Variations on a Mason Mill theme

Come join me for a 6.5-mile hike on the boardwalk and PATH in Mason Mill Park, Lullwater Preserve, and Medlock Park. It should take about 2 hours going at a 3 mph/20-minute pace. So it won't be a leisurely stroll or a near-run, but a brisk walk. It has about 400 feet of climbing. 

We will meet at the South Peachtree Creek Trail, located in the back parking lot of the DeKalb Tennis Center in Mason Mill Park. There is a lot of parking, but the parking closest to the trail often gets full, so if you find it full just park on the other side of the tennis courts. There are restrooms at the back of the Mason Mill Senior Center by the 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.

Don't be deceived by the D2 rating! Like all difficulty ratings, it represents a range of difficulties. We will be walking at a brisk pace for six miles with minimal rests, and you will be expected to keep up. It will be worth it, though. 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, and some dirt paths. We will pass by beautiful lakes and streams, the ruins of the former City of Decatur Water Works and park, 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 the south, 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. 

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.

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.

After turning onto McConnell Drive: Turn right at the stop sign and continue on McConnell Drive past the Central DeKalb Senior Center to the stop sign at the end of McConnell, where it meets Mason Mill Road. The trailhead where we meet will be right in front of you. Turn left to park.

The address for your GPS is:

DeKalb Tennis Center

Here is a map of our route: