Into the Woods on New Year’s Day-BEGINNER FRIENDLY!

Let's celebrate the new year with an easy-going hike starting at Medlock Park. We'll head out on the boardwalk then hop into the woodland trails for a ramble through Mason Mill and Lullwater Parks. 

We'll be seeing a lot of Decatur history with the old Decatur water works and dam, Lullwater House (originally owned by the Candler family, now the Emory President's residence) and the stone tower that once generated electricity for the house (mansion).  Of course, we will also see Candler Lake and multiple lovely creeks as we hike through the woods. While we will be on the boardwalk for part of the hike, most of it will be on the woodland trails.

This hike is suitable for beginners as we'll be going at a moderate pace - 2.3-2.5 mph. There are, however, some steep slopes, roots, rocks, etc., so you should have shoes with good tread.

Please arrive early to allow time for a restroom stop if needed, introductions and other preliminaries. 

We will hit the trail at 9:00 am.

Distance: 5.0-5.5 miles
Elevation: Less than 500 feet
Pace: 2.3-2.5 mph
Terrain: Rocks, gravel, roots, boardwalk, pavement

DO NOT USE 874 GAYLEMONT CIRCLE FOR DIRECTIONS. It will take you to the wrong parking lot.

If you type in 948 Scott Circle - that will get you to the right spot. The trailhead is by the ball fields on the opposite end from the playground and pool.

Or use these directions:

From I-285 take exit 39A onto US-78 toward Atlanta/Decatur. Go 3.1 miles to take (sharp) right onto Medlock Road (this is at the big 5 point intersection). When Medlock Road dead ends in front of a school, turn left onto Gaylemont Circle. Take next left onto Desmond Circle, then right onto Scott Circle. Parking lot will be on right. Go to far end past the playground to trailhead location.

Free parking, restrooms at trailhead (though I cannot guarantee they'll be open on the holiday).