Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary

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:

December 21, 2016

September 26, 2021

Little Blue Dragonlet, September 26, 2021

September 26, 2021

More photos on Flickr:

From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

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Featured

Johns Homestead

Pine Lake

Updated December 21, 2016 and September 26, 2021

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

Pileated Woodpecker, January 6, 2018

January 6, 2018

Frozen Twin Brothers Lake, January 6, 2018

Slaty Skimmer, June 18, 2021

More photos on Flickr

From around the web

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

Recent iNaturalist observations

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Featured

Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary

Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve

Shamrock Forest

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

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

arabia mountain

November 04, 2018 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Mountaintop trail address: trailhead at AWARE Wildlife Center, 4158 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038
Visitors center address: 3787 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038
Cost of admission: Free
Acres: 2550
Approximate miles of trails: 11
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 20
MARTA directions: Take the 86 from Kensington Station or the 116 from Indian Creek Station to the Mall Pkwy @ Klondike Rd stop. From there, walk west and then south along the PATH trail for about 2.5 miles to the visitors center, or exit the PATH trail earlier along one of the unpaved nature trails.
Parking: There is parking available at the mountaintop trailhead and visitors center (both addresses above) and at Vaughters' Farm (approximate address: 3366 Klondike Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038)
Trail surface: PATH trails are paved and boardwalk, other trails are unpaved
Blazes/markings: The trail blazes are documented on this map
Geocaching: There are many geocaches at Arabia Mountain
Best time to visit: The diamorpha bloom in March-April, and yellow daisies bloom in September
Guidebook mentions: Chapters 32-36 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition), chapter 47 in 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles (3rd edition), chapter 60 in Hiking Georgia (4th edition)

Amenities:

Restrooms at mountaintop trailhead, visitors center, and Vaughters Farm (no running water)
Bike racks at Vaughters' Farm and the nature center
Picnic tables at nature center and other locations
Water fountain at Vaughters Farm

Links:
Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area website
Visitor guide
Trail map
NPS

Photos

July 23, 2016

Yellow Daisies, October 1, 2017

Palm Warbler and Yellow Daisies, October 1, 2017

PATH trail, October 1, 2017

Arabia Lake, October 1, 2017

Yellow Daisies, October 1, 2017

Vaughters Farm, March 24, 2018

Diamorpha, March 24, 2018

For more photos, see my flickr album.

From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

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Featured

Big Haynes Creek Nature Center

Stone Mountain Park

Panola Mountain State Park

Updated July 31, 2016, October 2, 2017, March 24, 2018, and November 4, 2018

Big Haynes Creek Nature Center

Big Haynes Creek Nature Trail

May 28, 2018 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Not to be confused with Big Haynes Creek Recreation Area, Big Haynes Creek Nature Center is part of the Georgia International Horse Park, home to the equestrian events at the 1996 Olympics. These 173 acres were designated as a nature preserve and opened in 2007. The nature center features hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, as well as a boat launch for canoes and kayaks. Some trails have bikes and horses separated, others are combined. Some of the trails are very wide and flat, while some are very narrow and moderately steep. Note: some of the biking and hiking trails are along granite outcrops and may be very slippery when wet.

Address: 855 Costley Mill Rd NE, Conyers, GA 30013
Cost of admission: None
Governance: Georgia International Horse Park
Acres: 173
Approximate miles of trails: Around 5 miles of trails in the nature center; around 20 miles total trails in the horse park
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 27
Parking and trailhead: Signs direct you to the nature center parking lot, which is across Costley Mill Rd from Gate D of the Georgia International Horse Park
Trail surface: Natural
Blazes/markings: Trails are blazed with paint on trees
Dogs allowed: Yes
Fishing allowed: No
Guidebook mentions: None

Amenities:

Four tent pads, grills, and a fire pit are available for approved groups
Boat ramp for canoes and kayaks
Interpretive signage
Equestrian and mountain bike trails (hiking appears to be permitted on both)
Wetlands overlook with viewfinder and bench

Links:

For more photos, see my flickr album.

From around the web

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

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Pine Lake

January 26, 2018 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Pine Lake is the smallest city in DeKalb county, with a population of about 750 people. At the center of the town is a lovely public park with a lake, along Snapfinger Creek.

There is a walking trail around the lake, as well as a trail along the berm that separates the swimming area from the rest of the lake. East and west of the lake, you can find the Eastern Wetland Trail and Western Wetland Trail.

Address: 4580 Lakeshore Dr, Pine Lake, GA 30083
Cost of admission: None
Governance: City of Pine Lake
Acres: 20
Approximate miles of trails: 1
Hours: Dawn to sunset
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 12
MARTA directions: Take the 117 from Avondale Station to Rockbridge Rd@Rowland Rd. Walk north on Poplar Rd. After the road turns to the left, take a right onto Spruce Dr. Walk until you reach the lake at Lakeshore Drive. The walk from the bus stop to the lake is approximately 0.4 miles.
Parking: There is a small parking lot on Lakeshore Drive.
Trailhead(s): The trail is accessible from all along Lakeshore Drive. There is an additional trailhead along Oak Hill Circle, and yet another trailhead (unmarked) on Spruce Drive near Orchid Drive.
Trail surface: The trail on the north side of the lake is paved. The other trails are dirt.

Amenities:

Gazebo
Picnic tables
Grills
Swimming
Playground
Volleyball court
Interpretive signage
Restrooms (locked when I was there midday on a wintry Saturday)

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

Gas stations, restaurants, and a Family Dollar are available south of Pine Lake along Rockbridge Rd.

Links:

January 20, 2018

Northern Cardinal, January 20, 2018

January 20, 2018

Iced-over Western Wetlands, January 20, 2018

Moss in snow, January 20, 2018

Snow and ice at Pine Lake, January 20, 2018

January 20, 2018

Iced-over Western Wetlands, January 20, 2018

Song Sparrow, January 20, 2018

Eastern Bluebird, January 20, 2018

American Goldfinch, January 20, 2018

Snow and ice at Pine Lake, January 20, 2018

Good to combine with:

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain

December 03, 2017 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Admission: $15 parking fee per car. Free if you don't arrive by car.*
Acres: 3,200
Approximate miles of trails: 15
Hours: Hours vary. You can check the hours here.
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 15
MARTA directions: You can take the 121 bus from Kensington station to downtown Stone Mountain (corner of W Mountain St and Main St). From there, walk South on Main St. In a few blocks, you will see the PATH trail on your left. The trail will take you directly into the park. It's about a 10 minute walk from the bus stop into the park, although the walk might be much farther to your destination within the park.
Cycling directions: The Stone Mountain PATH trail connects Stone Mountain Park to downtown Decatur, downtown Atlanta, and the BeltLine

* There is some free parking available downtown in the town of Stone Mountain, GA. From there, you can bike or walk the Stone Mountain Trail into the park without needing to pay an entrance fee. There is another pedestrian entrance on E Mountain St. Where the road turns left before entering the park, you can walk straight into the park instead of going left. However, this gate is only open from sunrise to sunset.

Links:
Stone Mountain Park
Maps

May 10, 2015

Songbird Habitat Trail, January 5, 2017

December 3, 2017

White-breasted Nuthatch, December 3, 2017

Walk Up Trail, December 3, 2017

Songbird Habitat Trail, January 5, 2017

May 10, 2015

Songbird Habitat Trail, January 5, 2017

Good to combine with:

Updated August 4, 2016, January 5, 2017 & December 3, 2017

Henderson Park

September 24, 2017 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Address: 2723 Henderson Rd, Tucker, GA 30084
Cost of admission: Free
Governance: Tucker
Acres: 120
Approximate miles of trails: 6
Hours: 7:00am to sunset
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 16
MARTA directions: Take the 124 from Doraville Station to the Smithsonia Ct stop. From there, walk south on Chamblee-Tucker Rd one block to Livsey Rd. Walk 0.4 miles west to Henderson Park Rd. Turn left onto that road and follow it into the park. There are several trailheads along the road.
Trail surface: Part natural, part paved

Amenities:

Community garden
Ball fields
Playground
Pavilion

Links:
Friends of Henderson Park
Map

February 11, 2017

American Redstart, September 23, 2017

September 23, 2017

February 11, 2017

Jewelweed, September 23, 2017

February 11, 2017

September 23, 2017

February 11, 2017

Green Heron, September 23, 2017

February 11, 2017

Ovenbird, September 23, 2017

February 11, 2017

Hooded Warbler, September 23, 2017

February 11, 2017

September 23, 2017

February 11, 2017

Carolina Wren, September 23, 2017

February 11, 2017

September 23, 2017

Good to combine with:

Kelley Cofer Park

Updated March 5, 2017 & September 24, 2017

Kelley Cofer Park

February 04, 2017 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Address: 4259 N Park Dr, Tucker, GA 30084
Cost of admission: None
Governance: Presumably Tucker, GA
Acres: 17
Approximate miles of trails: 1
Hours: Unknown
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 15
MARTA directions: From Doraville station, take the 124 bus to Britts Gate Lane. From there, walk 1/4 mile east along N Park Dr to the park. (The 75 from Avondale is another option, with a bit longer walk.)
Trail surface: Natural

Amenities:

Pavilion
Ball fields
Swimming pool
Concession building
Restrooms and water fountain (closed when I visited)
Garden

Links:
Friends of Tucker Parks

January 30, 2017

February 11, 2017

Good to combine with:

Henderson Park

Panola Mountain State Park

Panola Mountain

November 07, 2016 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Panola Mountain is a granite outcrop, similar to Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain.

There is a 20-mile PATH trail connecting Panola Mountain to Arabia Mountain and other local destinations. The PATH trail has paved and boardwalk sections, and is suitable for cycling as well as walking.

Hikes to the top of the mountain are only available when a ranger is leading them, to protect the unique and sensitive ecosystem of the mountain. These hikes are offered often. There are also other nature trails available that do not require a ranger guide.

Address: 2620 Hwy. 155, SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281
Admission: Free, $5 parking
Acres: 1,635
Approximate miles of trails: 25
Hours: 7:00am to dark
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 18
Trail surface: The vast majority of trail mileage is paved/boardwalk PATH trail. The rest is mostly natural surface.

Features: