Into the Woods at Mason Mill Park

Join me for a Saturday morning hike exploring the woods of Mason Mill Park and a loop through Lullwater Park.

We’ll meet at the restrooms and playground area at Mason Mill Park for introductions. We will start our hike on the boardwalk going north towards N. Druid Hills Road. When we reach Druid Hills, we’ll do an about face back in the direction we came until we reach the jumping off point for the woodland trails about halfway back. 

Here is where the ‘into the woods” part of the hike begins. We’ll hike along a trail following Burnt Fork Creek, cross over the railroad tracks, and continue along the creek - passing the ruins of a dam that was part of the historic Decatur waterworks. We’ll cross the stone bridge and pass other parts of the old waterworks on the other side of the creek. We’ll take a detour over to Lullwater Park and go around Candler Lake. Candler Lake is overseen by Lullwater House, a Tudor mansion built in 1926 (where the Emory University President now resides). We'll stop briefly at the ruins of the old powerhouse that once powered the mansion. Returning to Mason Mill, we’ll work our way around more trails in the woods around South Peachtree Creek. We’ll finish on a  trail that at one point crosses under the boardwalk and take a short loop by the Toco Hill Library.

This is a lovely area with some interesting old structures remaining from another era. It makes for fun and interesting hiking.

While this is a D2 hike, there are a few steep slopes with rocks and gravel. If you’re not comfortable with tricky footing, you should sit this hike out. We will take care going up or down these sections.  Pace will be moderate, faster on the boardwalk but a slightly slower - though not at all leisurely - pace in the woods. 

We’ll meet by the playground and restrooms of Mason Mill Park. Please arrive early to allow time for any needed pit stops before hitting the trail promptly at 8:00 am.

From the intersection of N. Druid Hills Rd. and Clairmont Rd. drive 0.3 miles south on Clairmont. Turn left on McConnell Drive at the light (gas station on the corner).

From Scott Boulevard and Clairemont Ave., drive north for 1.9 miles (passing the VA hospital on the left). Turn right on McConnell Drive.

After turning on McConnell, go a short distance to the stop sign. At the stop sign turn right, then take the next left into the park. The parking area where we’ll meet is on the right by the playground and restrooms. 

Free parking, restrooms at trailhead