10K trail run in Mason Mill Park, Lullwater Preserve, and Hahn Woods

Come join me for a 10K (6.2 mile) trail run on trails (mostly) in Mason Mill Park, Lullwater Preserve, and Hahn Wood. I know this route well, but have never timed it as a trail run so I'm marking it as exploratory. My mapping program claims that it has about 900 feet of climbing, but I seriously doubt that. OTOH, there are some steep climbs!

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. Allow extra time if you need to use the restrooms. We will start on time.

This route has a number of hazards, including a few short but steep climbs and descents (some of which are rocky), narrow sections of trail with steep drop-offs, a stream crossing over a water pipe, and another stream crossing over a stepping-stone bridge. You should be confident of your ability to handle all these challenges. It is classified D3 because the pace will be fast (compared to hiking) and because of the hazards described here. I will aim for about 12 minute mile pace on the flat parts, and who knows on the climbs and descents? Because I haven't timed this as a trail run, allow some flexibility for it to end sooner or take longer than expected.

This route goes along Burnt Fork Creek and South Fork Peachtree Creek, on mostly dirt trails but with a bit of concrete and boardwalk path. We will pass the ruins of the former City of Decatur Water Works and park, will cross streams on a water pipe and on stepping-stones (no wet feet required unless you slip!), two City Champion trees, ruins of several old mills and hydroelectric generators, a suspension bridge, 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 foxes, 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.