Parks like Lullwater Park make me proud to be an Atlantan. This is for me one of the nicest and definitely most convenient and beautiful parks in Atlanta. It's beautifully wooded but with nice water spots and greens. You can walk-run-hike as many as 6 miles without ever repeating your path.
Despite being right in the middle of the city, this place is a complete retreat. Right in the heart of Emory and Druid Hills, you can't hear the cars buzzing down Clairmont over the quiet sounds of leaves rustling in the trees. It's hard to think about crazy work insanity when you're miles away from your laptop with old water mills to explore. A shaky, swinging bridge awaits, daring you to throw caution to the wind and run across without ever looking down: perfect for kids and adults alike... not so good for skiddish dogs, though. Bring friends to keep you company, or come alone and immerse yourself in solitude.
The major trails here, including the big loop, are paved roads. No cars are allowed except for those of Emory's president, who lives in a gorgeous mansion inside the park. There are also smaller dirt trails which branch off, but I typically stick to the big ones. Candler Lake in Candler Park is beautiful, and there are many wide open spaces which are just begging for springtime picnics. Visit this park, you won't be disappointed.
Lullwater is a 185 acre park owned by Emory and is home to its president's residence. There's a paved loop road of about 1/1/2 miles on which cars are generally not allowed. Add to that many trails that crisscross and loop the park and you have not only distance but also variety for your outing. There are several large greens that are perfect for picnicking or frisbee.
In the center is Candler Lake. There, you'll see geese, ducks and heron. Other wildlife is often spotted, like foxes and rabbits. I even saw a doe and fawn there. You'd never want to swim here but your dogs sure will! They'll also enjoy the creek on the northern boundary.
In recent years more trails have been cut as well as a suspension bridge added over Peachtree Creek. These will allow you to connect with Hahn Woods, the back side of Mason Mill Park via East Campus and Clairmont Road and, via Houston Mill and Mason Mill Roads; W.D Thompson Park. There is also a trail network over the suspension bridge that connects to the VA hospital and (somehow) the neighborhoods off Mason Mill.
The park is well used but never crowded. This is partially due to the limited parking available. If you must drive there, here are a few unofficial ideas for parking nearby...
1) You can take Starvine until it ends. You can park no problem after 6pm on week days and anytime on weekends in that little lot where theschool or daycare is. The trail is right there.
2) On the weekends, the east campus garage is usually open. Reach it from Clairmont Road. From there you can walk down the bus path through the east gates into the park.
You can enter the park indirectly from Houston Mill Road at Hahn Woods. Park there (allowed w/o an Emory permit) and cross Houston Mill on the path under the bridge. It's about a 1/.2 mile walk into the park along Peachtree Creek. This is your best bet during the week.
On the weekends you can park without problems in front of Druid Hills High School on Haygood Rd. near N. Decatur Road. From behind the dorms next door, you can walk into the park on the bus path or just follow Haygood to the light at Clifton, turn right over the bridge and the main gate into the park will be right in front of you.
Do be careful about where you park--Emory will ticket you. Also be careful about where you let you dogs off leash. In the main areas of the park you're very likely to get ticketed; the "backcountry" or more remote areas are safer bets.
Emory police patrol regularly-which is a plus, and there are relatively few incidents there. Still, there have been some, so it's worth taking your dog or at least avoiding the most remote areas if you're alone.
Click here to watch a Video Tour on Lullwater Park, created by an Emory Student
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Dawn P Faulkner, Broker Assoc/Realtor
Homes Sold By Dawn and Keller Williams Realty
email: Dawn@HomesSoldByDawn.com
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