A 7-mile hike at Mason Mill Park, Lullwater Preserve, and Hahn Woods

This description was written by Chuck Martin, the original co-lead and potential trip leader for this event. Unfortunately, he was not able to do the hike due to illness.

This is a 7(ish)- mile hike on trails (mostly) in Mason Mill Park, Lullwater Preserve, and Hahn Wood. We will meet in the parking lot at the Mason Mill Senior Center by the rest rooms and children's playground. Please arrive 10 minutes early for introductions.

This hike will have about 700 to 1,000 feet of elevation gain (different apps calculate it differently), and there will be steep climbs and descents, including some that are rocky, and narrow sections with steep drop-offs. There also is one place where you will need to choose between walking over a small stream on a large water pipe or crossing on stepping stones with a steep climb on the other side. So you should be confident of your ability to handle difficult terrain. I estimate it will take 2.5 hours, but conditions could affect that so allow a little extra time just in case.

Those not deterred by the few difficulties described above will be rewarded with surprisingly peaceful and picturesque trails that feel isolated despite being in the heart of Decatur. While there will be short sections of boardwalk and/or concrete paths, 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, ruins of several old mills, 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. 

The hike will go forward rain or shine. While dogs are welcome, they must remain on leash.

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.