Mason Mill Park, Lullwater Preserve, Hahn Woods and Melton - Longer - New time

This is a longer hike than my usual. It will be about 9-miles on trails (mostly) in Mason Mill Park, Lullwater Preserve, Hahn Wood, and Ira Melton parks. It starts at 8 instead of 9 to beat the heat. NOTE that this is experimental because I am not certain how long it will take, as I've not timed this route. It is just under 9 miles and has about 1,400 feet of climbing according to my mapping program (GaiaGPS). Both numbers could be high or low. Come help me check out this longer version of my Mason Mill route.

We will meet in the parking lot at the back of the Mason Mill Senior Center by the rest rooms and children's playground. Please arrive 10 minutes early for introductions so we can start on time.

This hike will have a few short but steep climbs and descents, including some that are rocky, and narrow sections of trail with steep drop-offs. You should be confident of your ability to handle somewhat difficult terrain. Even though the elevation gain isn’t quite what D3 would normally have, the extra miles and steep climbs and descents of this hike justify rating it a D3. I will aim for about a 2.7 mile per hour pace. I estimate it will take 4 1/4 hours or so, but I have not timed this longer route, and conditions could affect it, so allow a little extra time just in case.

We will enjoy surprisingly peaceful and picturesque trails that feel isolated despite being in the heart of Decatur. There will be some sections of boardwalk and/or concrete paths, but we will mostly travel on dirt paths. We will pass by beautiful streams, the ruins of the former City of Decatur Water Works and park, a stepping-stone stream crossing, two City Champion trees, ruins of several old mills and hydroelectric generators, a suspension bridge (twice!), and the old Candler mansion that serves as the Emory University president’s home. Along the way you may see wildlife unexpected in the city. There may be deer, geese, ducks, heron, hawks, owls, Pileated Woodpeckers, turtles, and possibly even river otters and beaver. I have seen all of these at one time or another on these trails. 

From Atlanta, take Scott Boulevard to Clairmont Road and turn left (north). After about 2.5 miles you will pass the VA hospital on the left. Turn right at the second traffic light past the VA hospital onto McConnell Drive. Turn right at the stop sign, take the first left then immediately turn right into the parking lot. Meet us by the bathrooms in front of the children's playground.

From the Northwest take I-85 to the North Druid Hills exit and turn right on North Druid Hills Road. After about 3 miles, just after passing the Toco Hill shopping center, turn right on Clairmont Road. Turn left at the second traffic signal onto McConnell Drive. Turn right at the stop sign, take the first left then immediately turn right into the parking lot. Meet us by the bathrooms in front of the children's playground.

From the East take I-285 to the Decatur/78 exit and turn left on North Druid Hills Road. After about 3 miles turn left onto Clairmont Road. Turn left at the second traffic light onto McConnell Drive. Turn right at the stop sign, take the first left then immediately turn right into the parking lot. Meet us by the bathrooms in front of the children's playground.

The address for your GPS is:

1346 McConnell Dr

Decatur, GA 30033

This address will take you to the Central DeKalb Senior Center, but we will meet behind the building. Please refer to the instructions above for how to find us.

Because of the steep ascents and descents, this hike may be cancelled or modified to avoid some of the steeper parts in the event of rain or slippery conditions.