Our world has changed quickly from the wide open travel options to many regions on lockdown due to the novel coronavirus that has taken our planet by storm in recent days. Though every area is different, I’m writing to you from metro Atlanta in the US where most cities and counties are under a somewhat vague and completely unenforced shelter in place order. While many are working from home, forced out of their jobs, putting themselves at risk to perform their jobs, homeschooling children, and ceasing in-person social interactions (or at least should be!), we all could use a way to de-stress safely. As a healthcare worker who spends most of my day behind an N95 mask (and grateful to have one!), I find solace in nature. While many Atlantans still irresponsibly crowd the Beltline and Piedmont Park and the National Park Service has closed down all Chattahoochee National Recreation Area trails and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield trails, I want to share some lesser known open (to the best of my research) trails in metro Atlanta but with the following important caveats:
-Do not go out if you have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has, have any symptoms of the virus, are immunocompromised or have pre-existing conditions, or are over 60 years of age. If you have seasonal allergies and will likely be sneezing all over the place with our extremely high pollen counts, please also stay in.
-Hike only with people you already have contact with like family, partners, or roommates and avoid congregating in groups at any parks (CDC says no more than 10, I say NONE outside your family unit).
-Give at least a 6 foot distance between yourself and other hikers which may mean leaving the designated path when passing.
-Follow diligent hand washing/sanitizing before, during, and after your hike and cover all coughs and sneezes.
Olmsted Linear Park: Hidden in plain site along Ponce de Leon Ave in Druid Hills lies a 45 acre greenspace connecting 6 park segments from west to east: Springdale, Virgilee, Oak Grove, Shadyside, Dellwood, and Deepdene. The paths vary from paved for bikes/strollers to forest trails with water crossings over rocks. I’ve seen scout troops and other children’s groups out here in the past, so planning an educational plant identifying outing for homeschooled kids would be a great idea here or along any of the trails.
Lullwater Park: Located on Emory University’s campus, the 4 miles of trails on 154 acres are meant to be used only by staff, faculty, and students. Though this has never been enforced, if you want to leave this trail for healthcare and CDC workers which are the only ones still remaining on campus, please do. Within the park, you will find hiking trails, mill ruins, a little waterfall, a 210 foot suspension bridge, lakes for fishing, and meadows for playing, picnicking, or relaxing. For tricks on where to park, checkout 365 Atlanta Traveler’s post. While there, say a little prayer, metta meditation, or whatever is in your belief system for the patients and staff of nearby Emory University and the Veterans Affairs hospitals.
Blue Heron Nature Preserve: Nestled in north Buckhead along Roswell Road, these 3 miles of trails on 30 acres offer hiking and learning. 7 marked trails run along and over Nancy Creek past the community garden, ecology center, wildlife observation stands, a reading nook, field research center, and amphibian foundation. There is signage regarding their wildlife preservation projects including beavers, salamanders, frogs, and honeybees. Many kids and dogs were playing in the shallow creek waters, but due to the smell it gave off, I would avoid that for other health concerns.
Tanyard Creek Park: Located in Buckhead’s Collier Hills neighborhood, the 1 mile paved Northside Trail of the Beltline winds through Tanyard Creek Park along the water, through the woods, under active wooden train tracks, and past Bobby Jones Golf Course. I’ve observed beavers doing their own ‘dam’ thing here as well as practiced yoga in the park. There’s a ‘Free Little Library’ at Louise G Howard Park, and while some have been turned into neighbors sharing supplies now, always wipe down anything you take or leave plus the door handle.
Sweetwater Creek State Park: Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks and Historic Sites appear to remain open with the exception of visitor centers. That being said, avoiding the most crowded parks and trails should be considered. Sweetwater’s 2500 acres just west of Atlanta provides 15 miles of trails on both sides of the large creek. In my opinion, it’s best to avoid the often crowded white and red trails on the creek’s west bank leading to the popular mill ruins, and cross over to the newer relatively unknown yellow and orange trails on the east side. Hike the yellow trail loop for a moderate 3.3 miles or combine with the orange trail loop to get 4.75 miles of isolation in nature. Atlanta Trails describes these hikes in detail and is my most often used local hiking resource. Parking at all Georgia State Parks is $5 or by purchasing the $50 annual pass.
Suwanee Creek/Ivy Creek Greenways: Though Gwinnett County is under a stay at home order, their website states the trails are open though gathering spaces in parks are closed. The Suwanee Creek Greenway runs 3.15 miles from the southern Suwanee Creek Park trailhead over pavement and boardwalks, through George Pierce Park, connecting to Ivy Creek Greenway’s additional 1.25 miles for a total out and back over 8 miles. Again Atlanta Trails describes this well.
Silver Comet Trail: 4/23 UPDATE: SILVER COMET AND HERITAGE PARK WILL REOPEN ON SAT 4/25 along with other passive (open spaces without shared equipment) Cobb County parks and trails. Click here for a full list: Cobb County Parks. From their website, "Based on Public Health guidance, those who use these facilities and trails will be required to adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear masks." That being said, everyone must make a choice as to what is best for their family as with other businesses allowed to open in Georgia. Prepare a backup plan if your chosen park is too crowded for your comfort, even if that results in a disappointing decision to return home. As a healthcare provider, I will continue wearing a mask in public, finding uncrowded outdoor spaces to enjoy nature, but do not plan to put myself and others at risk by patronizing non-essential indoor businesses.
The Silver Comet Trail is a former railroad turned paved nature trail that runs 61 miles from Smyrna westward to the Alabama state line where it connects to the 31 mile Chief Ladiga Trail. Unlike most other trails, it is wider than 6 feet but can be very crowded near the popular parking lots, especially the Mavel Road Trailhead at mile marker zero. Finding lesser known entrance points further west would be advantageous.
Heritage Park connects to the Silver Comet Trail near mile marker 2.4, accessible from the Concord Road Trailhead at mile marker 2.6 or the park entrance at the corner of Fontaine and Nickajack Rds. The 1.7 miles of wooded trails and boardwalks cross over wetlands, following Nickajack Creek to the ruins of an old mill, and continues on an unofficial trail to the Historic Covered Bridge. As one of Smyrna's best kept secrets, this trail is often uncrowded, to the point that I am cautious when taking it alone.
I also recently found an unnamed wooded trail in this same area just past IBM on Highlands Pkwy. I cannot find it on a map or anywhere online, but it is clearly well maintained and marked with white cardboard cutouts on the trees. This trail is about 2 miles, winding behind the businesses off East West Connector, traveling beside active railroad tracks, and crossing a small stream before emerging in the gated Woodbridge Crossing neighborhood. This one was hella creepy so don't do it alone, but we saw absolutely no one back here.
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve: Added 4/11/20-We discovered this in-town gem today and found it relatively uncrowded especially on the backside. After last weekend's frustration with lack of distancing and no one wearing masks, this weekend there seems to be a shift in social responsibility, whether due to urban versus rural location or the realization that the measures are important. This park embodies the melting pot that is Atlanta, complete with family picnics, hippies playing bongos, couples taking selfies, and a little secondhand marijuana aroma. The 120 acre Cascade Springs has a number of poorly marked trails, but the AllTrails app will keep you on a 1.5 to 2 mile loop passing a waterfall, historic springhouse, and remnants of the Civil War battle fought there. There's also a QR coded scavenger hunt for kids (ok we did it too!) that links to www.csnpscavengerhunt.com.
While some trails remain open for now, all visitor centers are closed and events cancelled. Many of the above sites are maintained by non-profit organizations. When this crisis ends, and rest assured it will, please consider patronizing the organized activities and donating to the non-profits associated with our urban greenspaces. Be well and listen to your gut when it comes to self-care. If remaining indoors feels safest to you, do that. If isolating in nature brings you peace, do that. Mental health is so closely tied to physical health, and our current situation is taking an extreme toll on both. Stay healthy and safe my friends!
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