails and other rad nature stuff in the city. Live in the city but miss hiking on the weekends? Don’t have time (or a car!) for a trip to north Georgia? Did you know there are over 30 nature trails inside the perimeter of 285 alone?

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intrenchment-creek.png

Intrenchment Creek Park

Intrenchment Creek Trail
September 06, 2022 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Intrenchment Creek Park is the western end of the South River PATH trail. It is also home to an RC Airfield.

Address: West Side Pl, Atlanta, GA 30316
Cost of admission: None
Governance: DeKalb County
Acres: 125
Approximate miles of trails: 2
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 6
MARTA directions: From Inman Park-Reynoldstown Station, take the 32 to Bouldercrest Rd SE@Westside Pl. From there, walk northwest along Bouldercrest. Turn left on West Side Place. The entrance to the trail is clearly marked on the right. Walking distance from bus stop to trailhead approximately 0.2 miles.
Parking: Parking is available at the trailhead on West Side Place. Two handicap accessible spaces are available.
Trail surface: Approximately 0.5 miles of PATH trail (continues beyond the park for about 5 miles) and approximately 1.5 miles of unpaved trails
Geocaching: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes

Amenities:

  • Picnic pavilion

Links:

  • South River PATH Trail

  • Atlanta Radio Control Club

  • Save the Old Atlanta Prison Farm

Note: The area of land highlighted in this blog post is all east of Intrenchment Creek. West of the creek is the land associated with the Old Atlanta Prison Farm. No trespassing is allowed in the prison farm buildings, and the area is frequently patrolled by the police. You may see that OpenStreetMap has marked land west of the creek as “City of Atlanta greenspace – keep out”. I haven’t heard of anyone getting in trouble for being on the trails west of the creek as long as they stay away from the buildings, but it might be best to stay east of the creek. There is no bridge across the creek between the two properties.

November 11, 2018

November 11, 2018

Cladonia peziziformis, November 11, 2018

Cladonia peziziformis, November 11, 2018

November 11, 2018

November 11, 2018

November 11, 2018

November 11, 2018

Green Anole, November 11, 2018

Green Anole, November 11, 2018

November 11, 2018

November 11, 2018

Intrenchment Creek, June 7, 2015

Intrenchment Creek, June 7, 2015


Good to combine with

Featured
Southside Park
Southside Park
Constitution Lakes
Constitution Lakes
Brownwood Park
Brownwood Park
September 06, 2022 /Shawn Taylor
near bus-5 min page 2, near: brownwood park, near: southside park, near: constitution lakes, atlanta page 4, multi-use path, free admission, itp page 2, near downtown-10 miles, allows dogs
parks
2 Comments

Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary

Friendship Forest
September 26, 2021 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Address: 4380 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Clarkston, GA 30021
Cost of admission: Free
Governance: City of Clarkston
Friends of the Park Group: Friends of Friendship Forest
Acres: 18.5
Approximate miles of trails: 1
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 10
Transit directions: The MARTA #120 from Avondale Station stops right in front of the wildlife sanctuary
Cycling directions: The Stone Mountain PATH runs directly across the street from the wildlife sanctuary. The PATH goes through downtown Decatur and downtown Atlanta, and connects to the BeltLine. 
Parking: There is a parking lot at the Ponce trailhead. There are a couple accessible parking spaces available.
Trailhead(s): The main trailhead is at the parking lot on Ponce. There is also a trailhead at the end of Clark St.
Trail surface: Some paved & boardwalk; some natural
Blazes/markings: Unpaved trails are unmarked
Restrooms: There are restrooms next to the parking lot and also some next to the amphitheater
Guidebook mentions: None

Amenities:

  • Restrooms

  • Picnic tables

  • Covered amphitheater/outdoor classroom

  • Bottle fill stations & water fountains by restrooms

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

  • Refuge Coffee Co. is 0.5 miles southwest of the wildlife sanctuary

Links:

  • City of Clarkston

  • Friends of Friendship Forest

December 21, 2016

December 21, 2016

September 26, 2021

September 26, 2021

September 26, 2021

September 26, 2021

Little Blue Dragonlet, September 26, 2021

Little Blue Dragonlet, September 26, 2021

September 26, 2021

September 26, 2021

More photos on Flickr:

Friendship Forest - all

From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist
View more observations near Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary on iNaturalist »

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

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Featured
Johns Homestead
Johns Homestead
Pine Lake
Pine Lake

Updated December 21, 2016 and September 26, 2021

September 26, 2021 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 3, near bus-5 min, free admission, east metro, near: johns homestead, near: pine lake
parks
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sope-creek.png

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Sope Creek

Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins
September 02, 2021 by Shawn Taylor in parks

The paper mill ruins are what this park segment is most known for. The ruins are located near marker SC27 on the map. This segment connects to Cochran Shoals via trails. Mountain bikes are allowed on some segments of both Sope Creek and Cochran Shoals. Note: some of the mountain bike trails are one-way only. They change direction based on the day. Hikers hike in the opposite direction of bikes.

Address: 3726 Paper Mill Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30067
Cost of admission: $5/day per car
Governance: NPS
Friends of the Park Group: Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy
Acres: 303
Approximate miles of trails: 5.5
Hours: Dawn to dusk, exact park hours are posted at the trailheads
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 13
Transit directions: The Cochran Shoals is fairly transit-accessible, and this unit connects to that one. Sope Creek itself is not very transit accessible.
Parking: Parking is available at the trailhead
Trailhead(s):
There are two trailheads at the parking lot on Paper Mill Rd
Trail surface: Natural
Blazes/markings: Each trailhead is marked with a map of the unit
Restrooms: There are no restrooms in the Sope Creek unit, but there are restrooms at the Columns Drive and Interstate North trailheads of the Cochran Shoals unit, which connects to Sope Creek
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Fishing allowed: Yes
Accessibility notes: Lots of rocks in the trail and uneven surfaces. There are also some fairly steep sections. Some muddy sections as well, depending on recent weather.
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 54 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition), page 84 in Hiking the Hooch (1st edition), trip 81 in Afoot & Afield Atlanta (2nd edition)

Links:

  • NPS (PDF)

  • SORBA (mountain bike trails)

Map notes:

  • The yellow trail is one-way. The direction alternates by day. As of September 2021, hikers go clockwise on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and counter-clockwise on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Mountain bikers ride in the opposite direction.

  • As of September 2021, some of the trails shown on OpenStreetMap (and therefore on this map’s basemap) are not present. To my knowledge, only the trails I’ve marked on the overlay are usable.

November 20, 2005

November 20, 2005

November 20, 2005

November 20, 2005

November 20, 2005

November 20, 2005

November 20, 2005

November 20, 2005

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

Sibley Pond, September 2, 2021

Sibley Pond, September 2, 2021

Halloween Pennant, September 2, 2021

Halloween Pennant, September 2, 2021

More photos on Flickr

Sope Creek - all

From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist
View more observations near Sope Creek Unit - Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area on iNaturalist »

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

Good to combine with:

Featured
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Cochran Shoals (Columns Drive & Interstate North)
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Cochran Shoals (Columns Drive & Interstate North)
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Johnson Ferry South
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Johnson Ferry South
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Powers Island
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Powers Island

Updated January 6, 2017, April 15, 2017, and September 2, 2021

September 02, 2021 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 3, north metro, 3+ miles of trails, near: johnson ferry south, mountain biking, near: cochran shoals, near: powers island
parks
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morgan-falls.png

Morgan Falls Overlook Park & Morgan Falls River Park

Morgan Falls Overlook Park
August 28, 2021 by Shawn Taylor in parks

It seems the largest attraction to Morgan Falls Overlook Park is the huge playground. That said, the park has other attractions too, including great views of the river and a short nature trail. The nature trail has two trailheads, one from the west side of the parking lot, and the other at the north end of the pavilion.

Birders – or those with dogs – will want to walk or drive 1/3 of a mile to Morgan Falls River Park and Dog Park. There are no trails here, but you can walk a bit along the creek and check out the views of the dam and the river.

Fishing seems to be popular in both locations. In Morgan Falls Overlook Park, an unmarked, narrow, ungraded trail runs for about a third of a mile, beginning at the left side of the kayak rental building and continuing along the river's edge. I saw several folks fishing along this trail. I also saw folks fishing at Morgan Falls River Park from the metal observation deck and along the river bank.

Address: 200 Morgan Falls Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Cost of admission: Free
Governance: City of Sandy Springs
Acres: 28
Approximate miles of trails: 1
Hours: Sun-up to sun-down
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 17
Transit directions: Take the MARTA 87 bus from Dunwoody Station to Roswell Rd & Morgan Falls Rd, then walk 1.3 miles west on Morgan Falls Rd
Parking: There are free parking lots at both the Overlook Park and the River Park
Trail surface: Natural
Restrooms: Restrooms are available at the Overlook Park
Dogs allowed: Yes, and there is an off-leash dog park at the River Park
Fishing allowed: Yes
Guidebook mentions: Page 74 of Hiking the Hooch (1st edition)

Amenities:

  • Restrooms

  • Bike racks

  • Water fountain (dog & human)

  • Playground

  • Swinging benches

  • Large pavilion

  • Kayak rental (seasonal)

  • Dog park

Links:
Sandy Springs
High Country Paddle Shack

Overlook Park, January 15, 2017

Overlook Park, January 15, 2017

Overlook Park, January 15, 2017

Overlook Park, January 15, 2017

Overlook Park, January 15, 2017

Overlook Park, January 15, 2017

Spotted Pink Ladybeetle, July 11, 2021

Spotted Pink Ladybeetle, July 11, 2021

River Park, January 15, 2017

River Park, January 15, 2017

Powdered Dancer, July 11, 2021

Powdered Dancer, July 11, 2021

Morgan Falls Dam, August 28, 2021

Morgan Falls Dam, August 28, 2021

Overlook Park, January 15, 2017

Overlook Park, January 15, 2017

Bald Eagle, River Park, March 4, 2017

Bald Eagle, River Park, March 4, 2017

Great Blue Heron at Morgan Falls Dam, River Park, March 4, 2017

Great Blue Heron at Morgan Falls Dam, River Park, March 4, 2017

 More photos on Flickr:

Morgan Falls - all

Good to combine with:

Featured
John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve
John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve
Lost Corner Preserve
Lost Corner Preserve

Updated January 15, 2017, July 11, 2021, and August 28, 2021

August 28, 2021 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 3, free admission, north metro, boat ramp, birding, allows dogs, wetlands, dog park, near: big trees, near: lost corner, near: big trees forest preserve
parks
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westside park.png

Westside Park

westside reservoir park
August 22, 2021 by Shawn Taylor in parks

The Westside Park grand opening was held in August 2021. The former Bellwood Quarry has been converted into a reservoir for City of Atlanta water.

Bellwood Quarry was established in the 1890s to provide granite to the city and surrounding areas. The site was originally a Fulton County convict labor camp. More recently, the quarry was run by corporations. The city purchased the land from the quarry operator, Vulcan Materials, in 2006. This column by Sundiata Rush for the Saporta Report includes some more information about the history of the site.

A number of movies & TV shows have been filmed at the quarry, including The Hunger Games and Stranger Things.

As of August 2021, with only Phase 1 complete, almost all of the trails are paved and wide. The master plan calls for 4.1 miles of natural-surface walking trails and 3.2 miles of natural-surface mountain biking trails in a future phase.

Also known as: Bellwood Quarry Park
Address: 1660 Johnson Road Northwest, Atlanta, GA
Cost of admission: Free
Governance: City of Atlanta
Acres: 280
Approximate miles of trails: 2.5
Hours: 6am to 11pm
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 3.4
Transit directions: Take MARTA to Bankhead Station and use the Proctor Creek Greenway to connect to the park. Or take MARTA bus #26 from Bankhead Station to Perry Blvd NW & Johnson Rd NW. Walk about 0.2 miles southwest on Johnson Road to the park entrance.
Cycling directions: The park trails connect to the Proctor Creek Greenway
Parking: There are two large parking lots available, off of Johnson Road
Trailhead(s): The two main entrances on Johnson Road are clearly marked and visible from the road. Trailheads are clearly marked from these parking lots. There’s also neighborhood connectivity via Grove Park Place.
Trail surface: Many of the trails are paved and ADA accessible
Blazes/markings: Trails are paved and most intersections have maps
Restrooms: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash

Amenities:

  • Restrooms

  • Pavilions

  • Water fountains

  • Playground

  • Scenic overlooks

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

  • MARTA rail station

Links:

  • Westside Park

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

More photos on Flickr:

Westside Park - all

From around the web:

Recent iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist
View more observations near Westside Park on iNaturalist »

Good to combine with:

Featured
Proctor Creek Greenway
Proctor Creek Greenway
August 22, 2021 /Shawn Taylor
near: proctor creek greenway, atlanta page 4, near bus-5 min page 2, multi-use path, free admission, near downtown-5 miles, allows dogs
parks
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John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve

Big Trees Forest Preserve
August 14, 2021 by Shawn Taylor in parks

In 1989, there were plans for this land to become a car dealership, but it was saved by John Ripley Forbes and the Southeast Land Preservation Trust. Powers Branch creek runs through the preserve.

Also known as: Big Trees Nature Preserve
Address: 7645 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Cost of admission: None
Governance: City of Sandy Springs
Acres: 30
Approximate miles of trails: 2
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 15
MARTA directions: Take the #87 bus from Dunwoody Station to the stop at 7741 Roswell Rd. (North Fulton County Government Center). There is no crosswalk near this stop, so it might be best to return by using the same bus stop (instead of crossing the street) and taking the #87 north to North Springs Station.
Trailheads: The trailhead is clearly marked in the parking lot just south of the government center. There are restrooms at the trailhead that are also visible.
Parking: There is free parking available at the main trailhead
Trail surface: About the first 100 yards of the Big Trees Loop trail (starting at the main trailhead) is paved; the rest of the trails are natural surface
Blazes/markings: Most of the intersections are marked with trail names
Geocaching: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 51 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition)

Amenities:

  • Dog poop station

  • Restrooms

  • Water fountains

  • Numerous benches

  • Interpretive trail numbers (info here)

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

  • There is a grocery store, drug store, and a couple restaurants half a mile south of the park, at Roswell Rd & Trowbridge Rd.

Links:

  • Big Trees Forest Preserve

  • Park map

October 22, 2016

October 22, 2016

Jelly fungus, October 28, 2018

Jelly fungus, October 28, 2018

October 22, 2016

October 22, 2016

Banded Tussock Moth caterpillar, October 28, 2018

Banded Tussock Moth caterpillar, October 28, 2018

October 22, 2016

October 22, 2016

October 28, 2018

October 28, 2018

Coprinellus mushrooms, October 28, 2018

Coprinellus mushrooms, October 28, 2018

Red-footed Cannibal Fly, August 14, 2021

Red-footed Cannibal Fly, August 14, 2021

Ebony Jewelwing, August 14, 2021

Ebony Jewelwing, August 14, 2021

More photos on Flickr:

Big Trees Forest Preserve - all

From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist.org
View more observations near Big Trees Forest Preserve on iNaturalist.org »

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days


Good to combine with:

Featured
Morgan Falls Overlook Park & Morgan Falls River Park
Morgan Falls Overlook Park & Morgan Falls River Park
Dunwoody Nature Center
Dunwoody Nature Center
Lost Corner Preserve
Lost Corner Preserve

Updated October 25, 2016, October 28, 2018, & August 14, 2021

August 14, 2021 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 2, near bus-5 min, free admission, north metro, near: dunwoody nature center, near: morgan falls, near: lost corner, z
parks
Comment
reynolds.png

Reynolds Nature Preserve

Reynolds Nature Preserve
July 31, 2021 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Address: 5665 Reynolds Road, Morrow, Ga 30260
Cost of admission: None
Governance: Clayton County Parks and Recreation
Acres: 146
Approximate miles of trails: 3
Hours: 8:00am to dusk daily (Interpretive Center is open 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday)
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 12
MARTA directions: Take the 193 from East Point station to Jonesboro Rd @ Westwood Way. From there, walk west on Westwood Way. The road deadends into the Morrow Pathway. Take the path to its end at Reynolds Road. One entrance to the preserve is directly across Reynolds Road from where the path intersects it.
Parking: There are multiple preserve parking areas along Reynolds Road. There are bike racks located at the interpretive center and at the third trailhead listed below.
Trailhead(s): There are multiple trailheads:

  1. The main entrance is at the interpretive center, at 33.6011169,-84.3470463.

  2. A second parking lot is at 33.5974665,-84.3436243, and you can access the trail here.

  3. A third trailhead is located at the south end of the park along Reynolds Road, at 33.5955272,-84.343485.

Trail surface: Natural

Amenities:

  • Interpretive Center (8-5 Monday-Friday)

  • Bike racks (at first and third trailheads mentioned above)

  • Restrooms (in the interpretive center; were open on a weekend when I visited, even though the center was not)

  • Demonstration garden

  • One of a series of Clayton County geocaches

Links:

  • Clayton County Parks and Recreation

  • Reynolds Nature Preserve

  • Map

Great Blue Heron, December 16, 2017

Great Blue Heron, December 16, 2017

December 16, 2017

December 16, 2017

Eastern Bluebird, December 16, 2017

Eastern Bluebird, December 16, 2017

Carolina Wren, December 16, 2017

Carolina Wren, December 16, 2017

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, July 31, 2021

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, July 31, 2021

December 16, 2017

December 16, 2017

December 16, 2017

December 16, 2017

Transverse-banded Flower Fly, July 31, 2021

Transverse-banded Flower Fly, July 31, 2021

Belted Kingfisher, December 16, 2017

Belted Kingfisher, December 16, 2017

December 16, 2017

December 16, 2017

More photos on Flickr:

Reynolds Nature Preserve - all

From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist
View more observations near Reynolds Nature Preserve on iNaturalist »

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

Good to combine with:

Featured
Southside Park
Southside Park
Constitution Lakes
Constitution Lakes

Updated December 16, 2017 and July 31, 2021

July 31, 2021 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 3, near bus-10 min, free admission, south metro, 3+ miles of trails
parks
Comment
big-creek-greenway.png

Big Creek Greenway

Big Creek Greenway
July 24, 2021 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Address: There are many access points for the trail. The southernmost one is at Big Creek Park, at the intersection of Old Alabama and Belcourt Pkwy
Cost of admission: Free
Governance: City of Roswell, City of Alpharetta, and Forsyth County
Acres: N/A
Approximate miles of trails: About 24 miles of greenway, plus several adjacent hiking and mountain biking trails. The Alpharetta/Roswell section has 8 miles and the Forsyth County section has 16 miles
Hours: March thru October – 6:00 am to 9:30 pm, November thru February – 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 21 (southern end), 38 (northern end)
Transit directions: There are a few convenient access points. All buses depart from North Springs Station.

  1. You can take the 140 or 141 to North Point Pkwy @Mansell Rd and walk east until you reach the greenway.

  2. You can take the 140 or 141 to North Point Pkwy @ North Point Ct and walk south on Haynes Bridge Road to the Haynes Bridge trail spur.

  3. You can take the 140 to North Point Pkwy @ Old Milton Pkwy or take the 185 to Old Milton Pkwy @ North Point pkwy (same intersection) and go southeast on Old Milton Pkwy. On the north side of the road, you'll see stairs leading down to the trail.

Trail surface: Mostly paved with some boardwalk, also with some natural-surface alternate routes or spurs

Amenities:

  • Restrooms

  • Water fountains

  • Bike rentals

Links:
Big Creek Greenway
Maps
Forsyth County map

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, April 8, 2017

Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, April 8, 2017

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

Common Whitetail, July 24, 2021

Common Whitetail, July 24, 2021

Sweetheart moth, July 24, 2021

Sweetheart moth, July 24, 2021

Good to combine with:

Featured
Roswell Riverwalk
Roswell Riverwalk
Big Creek Park
Big Creek Park
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Vickery Creek
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Vickery Creek

Updated April 30, 2017 and July 24, 2021

July 24, 2021 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 3, near:big creek park, near bus-5 min, multi-use path, free admission, north metro, mountain biking, 5+ miles of trails, near: vickery creek, near: roswell riverwalk
parks
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Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Cochran Shoals (Columns Drive & Interstate North)

Cochran Shoals
June 26, 2021 by Shawn Taylor in parks

This unit connects to Sope Creek via trails. Mountain bikes are allowed on some segments of both Sope Creek and Cochran Shoals. Note: some of the mountain bike trails are one-way only. They change direction based on the day. Hikers hike in the opposite direction of bikes.

Address: 150 Columns Dr SE, Marietta, GA 30067
Cost of admission: $5/day parking fee per car
Governance: NPS
Acres: 968, including Sope Creek, Interstate North, and Powers Island sections
Approximate miles of trails: 4 (more if combined with Sope Creek)
Hours: Dawn to dusk, exact park hours are posted at the trailheads
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 12
Transit directions: Take the CobbLinc 10 bus from Arts Center Station to the Cumberland Transfer Center. At the Cumberland Transfer Center, transfer to the CobbLinc 50 to Powers Ferry Rd + Rivers Apartments. Walk southeast on Powers Ferry. Take a left on the multi-use path along Interstate N Pkwy. The multi-use pathway ends at the entrance to Cochran Shoals.
Transfers between CobbLinc (formerly Cobb Community Transit — CCT) and MARTA are free, so taking the train to and from Arts Center will not cost extra. But be aware you will need a Cobb pass or cash to board a Cobb bus when not making a transfer. Cobb trips can be added to your Breeze Card at any Breeze station.
Cycling directions: Cochran Shoals is adjacent to the Akers Mill trail, which is a multi-use path
Parking: Parking is available at both trailheads for $5/day. Annual passes are available.
Trailhead(s): There are two Cochran Shoals trailheads. One is "Interstate North" on Eugene Gunby Rd, just off of Interstate N Pkwy. The other is at the end of Columns Drive. Sope Creek is connected to Cochran Shoals and has its own trailhead.
Trail surface: Mostly natural, some gravel and boardwalk
Blazes/markings: Each trail intersection has signage
Restrooms: There are restrooms at each of the trailheads
Geocaching: No
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 53 of Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition), page 90 in Hiking the Hooch (1st edition), trip 80 in Afoot & Afield Atlanta (2nd edition), chapter J (page 317) in Hiking Georgia (4th edition)

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

  • Gas and food are available along Powers Ferry about 0.4 mi from Interstate North trailhead

Links:

  • NPS trail map (PDF)

  • SORBA (mountain bike trails)

May 16, 2015

May 16, 2015

Cottonwood fluff, May 16, 2015

Cottonwood fluff, May 16, 2015

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

Gunby Creek, April 12, 2018

Gunby Creek, April 12, 2018

April 12, 2018

April 12, 2018

April 12, 2018

April 12, 2018

Chattahoochee River, April 12, 2018

Chattahoochee River, April 12, 2018

Spangled Skimmer, June 26, 2021

Spangled Skimmer, June 26, 2021

More photos on Flickr:

Cochran Shoals - all

From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist
View more observations near Chattahoochee River - Cochran Shoals Unit on iNaturalist »

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days


Good to combine with:

Featured
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Sope Creek
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Sope Creek
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: West Palisades
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: West Palisades
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Johnson Ferry South
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Johnson Ferry South
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Powers Island
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Powers Island
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Johnson Ferry North
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Johnson Ferry North

Updated November 7, 2016, April 15, 2017, April 12, 2018, & June 26, 2021

June 26, 2021 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 2, near bus-10 min, north metro, 3+ miles of trails, mountain biking, near: west palisades, near: sope creek, near: powers island, near: johnson ferry south
parks
Comment
johns-homestead.png

Johns Homestead

June 18, 2021 by Shawn Taylor in parks

The house at Johns Homestead was built in approximately 1832, and is one of the oldest remaining houses in DeKalb County. More information about the buildinds and land are available from Friends of Johns Homestead Park and The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. The park was created in 2004 when DeKalb County purchased the homestead land. The lake section was added via a separate purchase in 2006. The City of Tucker was incorporated in 2015, and the park now belongs to the city.

Address: 3071 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, GA 30084
Cost of admission: None
Governance: City of Tucker
Friends of the Park Group: Friends of Johns Homestead
Acres: 50
Approximate miles of trails: 2
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 11
MARTA directions: Take the 75 bus from Avondale Station to the Lawrenceville Hwy @ Lovely Ln stop. This stop is right in front of the homestead.
Parking: There is a parking lot for the park on Lawrenceville Highway, just NE of the homestead buildings.
Trailhead(s): There are two trailheads along Lawrenceville Highway, one at the parking lot and one at the homestead buildings. The trails are also accessible from Edinburgh Drive and Stapp Drive.
Trail surface: Mostly natural, some gravel
Blazes/markings: None
Restrooms: None
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Fishing allowed: Yes
Accessibility notes: As of June 2021, on the trail connecting the homestead to the lakes, there are two footbridges across small streams that are narrow (~12” wide) and bouncy. There are plans to replace these with full pedestrian bridges.
Links:

  • Friends of Tucker Parks

  • Concept Plan (note, this includes several trails and other amenities that are not yet build)

  • Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

July 4, 2017

July 4, 2017

July 4, 2017

July 4, 2017

July 4, 2017

July 4, 2017

July 4, 2017

July 4, 2017

July 4, 2017

July 4, 2017

July 4, 2017

July 4, 2017

Pileated Woodpecker, January 6, 2018

Pileated Woodpecker, January 6, 2018

January 6, 2018

January 6, 2018

Frozen Twin Brothers Lake, January 6, 2018

Frozen Twin Brothers Lake, January 6, 2018

Slaty Skimmer, June 18, 2021

Slaty Skimmer, June 18, 2021

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Johns Homestead - all

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Featured
Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary
Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
Shamrock Forest
Shamrock Forest

Updated July 15, 2017, January 6, 2018, and June 18, 2021

June 18, 2021 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 3, near bus-5 min, free admission, east metro, wetlands, near: friendship forest
parks
Comment

Blue Heron Nature Preserve

Blue Heron Nature Preserve
May 31, 2021 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Blue Heron Nature Preserve is along Nancy Creek in North Buckhead.

The Blueway Trail of Eidson Mill, Emma Lane Wetlands, and Land O’ Lakes was completed in 2020, and now all the trails at the preserve are combined (other than some brief sidewalk connections)

Address: 4055 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342
Admission: Free
Governance: City of Atlanta, Blue Heron Nature Preserve
Acres: 30
Approximate miles of trails: 3
Hours: 6am to 11pm
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 8
MARTA directions: The number 5 bus runs between Dunwoody and Lindbergh stations and stops right outside Blue Heron (Lakemoore Drive or 4090 Roswell Road stop)
Parking: There is parking available at 4055 Roswell Rd (the office/school) and just north of there at the community garden. There is also street parking available in the neighborhood.
Trailhead(s): There are many trailheads. There is a trailhead from the parking area off Roswell Rd. as well as other trailheads on Roswell Road, Lakemoore Drive, Rickenbacker Drive, Emma Lane, and Land O Lakes Drive.
Trail surface: Natural
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 1 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition)

Features:

  • Community garden

  • USGS creek monitoring station

  • Picnic areas

  • Apiaries

  • Photo blind

  • Bike racks (at the office)

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

Great Blue Skimmer, May 31, 2021

Great Blue Skimmer, May 31, 2021

Eidson Mill Trail, November 16, 2016

Eidson Mill Trail, November 16, 2016

Carolina Wren, January 13, 2017

Carolina Wren, January 13, 2017

Beaver Tail Trail, November 16, 2016

Beaver Tail Trail, November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

Eastern Chipmunk

Eastern Chipmunk

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Blue Heron - All

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Featured
Mountain Way Common
Mountain Way Common

Featured
Park Pride Community Garden Tour, May 20, 2017
May 21, 2017
Park Pride Community Garden Tour, May 20, 2017
May 21, 2017
May 21, 2017

Updated August 2, 2016, November 16, 2016, January 13, 2017, March 11, 2018, & May 31, 2021

May 31, 2021 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 1, free admission, itp, near downtown-10 miles, near bus-5 min page 2, near: mountain way common
parks
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west-palisades.png

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: West Palisades

West Palisades
May 22, 2021 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Also known as: Paces Mill Unit
Address: 3444 Cobb Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339
Cost of admission: Free, $5/day parking fee per car
Governance: NPS
Friends of the Park Group: Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy
Acres: 302
Approximate miles of trails: 6
Hours: Dawn to dusk, exact park hours are posted at the trailheads
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 10
Transit directions: Take the 12 MARTA bus from Midtown Station to the Cobb Pkwy & River Pkwy stop. The park entrance is only about 0.2 miles south of the stop. For access to & from the southbound bus, you can cross under Cobb Parkway from the park parking lot instead of needing to cross the highway at grade.
Cycling directions: A multi-use path (partly outlined here) connects West Palisades to Cochran Shoals. It’s about 3 miles between the two units by bike.
Trailhead(s): There is a second trailhead at 932 Akers Ridge Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
Parking: Paid parking is available at both trailheads
Trail surface: Part paved, part natural
Blazes/markings: Each intersection is marked with a map
Restrooms: There are restrooms at the Cobb Parkway parking lot and near the Akers Ridge parking lot
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Fishing allowed: Yes
Best time to visit: If you arrive in the first weekend in November, like I happened to in 2016, especially if the weather is unseasonably warm, you might find dozens of fly fishers in the river. This is because of the "Delayed Harvest" rule, where fish must be released along this section of the Chattahoochee between November 1 and May 14 of each year. This is a time when the river is stocked with trout from hatcheries, so it's considered to be a good time and place for beginners to fish.

Guidebook mentions: Chapter 9 in 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles (3rd edition), page 104 in Hiking the Hooch (1st edition), trip 78 in Afoot & Afield Atlanta (2nd edition), chapter 61 in Hiking Georgia (4th edition)

Features:

  • Restrooms

  • Boat ramp

Links:
Map (PDF)

November 6, 2016

November 6, 2016

November 6, 2016

November 6, 2016

November 6, 2016

November 6, 2016

November 6, 2016

November 6, 2016

November 6, 2016

November 6, 2016

November 4, 2017

November 4, 2017

November 4, 2017

November 4, 2017

Blue-tipped Dancer, May 22, 2021

Blue-tipped Dancer, May 22, 2021

November 6, 2016

November 6, 2016

November 6, 2016

November 6, 2016

IMG_3062.jpg

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West Palisades - all

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Featured
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Cochran Shoals (Columns Drive & Interstate North)
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Cochran Shoals (Columns Drive & Interstate North)
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: East Palisades (Whitewater Creek & Indian Trail)
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: East Palisades (Whitewater Creek & Indian Trail)
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Powers Island
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Powers Island
Bob Callan/Rottenwood Creek Trail
Bob Callan/Rottenwood Creek Trail

Updated November 6, 2016, November 4, 2017 & May 22, 2021

May 22, 2021 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 1, near bus-10 min, near downtown-10 miles, itp page 2, boat ramp, near: cochran shoals
parks
Comment
umch.png

Decatur Legacy Park (Former United Methodist Children's Home)

E Decatur Greenway
May 15, 2021 by Shawn Taylor in parks

This land was purchased by the City of Decatur from the United Methodist Children's Home in 2017 when they moved to Tucker. The park is partly developed with buildings, a playground, and playing fields, and also has nature trails around the lake and a community garden. The East Decatur Greenway is adjacent to the park.

Address: 500 S Columbia Drive, Decatur GA 30030
Cost of admission: None
Governance: City of Decatur
Acres: 77
Approximate miles of trails: 3
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 7
MARTA directions: Leave Avondale Station via the pedestrian bridge to E College Ave. Once the bridge ends, turn left. Walk through the parking lot to the trailhead for the PATH.
Cycling directions: Coming from Avondale Station, follow the same directions as above. Alternatively, bike the Stone Mountain PATH to Avondale Station and then use the MARTA pedestrian bridge or Sams Crossing road to connect to E College Ave.
Parking: Parking is available along the dirt road on the southeast side of the ball fields. 
Trailheads: The unpaved trails begin at the parking area and also at two spots along the PATH
Trail surface: PATH is paved, other trails are natural surface
Guidebook mentions: None

Amenities:

  • Global Growers' Decatur's Kitchen Garden

Links:

  • “Decatur completes purchase of United Methodist Children's Home," Decaturish, August 16, 2017

  • “Sale of United Methodist Children's Home Complete," Decatur Metro, August 17, 2017

  • East Decatur Greenway

  • Master Plan

Eastern Pondhawk, May 9, 2021

Eastern Pondhawk, May 9, 2021

April 8, 2018

April 8, 2018

May 9, 2021

May 9, 2021

April 8, 2018

April 8, 2018

April 8, 2018

April 8, 2018

April 8, 2018

April 8, 2018

April 8, 2018

April 8, 2018

Canvasback, February 13, 2019

Canvasback, February 13, 2019

October 26, 2019

October 26, 2019

October 26, 2019

October 26, 2019

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Legacy Park - all

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Featured
Glenn Creek Nature Preserve
Glenn Creek Nature Preserve
Decatur Cemetery
Decatur Cemetery

Updated February 26, 2019, October 26, 2019 and May 15, 2021

May 15, 2021 /Shawn Taylor
near marta station, near bus-5 min, multi-use path, free admission, itp, near downtown-10 miles, 3+ miles of trails, atlanta page 4, near: decatur cemetery, near: glynn creek
parks
Comment

Zonolite Park

Zonolite Park
August 09, 2020 by Shawn Taylor in parks

This former brownfield was cleaned up beginning in 2011. The pollutants were removed – as well as kudzu, privet, and other invasives – and there is now a nice meadow/seasonal wetland area and a creekside trail. Zonolite Park is home to Nickel Bottom Community Garden and a pollinator garden.

As of 2020, Zonolite Park & Herbert Taylor Park almost connect along Johnson Rd. Zonolite’s trails connect to a parking lot on Johnson Rd. on the north/east side of Peachtree Creek, and Herbert Taylor has a new trailhead on Johnson Rd. on the other side of the creek.

Address (approximate): 1101 Zonolite Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Cost of Admission: None
Acres: 13
Approximate miles of trails: 1.5
Hours: 7:00am to sunset
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 5
MARTA directions: From Five Points, take the 16 to Briarcliff Rd NE @ Johnson Rd NE, then walk west on Zonolite Rd. Take the 2nd left on Zonolite Pl and continue to the end of the road.
Alternatively take the #6 from Inman Park/Reynoldstown or Lindbergh to Clifton Rd@Briarcliff Rd. Walk southwest on Briarcliff, take the first right on Zonolite Rd, and follow the directions above.
Parking: There is a lot at the trailhead on Zonolite Pl.
Trail surface: Some natural, some large gravel
Dogs allowed: Yes
Guidebook mentions: None

Amenities:

  • Community garden

  • Pollinator garden

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

  • Strip mall at the corner of Briarcliff and Clifton includes a Kroger and several restaurants

  • QuikTrip gas station on Briarcliff, 0.5 miles from the park entrance

  • Floataway Cafe is adjacent to the park, but only open for dinner

Links:

  • South Fork Conservancy

  • "A vision and volunteers turn a toxic dump into Zonolite Park" Saporta Report, April 1, 2013

  • Nickel Bottom Community Garden

November 9, 2014

November 9, 2014

November 20, 2016

November 20, 2016

November 20, 2016

November 20, 2016

September 24, 2017

September 24, 2017

Red-shouldered Hawk, September 24, 2017

Red-shouldered Hawk, September 24, 2017

September 24, 2017

September 24, 2017

September 24, 2017

September 24, 2017

Gray Catbird, September 24, 2017

Gray Catbird, September 24, 2017

December 9, 2017

December 9, 2017

May 27, 2018

May 27, 2018

For more photos, see my flickr album.


From around the web

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days


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Updated August 1, 2016, November 20, 2016, September 24, 2017, May 27, 2018, and August 9, 2020

August 09, 2020 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 1, free admission, near downtown-5 miles, near bus-5 min page 2, itp
parks
Comment
peachtree-creek-greenway.png

Peachtree Creek Greenway

December 12, 2019 by Shawn Taylor in parks

On December 12, 2019, the first mile of the planned 12-mile Peachtree Creek Greenway opened. Currently extending along the North Fork of Peachtree Creek from N Druid Hills Rd to Briarwood Rd, the greenway will one day connect to the Beltline and PATH 400 to the south and extend to Doraville MARTA station to the north.

Address: 2036 N Druid Hills Road
Cost of admission: None
Governance: Current trail is in the City of Brookhaven, future segments will be in other cities
Approximate miles of trails: 1.2
Hours: The trail is lit and is open 6:00am to 11:00pm
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 6
Transit directions: MARTA busses #8, #39, and #47 all stop near the greenway. Of those, the #39 runs the most frequently. From Doraville or Lindbergh station, take the #39 to Buford Hwy & N Druid Hills. From there, walk southeast on N Druid Hills for about a block. The greenway is clearly marked on the left.
Parking: There are three parking lots for the greenway: One on the north side of N Druid Hills just east of the creek, one on the south side of Corporate Blvd just east of the creek, and one on the south side of Briarwood Rd just west of the creek.
Trailhead(s): As well as the parking lot trailheads mentioned above, there is also a trailhead at Corporate Square (note: this trailhead is not handicap accessible) and a couple private, locked trailheads for nearby residence.
Trail surface: Paved
Blazes/markings: The trail is well marked with mile markers and directions to points of interest
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Guidebook mentions: None

Amenities:

  • Bike repair stations

  • Benches

  • Trash & recycling cans

  • Lighting

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

  • The trail is in a fairly urban area, and there are many gas stations, restaurants, and bus stops nearby

Links:

  • Peachtree Creek Greenway

Current Trail

Current + Planned Trails

December 7, 2019

December 7, 2019

December 7, 2019

December 7, 2019

December 7, 2019

December 7, 2019

December 7, 2019

December 7, 2019

December 7, 2019

December 7, 2019

December 7, 2019

December 7, 2019

North Fork Peachtree Creek, December 7, 2019

North Fork Peachtree Creek, December 7, 2019


Good to combine with

Featured
Kittredge Park
Kittredge Park
Confluence Trail
Confluence Trail
December 12, 2019 /Shawn Taylor
near: kittredge park, near: confluence trail, near bus-5 min page 2, multi-use path, itp page 2, near downtown-10 miles, allows dogs
parks
1 Comment

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Johnson Ferry South

Johnson Ferry South
November 24, 2019 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Address: 4630 Columns Dr SE, Marietta GA 30067
Cost of admission: Parking at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area lots costs $5 per vehicle
Governance: NPS
Acres: 77
Approximate miles of trails: 1
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 13
Cycling directions: There are bike lanes on Johnson Ferry and Abernathy, but they don’t yet fully connect to the Sandy Springs MARTA station
Parking: Parking is available at the trailhead
Trail surface: Natural
Blazes/markings: Each formal intersection is marked with a map
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 55 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition); Hiking the Hooch (1st edition) page 81

Amenities:

  • Picnic pavilion

Links:

  • Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

  • Park map

May 16, 2015

May 16, 2015

May 16, 2015

May 16, 2015

May 16, 2015

May 16, 2015

May 16, 2015

May 16, 2015

January 3, 2017

January 3, 2017

January 3, 2017

January 3, 2017

November 24, 2019

November 24, 2019

November 24, 2019

November 24, 2019

For more photos, see my flickr album.


Good to combine with:

Featured
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Sope Creek
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Sope Creek
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Cochran Shoals (Columns Drive & Interstate North)
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Cochran Shoals (Columns Drive & Interstate North)
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Johnson Ferry North
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Johnson Ferry North

Good to combine with:

  • Cochran Shoals

  • Johnson Ferry North


Updated on August 4, 2016 and November 24, 2019

November 24, 2019 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 2, north metro, wetlands, near: sope creek, near: johnson ferry north, near: cochran shoals
parks
Comment
ksu.png

KSU Sports & Recreation Park Lakeside Trail

November 11, 2019 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Also known as: Kennesaw State University--Sports and Recreation Park; The Walking Trail
Address: 393 Big Shanty Rd NW, Marietta, GA 30066
Cost of admission: Free
Governance: Kennesaw State University
Acres: 88
Approximate miles of trails: 1
Hours: Daylight hours
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 22
Transit directions: Take the CobbLinc Rapid 10 from Arts Center Station to Busbee Park & Ride. Cross George Busbee Pkwy NW at Big Shanty Rd NW to access the trail
Parking: Parking is available at several areas around the park, although it might vary depending on what sporting events are happening
Trail surface: Paved
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Fishing allowed: No

Amenities:

  • Picnic tables

  • Ball fields & volleyball pits available for those with a KSU ID

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

  • A couple restaurants across Big Shanty Rd

Song Sparrow, November 11, 2019

Song Sparrow, November 11, 2019

Blue Jay, November 11, 2019

Blue Jay, November 11, 2019

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, November 11, 2019

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, November 11, 2019

Nelson Lake, November 11, 2019

Nelson Lake, November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

For more photos, see my flickr album.


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Featured
Noonday Creek Trail
Noonday Creek Trail
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
November 11, 2019 /Shawn Taylor
birding, near bus-5 min page 2, atlanta page 4, multi-use path, free admission, north metro, allows dogs, near: noonday creek trail, near: kennesaw mountain
parks
Comment
noonday-creek.png

Noonday Creek Trail

Noonday Creek Trail
November 11, 2019 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Address: 3015 Bells Ferry Rd NE, Marietta, GA 30066
Cost of admission: Free
Approximate miles of trails: This post covers 2 miles each direction, but the trail extends on beyond that, mostly adjacent to roads
Hours: Unknown
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 21
Transit directions: The CobbLinc #40 and #45 stop at several places in the area. The CobbLinc Rapid #10 stops at Busbee Park & Ride, which is fairly accessible via multi-use paths and adjacent to KSU Recreation Park
Parking: Parking is available at the east end of the trail, at the Bells Ferry trailhead
Trail surface: Paved

Amenities:

  • Restrooms & water fountains at eastern trailhead

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

  • Town Center Mall

Noonday Creek, November 11, 2019

Noonday Creek, November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

Red-shouldered Hawk, November 11, 2019

Red-shouldered Hawk, November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

Zagster Bike Share, November 11, 2019

Zagster Bike Share, November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

For more photos, see my flickr album.


From around the web

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days


Good to combine with

Featured
KSU Sports & Recreation Park Lakeside Trail
KSU Sports & Recreation Park Lakeside Trail
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
November 11, 2019 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 4, near bus-5 min page 2, multi-use path, free admission, north metro, near: ksu recreation park, near: kennesaw mountain
parks
Comment

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Gold Branch

Gold Branch Trail
November 09, 2019 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Address: 5690 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068
Cost of admission: $5/vehicle
Governance: NPS
Acres: 363 acres
Approximate miles of trails: 5
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 16
Transit directions: The nearest bus stop (at Roswell Rd & Azalea Dr) is about 3.5 miles away. However, most of this distance can be covered via the Roswell Riverwalk, making it more enjoyable to cover on bike or on foot.
Parking: Parking is available at the trailhead. It costs $5/day, or you can purchase an annual pass for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Trailhead(s): The trailhead is at 33.9843,-84.3854. On Lower Roswell Rd, you'll see a sign for Gold Branch. That's where parking and the trailhead are located.
Trail surface: Natural
Blazes/markings: Each intersection is marked with a full map of the Gold Branch unit.
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Fishing allowed: Yes

Guidebook mentions:

  • Chapter 57 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition)

  • Page 66 of Hiking the Hooch (1st edition)

  • Trip 83 in Afoot & Afield Atlanta (2nd edition)

Some of the segments along the river are quite narrow, and some hills are fairly steep and long.

This seems to be one of the less popular CRNRA units that have substantial trails.

Amenities:

  • There is a single picnic table at the trailhead

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

  • None

Links:
NPS
Map

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

November 9, 2019

November 9, 2019

November 9, 2019

November 9, 2019

November 9, 2019

November 9, 2019

For more photos, see my flickr album.


From around the web

Recent iNaturalist Observations

iNaturalist.org
View more observations near Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Gold Branch unit on iNaturalist.org »

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days


Good to combine with:

Featured
Roswell Riverwalk
Roswell Riverwalk
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Vickery Creek
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Vickery Creek
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Allenbrook
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Allenbrook

Updated June 30, 2017 & November 9, 2019

November 09, 2019 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 3, north metro, near: roswell riverwalk
parks
Comment

Mason Mill/Melton/Medlock Parks

Mason Mill Park
November 02, 2019 by Shawn Taylor in parks

These parks are all linked together by both a paved multi-use trail and by unpaved hiking trails. This is a very popular park, especially on weekends.

The PATH trail connects Mason Mill Park to Medlock Park. The PATH trail is partly paved and partly boardwalk. It is intended for high volumes of pedestrians and cyclists. A map is available online.
The hills along the PATH route are minimal. The PATH trail has several nice views of South Fork Peachtree Creek from an elevated boardwalk.

On the other hand, the off-road trails have many very steep hills with some tricky footing, often with exposed roots. There are some blazes on the off-road trails: red, blue, and white rectangles painted on trees.

[Edit, November 2019:] The PATH has recently been extended from Mason Mill Park north all the way to N Druid Hills Rd and also west from Melton Park all the way to Emory University. It’s now quite convenient to combine a trip to these parks with Lullwater Preserve.

Finding the primary trailhead: Make a right from N Druid Hills Rd onto Clairmont Rd. Take the second left onto McConnell Dr. A large, free parking lot is available at Mason Mill Park.

Address (approximate): 1340 McConnell Dr., Decatur, GA 30033
Cost of admission: None
Governance: DeKalb County
Acres: 140+
Approximate miles of trails: 4
Hours: PATH: dawn to dusk; parks: 7:00am to sunset
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 5
MARTA directions: Take the 19 bus from Chamblee or Decatur station to Clairmont Rd@McConnell Dr. From there, walk East on McConnell Dr. The PATH trails begin at the end of McConnell Dr., heading north and east.
Cycling directions: My preferred route is to take MARTA or the PATH to Decatur Station. From there, go east on Sycamore St. then left on Sycamore Pl. Take the first right on E Ponce and then the first left on Glendale. Take a slight left to stay on Glendale. At the end of Glendale, take a left on Forkner. Cross Church St. and continue straight(ish) on Medlock. Take Medlock all the way to the end, then turn left on Gaylemont Cir. Once you see Medlock Park, turn left into it.
Parking: Parking is available at Medlock and Mason Mill Parks.
Trail surface: The PATH trail is paved and boardwalk. Other trails are natural surface.
Geocaching: Yes
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 4 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests

Features:

  • Mason Mill Park

    • Bike racks

    • Playground

    • Multi-use field

    • Recreation center

    • Tennis courts

    • Picnic area

    • Garden

    • Bathroom

    • Dog park (separate from the main park)

  • Medlock Park

    • Baseball and softball fields

    • Playground

    • Swimming pool

    • Picnic area

Links:

  • DeKalb County (includes information about programming available at the parks)

  • PATH Foundation

  • DeKalb County master plan

August 13, 2016

August 13, 2016

October 26, 2014

October 26, 2014

October 26, 2014

October 26, 2014

August 13, 2016

August 13, 2016

August 13, 2016

August 13, 2016

August 13, 2016

August 13, 2016

January 17, 2017

January 17, 2017

Medlock Park Community Garden, January 17, 2017

Medlock Park Community Garden, January 17, 2017

April 29, 2017

April 29, 2017

February 18, 2018

February 18, 2018

November 2, 2019

November 2, 2019


Good to combine with:

Featured
Lullwater Preserve and Hahn Woods
Lullwater Preserve and Hahn Woods
Kittredge Park
Kittredge Park
W.D. Thomson Park
W.D. Thomson Park
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve

Updated August 2, 2016, January 17, 2017, April 29, 2017, February 18, 2018, & November 2, 2019

November 02, 2019 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 2, multi-use path, free admission, itp, near downtown-5 miles, 3+ miles of trails, near bus-5 min page 2, near: kittredge park, near: lullwater preserve, dog park
parks
Comment
  • Newer
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