Leita Thompson Morning Hike from Pavilion

This moderately paced hike covers five miles of trails in under two hours.  Leaving from the pavilion (main) parking area, we will hike a four mile lollipop shaped course then add a one mile loop. To ensure we do not get too spread out, we stop to regroup a few of times. 

The trails are non-technical, soft, fine gravel paths that make a very comfortable hiking or running surface.  However, from these short steep undulations through the woods you will receive a somewhat challenging workout, especially at this pace.

There is one Porta-Potty in Pavilion parking area and another one by the pond, that we pass two times while hiking.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on this hike and should stay in the back of our group.  On the form there is a place to indicate if you will be bringing your dog.  Be prepared to pick up any messes your dog makes.

I ask that anyone who decides to leave the group during the hike let me or one or two other hikers know! 

About the park: There are three trails. The yellow one is 1.12 miles.  The blue one is 2 miles. The red one is 2.25 miles.  The red and blue trails offer a .25-mile extension around the lake. This beautiful area was memorial donation left by Leita Thompson.

Leita Thompson, called “Miss Leita,” (1884-1978) had a strong appreciation for hard work, independence and women. At 16 years old, she joined the National Woman’s Party which later helped pass the woman suffrage amendment in 1920. She worked in banking and advanced to become one of the first female banking executives in the country. She advised women on retirement and provided disability assistance. She founded the Leitalift Foundation in 1956 to help support workingwomen make a living and achieve their goals. The foundation also provided social and professional recognition for outstanding women. For many years Leita Thompson, a hard-working single woman herself, personally and through the Leitalift Foundation, made it possible for working women to enjoy a fuller life by providing housing on her property. Since the foundation's creation, at least 156 students, nurses, retirees and professional women received grants, support and recognition in the community.

Leita Thompson purchased the property in 1946 and made it her home until her death in 1978.  At that time her property, 107 acres, went to the Leitalift Foundation. Later in 2001, the Leitalift Foundation donated it, more than 100 acres of prime, undeveloped land to the city of Roswell. The 2001 gift was then worth $20 million.

Today this land on Crossville Road consists of a dog park, pavilion, garden and miles of wooded trails in her name. The Arts Center West is now run by Roswell Visual Arts, a division of Roswell Recreation and Parks Department.

1200 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075

We will meet in the main parking area by the pavilion. (we are NOT meeting at the overflow parking lot).

You do not need a parking pass or cash to park here.