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Trails of Mason Mill Park, Lullwater Preserve, and Hahn Woods




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: North Decatur   Hike: Trails of Mason Mill Park, Lullwater Preserve, and Hahn Woods  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Mon, Jan 15 2024  9:00 am >> Mon, Jan 15 2024 12:20 pm
Registration Opens: Thu, Jan 11 2024 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Mon, Jan 15 2024 6:00 am
Event Duration:3 Hours 20 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:8 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Chuck M
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 12 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

This is Chuck's first as a "real" trip leader. It is a 8(ish)- mile hike on trails (mostly) in Mason Mill Park, Lullwater Preserve, and Hahn Wood.

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 about 600 to 900 feet of elevation gain with a few short but steep climbs and descents, including some that are rocky, and narrow sections of trail with steep drop-offs. (I have removed the stream crossing on a water pipe from this route). 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 steep climbs and descents of this hike justify rating it a D3. I do not plan to go super fast, but will aim for about a 2.5 mile per hour pace, and will make sure no one is left behind. I estimate it will take 3 to 3.5 hours or so, but conditions could affect that so allow a little extra time just in case.

Those not deterred by the difficulties described above will be rewarded with 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, 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. 


Required Items to Bring:

Footwear appropriate to the conditions described above 

Warm clothing appropriate to the temperatures

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Water 

Hiking poles if you use them (again, refer to the description above)


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

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.


Notes:

Because of the steep ascents and descents, this hike will be cancelled in the event of rain or icy conditions.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.