Mason Mill and Melton Parks, Lullwater Preserve, Hahn Woods

Come join me for a 9(ish)-mile hike on trails (mostly) in Mason Mill Park, Lullwater Preserve, Hahn Wood, and Ira Melton Park. I have marked it as exploratory despite having hiked all parts of the route because I have made some changes that I think will get the climbing to about 1000 feet, making it a legit D3. So I don't know the exact amount of climbing, or distance, or time it will take. It shouldn't take much over 3 hours.

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 is not a beginner's hike. First, it will be around 9 miles. Second, it has some short but steep climbs and descents (including some that are rocky), and narrow sections of trail with steep drop-offs. You should be confident of your ability to handle somewhat difficult terrain. I will aim for about a 2.8 mile per hour pace.

We will enjoy 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, a stepping-stone stream crossing (no wet feet required), three 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 foxes, river otters, and beaver. I have seen all of these at one time or another on these trails. 

Up to two well-behaved dogs (on-leash as required by park rules) are welcome.

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.

Because of the steep ascents and descents, and a rock-hopping stream crossing, this hike may be modified after or during light rain to avoid hazardous conditions. It will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain.