Sat, Sep 19 2020 - Mason Mill and its Interconnecting Parks: Shady Trails & Forest Canopy Boardwalks + nice post-Sally Weather! (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham Participants: Charlie Cottingham, Lee W, Shirley W, HK, Joyce T., Hannah

Thanks to Joyce, Harry, Hannah, Lee and Shirley for joining me Sunday for a 2-1/2-hour exploration of Mason Mill Park, Medlock Park and Emory U's Lullwater Preserve here in NE Atlanta.  It was a treat to have cool fall-like weather for a change and we had no problem "Covid-distancing" along the way.  After parking & gathering at Mason Mill we took the PATH trail network via its relatively new "Emory spur & boardwalk" to the west side of Clairmont Road where it connects to Emory U's historic parklands. While circling Candler Lake there we had a splendid view of a huge white egret that must've flown in from the coast.  Miles of shady trails at Emory surround the "Lullwater House" mansion overlooking the lake.  Built in 1926 by Walter Candler, son of Coca-Cola's main founder Asa Candler, the mansion has been the successive home of Emory's presidents since 1963.  After ascending the huge grassy hill between the lake & mansion we took the swinging bridge over to the far side S. Fork Peachtree Creek and relaxed awhile at the quaint creekside stone tower that had been part of Candlers' 1920s hydroelectric generating system.  En route back to Mason Mill we took a "jungle-like" detour along the creek to the partially restored ruins of the old Decatur Waterworks and continued via craggy creekside trails and portions of the oldest PATH trail/boardwalk to Medlock Park. Upon arriving back at Mason Mill we concluded the hike with a short stroll to a spot overlooking the beautiful sinuous section of the PATH forest canopy boardwalk beside the DeKalb Tennis Center. - Posted by Charlie, Mon AM