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AtlantaWalksAtlantaWalks

4th Edition

AtlantaWalksAtlantaWalksA Comprehensive Guide to Walking, Running, and Bicycling the Area’s Scenic and Historic Locales

4th Edition

Ren and Helen Davis

Published byPEACHTREE PUBLISHERS1700 Chattahoochee AvenueAtlanta, Georgia 30318-2112www.peachtree-online.com

Copyright © 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2011 by Render S. Davis and Helen E. DavisAll photos © 1998, 2003, 2011 by Render S. Davis and Helen E. Davis

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy,recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without prior permission of the publisher.

This book is a revised edition of Atlanta’s Urban Trails.Vol. 1, City Tours.Vol. 2, CountryTours. Atlanta: Susan Hunter Publishing, 1988.

Maps by Twin Studios and XNR ProductionsBook design by Loraine M. JoynerCover design by Maureen WitheeComposition by Robin Sherman

Fourth Edition10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Manufactured in August 2011 in Harrisonburg, Virgina, by RR Donnelley & Sons in theUnited States of America

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication DataDavis, Ren, 1951-

Atlanta walks : a comprehensive guide to walking, running, and bicycling the area’s scenic and historic locales / written by Ren and Helen Davis. -- 4th ed.

p. cm.Includes bibliographical references and index.ISBN 978-1-56145-584-3 (alk. paper)1. Atlanta (Ga.)--Tours. 2. Atlanta Region (Ga.)--Tours. 3. Walking--Georgia--Atlanta--

Guidebooks. 4. Walking--Georgia--Atlanta Region--Guidebooks. 5. Outdoor recreation--Georgia--Atlanta--Guidebooks. 6. Outdoor recreation--Georgia--Atlanta Region--Guidebooks. I. Davis, Helen. II. Title.

F294.A83D36 2011917.58'2310444--dc22

2010045766

Preface...........................................xiiHow To Use This Guide .................xivThe PATH Foundation ....................xvThe Belt Line Project....................xviiMARTA System Map ......................xixTrail Locator Map ...........................xxTips for the Trek..............................1

Shoe Selection...................................1Preparing to Walk .............................2Walking with Children .......................2A Guide for Teachers .........................4A Selection of Adventure Walks with Children ....................................4Bicycling ...........................................5Accessibility for Disabled Persons.......6

1 Atlanta Heritage Trails Walking, Running, Biking

Two walks through the heart of the city,including historic Underground Atlanta,the Capitol, Five Points, CentennialOlympic Park, Sweet Auburn, and MartinLuther King, Jr. National Historic District.

Atlanta Skyline Trail: 4.4 miles, Easy; Sweet Auburn/King Historic District:2.5 miles, Easy ...........................10

2 Atlanta University Center Walking, Running, Biking

The campuses of Clark Atlanta Univer -sity, Morehouse and Spelman Colleges,the Interdenominational TheologicalCenter, and old Morris Brown form thehistorically black university complex.

4.3 miles, Easy ...........................32

3 West End Walking, Running, Biking

A Victorian neighborhood featuring theWren’s Nest, Hammonds House, and E. P. Howell Park.

1.5 miles, Easy ...........................46

4 Outdoor Activity Center Walking

Woodland preserve featuring exhibitsand activities near the heart of the city.

1.5 miles, Easy–Moderate..........51

5 Cascade Springs Nature Preserve Walking

Lush woodlands with cascading streamand mineral springs. Site of Civil WarBattle of Utoy Creek.


6 Historic Oakland Cemetery Walking, Running

Atlanta’s first municipal burial ground(1850). A Victorian treasure where manynotable Atlantans are buried.

2.3 miles, Easy ...........................60

7 Grant Park Walking, Running, Biking

A Victorian neighborhood surrounding alarge city park including Zoo Atlanta andthe Cyclorama.

5.0 miles, Moderate ..................69

C O N T E N T S

INTOWN ATLANTA

CONTENTS

8 Inman Park Walking, Running, Biking

Site of the pivotal Civil War Battle of Atlanta in 1864. Later, Atlanta’s first planned residential community. Excellent Victorian architecture.

3.0 miles, Moderate ..................75

9 Freedom Park, Candler Park,& Little Five Points Walking, Running, Biking

Urban park with part of the PATH Foundation’s trail system. Links the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum with the Candler Park and Little Five Pointscommunities.

5.2 miles, Moderate ..................82

10 Midtown Walking, Running, Biking

Early 20th-century residential commun -ity near Peachtree Road and PiedmontPark.


11 Peachtree Promenade Walking, Running

Historic Peachtree Street and WestPeachtree from the Fox Theatre Districtto Pershing Point.


12 Georgia Tech Walking, Running, Biking

Historic college campus, site of TechTower and Dodd-Grant Field.

4.3 miles, Moderate ................108

13 Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden Walking, Running, Biking

A park that has been a gathering placefor Atlantans for more than a century.Adjacent Atlanta Botanical Garden fea-tures rare, exotic, and native plants; theFuqua Conservatory; and Canopy Walkthrough the Storza Forest Preserve.

5.3 miles (including gardens),Moderate ................................119

14 Ansley Park Walking, Running, Biking

One of Atlanta’s earliest automobilecommunities. Filled with large oldhomes, winding streets, and pocketparks.

4.0 miles, Moderate ................127

15 Virginia-Highland &Morningside Walking, Running, Biking

Two mid-20th century residential areasfeaturing craftsman bungalows and cus-tom designed houses. Popular shoppingand dining area.

6.3 miles, Moderate ................134

16 Druid Hills Walking, Running, Biking

A park-like, early 20th century neigh -borhood designed by Frederick LawOlmsted. Elegant estate homes, DruidHills Golf Club, Fernbank Museum ofNatural History.

6.3 miles, Moderate ................142

Around Atlanta

17 Fernbank ForestWalking

A woodland path through an old-growthforest, a science center, and a naturalhistory museum.

2.0 miles, Moderate ................151

18 Emory University Walking, Running, Biking

The campus of a renowned universityfeaturing historic buildings, performancevenues, a museum, galleries, and greenspaces.

3.3 miles, Moderate ................157

19 Tanyard Creek Park &Brookwood Hills Walking, Running, Biking

Site of the Civil War Battle of PeachtreeCreek (1864) and a tree-shaded mid-20thcentury neighborhood.

5.7 miles, Moderate ................168

20 Peachtree Battle Avenue &Atlanta Memorial Park Walking, Running, Biking

Site of the Civil War Battle of PeachtreeCreek (1864), tree-lined streets of largeestates, a popular city park, and a municipal golf course named for golfinglegend Bobby Jones.

6.0 miles, Moderate ................175

21 Garden Hills Walking, Running, Biking

A neighborhood of large homes built inthe 1920s and more modest bungalowsconstructed during the post-Depressionyears. Community park with playgroundand swimming pool.

4.7 miles, Moderate–Difficult...181

22 Atlanta History Center &Buckhead’s Beautiful Homes Walking, Running, Biking

Headquarters of the Atlanta HistoryCenter, Museum, re-created Tullie Smithfarm complex, Swan House, and gar-dens. Nearby estates, including GeorgiaGovernor’s Mansion, along famous WestPaces Ferry Road.


23 Brookhaven Walking, Running, Biking

Prestigious, old golf club community.National Register Historic District

3.7 miles, Moderate ................195

24 Oglethorpe University &Silver Lake Walking, Running, Biking

Historic college campus and nearby resi-dential area near a lake.

4.0 miles, Moderate ................200

25 Chastain Park Walking, Running, Biking

Pleasant walk along PATH Trail througha city park with tennis center, communitypool, and golf course.

3.5 miles, Easy .........................207

26 Historic Marietta Walking, Running, Biking

Old town square and commercial districtclose to historic antebellum homes. Con-federate and National Cemeteries areboth nearby.

5.8 miles, Moderate ................214

AROUNDATLANTA

CONTENTS

27 Silver Comet Trail: Mavell Road to Floyd RoadWalking, Running, Biking

Follow the route of the old “SilverComet” train on this section of the PATHFoundation’s linear rail-trail throughwestern Cobb County.

4.2 miles (one way), add 3.0 miles (roundtrip) for walk through Heritage Park,Easy–Moderate........................226

28 Silver Comet Trail: Floyd Road to Florence Road Walking, Running, Biking

The continuation of the PATH trail pro-vides a scenic route over Olley Creek andgolf course, near Wild Horse Creek Park,and past Powder Springs.

7.3 miles (one way), Easy–Moderate........................232

29 Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Walking, Running, Equestrian (limited)

A Civil War national historic park with avisitor center, museum, preserved fortifi-cations, and network of trails.

2.0–16.2 miles, Moderate–Difficult...................236

30 Chattahoochee Nature Center Walking

Center offers an environmental learningcenter with displays and interpretive pro-grams about wildlife habitats along theadjacent Chattahoochee River. Trails,wildlife exhibits, ponds.

2.0 miles, Easy–Moderate........243

31 Historic Roswell Walking, Running, Biking

Old mill village with preserved antebel-lum houses including Bulloch Hall, homeof Martha Bulloch Roosevelt (mother ofPresident Theodore Roosevelt). Old millruins, shopping and dining areas.

4.5 miles, Moderate ................248

32 Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Walking

Scenic woodlands surround a complex ofhistoric buildings.

2.2 miles, Moderate ................258

33 Big Creek Greenway:Alpharetta Section Walking, Running, Biking

A thin ribbon of woodland, surroundedby residential and commercial develop-ments, winds through Piedmont forestand along the banks of meandering BigCreek.

6.1 miles (one-way), Easy........262

34 Big Creek Greenway:Forsyth County Section Walking, Running, Biking

Continuation of the greenway, this sec-tion follows the creek on a winding routesouthwest of Cumming.

6.8 miles, Easy .........................266

35 Dunwoody Nature Center Walking, Running

Surrounded by residential neighbor-hoods, the center offers trails,playscapes, gardens, gallery spaces, andball fields in adjacent Dunwoody Park.


Around Atlanta

36 Little Mulberry Park Walking, Running, Biking,Equestrian (limited)

Gwinnett County park features over 12miles of trails including paved multiusepaths, rugged woodland trails, lakesidetrails, and horse trails. Park features in-clude Miller Lake, Katrina Miller NaturePreserve, playgrounds, and picnic pavil-ions.

2.2–5.4 miles, Easy–Difficult.....274

37 Suwanee Creek Greenway Walking, Running, Biking

Linear park, with paved and graveledtrails, follows course of Suwanee Creekeast of Old Town Suwanee.

4.7 miles (one-way), Easy–Moderate........................278

38 South Peachtree Creek PATHTrail and Clyde ShepherdNature Preserve Walking, Running, Biking

Linear PATH trail, multipurpose DeKalbCo. park, and nature preserve alongSouth Peachtree Creek and wetlands.

4.8 miles, Easy .........................282

39 Historic Decatur Walking, Running, Biking

Small-town atmosphere, campus ofAgnes Scott College, historic buildings,and pioneer cemetery.

6.0 miles, Moderate ................288

40 Avondale EstatesWalking, Running, Biking

A 1920s planned community and Nation-al Register Historic District.

4.4 miles, Easy .........................294

41 Stone Mountain Memorial Park Walking, Running, Biking

Recreational park with 3,200 acres, theworld’s largest rock carving, re-createdantebellum plantation, golf course, lake,museums, and scenic railroad. Historicwalk-up trail, Cherokee Loop Trail, andpaved walkways.

0.75-5.0 miles, Easy–Difficult....302

42 Reynolds Nature PreserveWalking

Woodland preserve with interpretivecenter, ponds, and historic buildings.


43 Historic Jonesboro Walking, Running, Biking

Site of an 1864 Civil War battle, antebel-lum and Victorian houses, and Confeder-ate Cemetery. Nearby Lovejoy andFitzgerald plantations.

3.8 miles, Easy .........................314

44 Sweetwater Creek State Park Walking

Ruins of Civil War era textile mill, creek-side and hillside trails, state-of-the-artLEED Certified visitor center.


45 Panola Mountain State Conservation Park Walking

Mountain, Woodland, Rock Outcrop,and Fitness Trails. Visitor center with ex-hibits and interpretive programs.


CONTENTS

46 Davidson—Arabia MountainNature Preserve Walking, Running

Designated a National Heritage Area,this ancient rock outcrop area featuresrare plant life, unique geological fea-tures, and historic quarry sites. Naturecenter offers educational programs andgallery spaces.

5.8 miles, Moderate–Strenuous ..............330

47 Cochran Mill Nature Preserve& ParkWalking, Running

Fulton County Park features a naturecenter with exhibits, classrooms, and activities adjacent to woodlands and historic mill ruins.


CRNRA Introduction . . . . . . . . . 342

48 Palisades West Unit Walking, Running

Paces Mill Trail, open meadow, take-outpoint for raft trips.

6.1 miles, Moderate–Difficult...................345

49 Palisades East Unit Walking, Running

Mountain and floodplain loop trail andscenic overlook.


50 Cochran Shoals & Powers Island UnitsWalking, Running, Biking

Jogging and fitness course; mountainand floodplain trails.


51 Sope Creek Unit Walking, Running, Biking

Historic mill ruins, Sibley Pond, wood-land trails.

5.1 miles, Moderate ................356

52 Johnson Ferry UnitWalking, Running

Floodplain trail, boat ramp, put-in forboat and raft trips.

2.5 miles, Easy .........................360

53 Gold Branch Unit Walking, Running

Rugged forest trails bordering Bull SluiceLake and the Chattahoochee River.


54 Vickery Creek Unit Walking, Running

Hillside and creekside trails, ruins ofRoswell Mill dam. Near historic Roswell.


55 Island Ford Unit Walking, Running

Floodplain and hillside trails, rock out-croppings, boat launch area, Chatta-hoochee River National Recreation Areaheadquarters and visitor center.

3.0 miles, Moderate ................371

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERNATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

56 Medlock Bridge UnitWalking, Running

Rolling hills, thick forest, and openfloodplain—a diverse wildlife habitat.


57 Jones Bridge Unit Walking, Running

Ruins of the old bridge and scenic viewof the Chattahoochee River.


Selected bibliography................380 Index...........................................383

P R E F A C E

Revisit FavoriteWalks, ExploreNew Trails

life, and to linger while enjoyingsights, sounds, and aromas. TheAtlanta area’s rolling terrain andmoderate climate make it an enjoy-able place in which to walk duringany season of the year.

We have been exploring Atlantaon foot since 1985, when we beganresearching our original guide,Atlanta’s Urban Trails. The debut ofAtlanta Walks in 1993 provided aselection of the city’s favorite treks inan updated, single volume. As Atlantahas continued to grow through theyears, we have revisited many areas,updating chapters to make each astimely and accurate as possible. Also,we have not forgotten runners andbicyclists and have noted the routesmost suitable to their interests.

Now we are pleased to introducethe fourth, revised and expandededition of Atlanta Walks. In additionto updating existing chapters, wehave added seven new destinations,including a trek through historic Midtown, new sections of the SilverComet and Big Creek GreenwayTrails, a signature Gwinnett CountyPark on Little Mulberry Creek, and a popular linear park near Suwanee.For each walk, we provide GlobalPositioning System (GPS) coordinatesfor the starting points (recorded on a DeLorme PN-20 GPS unit usingTOPO USA 7.0 software).

Come explore Atlanta on foot anddiscover the many facets of this citywith its colorful past, fast-pacedpresent, and dynamic future. Walk in the shadows of an ever-changingskyline, stroll quiet streets lined withold Victorian houses, cross the cam-puses of a half dozen universities, ormeander through thick forests abun-dant with wildlife.

Hear fading echoes of marchingtroops along the paths of Civil Warbattles from Kennesaw Mountain to Inman Park, and Utoy Creek toJonesboro. Or trace the origins of thecivil rights movement from SweetAuburn—the birthplace of Dr. MartinLuther King, Jr.—to the campuses ofthe Atlanta University Center.

Walking provides the opportunityto meet people who give a city its

xii

Preface

xiii

Like so many cities, Atlanta strug-gles to balance the often opposinginterests of growth and preservation.By exploring on foot, we invite youto experience Atlanta’s historicplaces and scenic parks firsthand,offering a true sense of the fabric ofthe city. We believe this experience isindispensable to those who wish tounderstand the necessary balancebetween Atlanta’s development andits natural and architectural her-itage. We hope this guide will aid infostering this understanding. Wehave also launched our website,www.davisguides.com to provide infor-mation on our current books, up-coming projects, book signings andpresentations, guided walks, photog-raphy galleries, and other informa-tion to enhance your explorations.We hope you will visit often andshare your comments and ideas fornew places to discover.

For many years, Atlanta’s leadersworked to earn a place for Atlantaamong the world’s great cities.Vibrant street life, diverse culture,and pedestrian accessibility are hall-marks of these world-class destina-tions, yet these characteristics wereoften overlooked in Atlanta’s earlydevelopment. Atlanta moved closerto attaining these qualities when itwas selected to host the 1996 Centen-nial Olympic Games, making themany structural and cultural changesnecessary to host such a truly world-class event. Still, much more needs tobe done to make the city a genuinelypedestrian-friendly community.

Space does not permit us to indi-vidually thank the dozens of peoplewho have helped us create this guide.Representatives from neighborhoodassociations, historical preservationsocieties, libraries, state and nationalparks, and colleges provided invalu-able assistance for which we are trulygrateful. Thanks also to MargaretQuinlin, Kathy Landwehr, PhyllisMueller, Melanie McMahon Ives,Loraine Joyner, Jessica Alexander,Kate DePalma, Sarah Doss, and allof the staff at Peach tree Publisherswho shared our dream and turned itinto a reality. Special thanks also tothe many organization and commu-nity leaders who enthusiasticallyhelped us gather information and,when needed, gave us directions.

With any project there are alwaysindividuals who provide the inspira-tion to take on the task and theencouragement to persevere. In ourcase, there were two. The first wasour longtime friend and walking com-panion, the late Dr. Richard Blum-berg, who showed us that walkingwas a mental and physical exercise tobe shared by all generations. The sec-ond is our son, Nelson. We beganthis adventure when he was only atoddler. Now he and his wife, Alyson,enjoy using the guide as they under-take their own explorations of Atlantaand share their new discoveries.

H O W T O U S E T H I S G U I D E

DiscoverAtlanta’sTreasures

and other walks in the area. A mapaccompanies each chapter with thecardinal direction denoted and eachwalk route shaded with numericalsymbols for historical markers andnotable houses, sites, and buildings.

ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLSNR National Register

of Historic Places

NL National Historic Landmark

Historical markers(l designated by number in circle on maps)

Notable Places(n designated by number in square on maps)

MARTA

Paved path

Unpaved path or trail

This guidebook covers 58 walks in 57chapters, spanning nearly 270 milesaround metro Atlanta. The treks aregrouped into four sections: Intown,Near Town, Around Town, and the Chattahoochee River NationalRecreation Area.

Each chapter includes: locationand directions to the area; trail dis-tance; starting point GPS coordi-nates; terrain details and orientingarea features; parking tips; informa-tion about area public transporta-tion (if available); historicalbackground for the area; numberedlocations of and information abouthistorical markers and notablehouses, sites, and buildings; specialfeatures and events listed by monthof occurrence; nearby attractions;

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T H E P A T H F O U N D A T I O N

Non-ProfitGroup CreatesPaths forPedestriansand Bicyclists

multiuse trails accessible from nearlyanywhere in the city, with more inplanning and development.

Their first project was the 18-mile-long Stone Mountain–AtlantaGreenway Trail, stretching from thewest entrance of Stone MountainPark in DeKalb County to GreenbriarMall in southwest Atlanta. Portionsof the trail follow marked sidewalks,while others are dedicated pathsmeandering through parks andgreen spaces. The system is markedby PATH signs and is patrolled onfoot or bike by both volunteer “trailrangers” and local police officers.

One especially scenic and historicpart of the Stone Mountain–Atlantatrail follows the once-proposedroute of Freedom Parkway, a highlycontroversial road project that wasplanned to link downtown Atlantawith the Jimmy Carter PresidentialCenter. After years of neighborhoodopposition to the major roadway, asmaller-scale project was completedbut miles of graded right-of-waywere simply abandoned. PATH andthe neighborhood groups saw this asan opportunity to create a pedes-trian corridor connecting the Centerand its adjacent, historically richneighborhoods of Inman Park andCandler Park with the nearby historicand scenic community of DruidHills. The resulting footpath winds

Established in 1991, the PATH Foun-dation is a private, nonprofit organi-zation dedicated to enhancing thepedestrian experience in Atlanta.With the aid of corporate contribu-tions, private donations, and gov-ernment grants, PATH plans tocreate a network of trails that tie thecity together.

In their own words, PATH envi-sions “a ribbon of urban oasis wind-ing its way through neighborhoods,shopping areas, and commercial districts . . . alongside streams andwoodlands . . . (and) historic land-marks. . . .” The PATH network oftrails is becoming a reality. By com-bining newly constructed paths withexisting sidewalks, the foundationhas created an expanding network of

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THE PATH FOUNDATION

xvi

past Victorian homes and along the edge of the Candler Park GolfCourse.

Another long stretch of the StoneMountain–Atlanta trail meandersthrough woodlands and past resi-dential areas on a 5-mile concreteribbon connecting Clarkston withStone Mountain Village. From thereit is only a short walk to the entranceof Stone Mountain Park.

PATH continues to expand its net-work. The Trolley Line Trail follows asoutherly 7-mile course that linkswith the Stone Mountain–AtlantaGreenway Trail near Atlanta MedicalCenter and Agnes Scott College. A3.5-mile loop trail in Atlanta’s Chas-tain Park is also included in thisguide. The foundation’s most ambi-tious and longest trail is the SilverComet, extending westward nearly 62 miles from Smyrna to the Ala-bama state line where it links withthe Chief Ladiga Trail. Southeast ofthe city, a paved multiuse trail linksPanola Mountain State ConservationPark and Davidson-Arabia MountainNature Preserve. To the west, theLionel Hampton and Westside PATHTrails connect popular city parks withthe Atlanta University campus.

Even more important than scenicand historic attractions found alongPATH trails are the people. Fromdawn to dusk, the paths are alivewith walkers, joggers, in-line skaters,and bicyclists, all enjoying the bene-fits of exercise and the renewal of asense of community that is essentialfor a healthy, livable city.

For more information about thePATH Foundation, its projects, andtrail maps and guides, contact thePATH Foundation, 404-875-7284;www.pathfoundation.org. Maps of theStone Mountain–Atlanta GreenwayTrail and Silver Comet Trail are avail-able for a small fee.

T H E B E L T L I N E P R O J E C T

Bringing to Life a Visionfor New CityParks andGreenspaces

“belt line” as a vehicle for revitalizingmany in-town neighborhoods, pro-viding parks and green spaces, whileat the same time offering opportuni-ties for mixed use developmentsalong the 22-mile-long rail corridor.

In 2004, Atlanta Mayor ShirleyFranklin and the City Councilendorsed the concept and commiss -ioned a financial feasibility study ofthe green space opportunities. At thesame time, MARTA conducted itsown study of the potential linksbetween proposed light-rail linesalong the Belt Line with the existingMARTA rapid-rail system.

A year later, Mayor Franklin cre-ated the Belt Line Partnership to facil-itate short and long-range planning,and to develop the sources of publicand private sector funding needed toturn the vision into reality. The firstfive-year plan was approved in 2006.Despite the effects of the financialrecession and other complications,development of the first portions ofthe project are underway with com-pletion of a trail east of PiedmontPark, linking the historic Old FourthWard and Glenwood Park; a pathnear Westview Cemetery that mean-ders southeast toward Hillside Park;and a paved trail connecting AtlantaMemorial Park and Ardmore Park.

Gravel’s master’s thesis becamethe genesis for what is, today, a

A century ago, Atlanta was the rail-way transportation hub of the South -east, with nearly 1,000 trains travelingthrough or around the city each day.Atlanta was crisscrossed and encir-cled by a “belt line” of rails. AfterWorld War II, highways began toreplace these ribbons of steel andeventually, many of the railroadroutes around Atlanta were aban-doned and forgotten, becomingweed-infested eyesores.

In 1999, Georgia Tech graduatestudent Ryan Gravel proposedreclaiming these neglected proper-ties, utilizing them to create a multi-use corridor of trails, parks, andlight-rail transit lines connectingmore than 45 communities sur-rounding the city. He envisioned the

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THE BELT LINE PROJECT

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$2.5 billion, 25-year project that hasbeen described as the “most com-prehensive economic developmenteffort ever undertaken in the City ofAtlanta and among the largest, mostwide-ranging urban developmentprojects currently underway in theUnited States.” It is certainly ourhope that future editions of thisguide will profile the parks and trailsplanned along the Belt Line.

For section maps of the Belt Line,to schedule a guided van tour, or to get the latest information on theproject’s development, visit www.beltline.org.

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MARTA System Map

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Information on MARTA rail and bus schedules is available at 404-848-5000; www.itsmarta.com.

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Trail Locator Map

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Numbers correspond to walk numbers.

T I P S F O R T H E T R E K

Start Your Walk ‘On theRight Foot’

Strong heel support: Walkingputs pressure on the heel as youstride, so make sure the shoe’s heelis well built with quality materialsand construction.

Shock absorbency: Examine thecomposition of the sole. It shouldabsorb the impact of walking and dis-perse the shock. The materials shouldnot be so soft as to feel fluffy, nor sohard as to accelerate foot fatigue.

Comfort: Fit is critical. When try-ing on shoes, wear socks of the samethickness as those you will wear whilewalking. Shoes should have a snugheel and instep, but not tight, withroom in the toe box for the toes towriggle. Shoes that are too tight ortoo loose may cause blisters. Shoesshould feel comfortable; it is impor-tant to walk around the store tocheck shoe comfort. Different brandsof shoes will fit your feet differently.

Traction: Consider the surface of the area you plan to walk. A walk-ing shoe or cross trainer with athleticshoe soles are good for walking onsidewalks, paved multi-use trails, and boardwalks, but the tread of alug type sole is needed when hikingin the woods, especially on unpavedor rugged trails with changes in elevation.

Workmanship: Examine theshoe’s construction for quality. Lookat the stitching between the sole and

Today, more than 60 million Ameri-cans enjoy recreational walking.Whether as part of a planned fitnessprogram or simply for enjoymentand recreation, a long walk can begood for body and soul. Whetheryou are setting out for a leisurelystroll through the neighborhood oran all-day hike, a little advance plan-ning is needed to ensure comfort,safety, and pleasure.

The following tips will get a goodwalking program off on the “rightfoot.”

SHOE SELECTIONFor frequent walks or long hikes, apair of high-quality walking shoes isessential.

Things to look for include:

1

TIPS FOR THE TREK

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the upper part of the shoe. Leather“uppers” are ideal for flexibility andto promote air circulation.

Value: High-quality shoes range incost from $75.00 to about $150.00.

PREPARING TO WALK A number of items are important to think about before your walkingadventure begins.

Loosen up. Stretching is an impor-tant part of a walking program, as itis with any exercise. It is best to firsttake a short walk to loosen musclesand then stretch for 5 to 10 minutes.While stretching, focus on your lowerback, hamstrings, calves, arms,upper torso, and abdomen.

Build endurance gradually. Thosewho are beginning a walking pro-gram should take it easy at first.Walking the routes that are appro-priate for your physical ability willyield the most benefit and the mostpleasure. It is vital to build upendurance gradually.

Plan for weather and bring water.A daypack containing a rain jacket,water and snack foods is importantfor long hikes.

Cool down. After a long walk, it isa good idea to cool down with gen-tle stretches.

EXPLORING WITH COMPASS, MAP AND GPSA growing number of outdoor enthu-siasts are utilizing compasses, topo-graphical maps, and GPS units toenhance their adventures, whether onwell-established trails or across unfa-

miliar landscapes. For most, it is thefun of plotting coordinates and trac-ing routes as they walk, while othersjoin in more structured activities likeorienteering and geocaching.

Orienteering involves navigating a route with map and compass byfollowing a predetermined set of way points. It can be enjoyed individ-ually, in groups, and even in timedcompetitions. To learn more, con-tact the Georgia Orienteering Clubat www.gaorienteering.org.

Geocaching has become increas-ingly popular with the availability ofaffordable GPS units. Like scavengerhunts from days gone by, geocachersprovide GPS coordinates and cluesto the location of hidden objects(usually a waterproof container withlogbook and small objects) in parksand public places in the U.S. andaround the world. Searchers areinvited to use coordinates to find thecache, sign the book, and trade anobject in the box for one they arecarrying. While the caches are at ornear the provided coordinate, theyare often well hidden, and solvingthe clues is necessary for finallylocating them. New geocaches arebeing added all the time and manymay be found along the walks pro-filed in this guide. To learn moreabout geocaching and begin yoursearches, visit www.geocaching.com.

WALKING WITH CHILDRENTips for Parents We learn some of what we hear;

we learn more when we read and listen;

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but we learn the most when we experi-ence activities as part of a signif icantgroup.

Walking can be great family exer-cise as well as an opportunity toshare time together while learning thehistory of an area or enjoying thebeauty of nature. To make walks agreat learning experience, pick achapter in advance and read it as afamily. Pick out sights from the begin-ning, middle, and end that you knowwill interest your child. When childrenare younger it may be the differentshapes of buildings or where a trailmakes a zig-zag, connects withanother trail, or reaches water.

As children prepare for fourthgrade’s introduction to Georgia his-tory and eight grade’s year-long studyof Georgia history, it may be thehomes or sites of historical figures,locations of the Civil War battles, orplaces where transportation influ-enced the development of Atlanta.Turn the walk into the child’s adven-ture by drawing a map with the loca-tions you chose in advance and letthe child act as the pathfinder andlead others to the targets. Take plentyof pictures, especially when you reachthe marked destinations.

Shortly after you return home,write a family story about what yousaw and talked about on your walk.Include downloaded photographs inthe stories. For the beginning reader,these stories will be great fun tolearn to read. For the elementary-aged student these are a wonderfulresource for the assigned essays of

“What did you do. . . ?” For the olderstudent, they provide a great refer-ence for learning Georgia history.For everyone, these are a wonderfulkeepsake of inexpensive familyadventures that will be rich in mem-ories of times spent together.

It is easy to include infants andtoddlers in the fun; simply put themin a backpack or stroller and takeoff. (In cool weather, remember thatthese children are not exercising andneed to be dressed warmly.) Oncethe children are old enough to walkon their own, involving them in thewalk can be both challenging andrewarding. Remember, while adultsmay walk for both physical and men-tal fitness, children may not under-stand these intangible benefits andmay need a different motivation.Children do not have the same levelof stamina as most adults, so modifythe walk time and distance accord-ingly. Children also have a tendencyto run and then rest, so allow ampletime for breaks during the walk.Remember to refresh children oftenwith water and snacks to keep theirenergy levels and spirits high.

Walking with young children maymean compromising on the benefitsthat adults seek from the exercise,but it can be a marvelous time toshare in children’s curiosity andwonder about the world aroundthem. Some ways to challenge kidson a nature walk include:

Carry a bird, animal, or plantguide: Spend time identifying thingsseen along the path, learn about

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different habitats, and if appropri-ate, bring some specimens home to study.

Take an environmental walk:Carry a plastic bag and pick up trashor collect items for recycling.

When walks are planned to takeinto account each person’s physicalconditioning and interests, walkingcan be a joyful experience for all gen-erations of the family.

A GUIDE FOR TEACHERSAuthor’s note: Italicized words beloware social studies objectives.

Bringing history alive for your stu-dents happens best when you experi-ence first-hand the places wherehistorical activities took place. Whileyou explore the walks in this book,take lots of photos and include yourpictures in your classroom lessons totell the stories of geographic terms,the influence of geography on our his-tory, the importance of transporta-tion in the development of manyparts of Atlanta’s history, the effectsof man on our geography and the loca-tion of historic events.

In these days of reduced schoolfunds and reduced hours in school,it may not be easy to take a classfield trip during school, so consideroffering to guide a walk from thebook on a weekend day, inviting thestudents’ families to join you. Showthe use of latitude and longitude with aGPS unit to identify the beginningpoint of the walk. Have students usecardinal directions to read the map

and locate the identified sites. Notonly will your students gain the rich-ness of experiences out of the class-room that combine map reading skillsand viewing sites of historical eventsand people, but the parents of yourstudents will get to know you better,which always improves the impor-tant trust relationship betweenhome and teachers.

Recommend the “Tips forParents” (see previous section) thatare age appropriate for the children. Engage students to use the informa-tion from the book to develop time-lines and organize events chronologi-cally that form Atlanta’s history.Challenge students to draw conclu-sions and make generalizations of howtransportation has affected politicaldecisions in the development ofAtlanta. Watch the richness of thestudents’ writings develop when theyreport about a common experiencewith three of their most significantlife groups: their families, their class-mates, and their teacher.

A SELECTION OF ADVENTUREWALKS WITH CHILDREN

Chapter 4: Outdoor Activity Center

Chapter 6: Oakland Cemetery

Chapter 7: Grant Park

Chapter 12: Georgia Tech

Chapter 13: Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden

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Chapter 17: Fernbank Forest

Chapter 18: Emory University

Chapter 25: Chastain Park [PATH Trail section]

Chapter 27: Silver Comet Trail — Mavell Road to Floyd Road

Chapter 28: Silver Comet Trail — Floyd Road to Florence Road

Chapter 30: Chattahoochee Nature Center

Chapter 32: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve

Chapter 33: Big Creek Greenway — Alpharetta Section

Chapter 34: Big Creek Greenway — Forsyth County Section

Chapter 35: Dunwoody Nature Center

Chapter 36: Little Mulberry Park

Chapter 37: Suwanee Creek Greenway

Chapter 38: South Peachtree Creek PATH Trail & Clyde ShepherdNature Preserve

Chapter 41: Stone Mountain Park

Chapter 42: Reynolds Nature Preserve

Chapter 45: Panola Mountain State Conservation Park

Chapter 46: Davidson-Arabia MountainNature Preserve [PATH Trail section]

Chapter 47: Cochran Mill Nature Preserve & Park

Chapter 50: CRNRA Cochran Shoals &Powers Island Units [Fitness Trail]

BICYCLING Many of the trails described in thisbook follow lightly traveled streetsor paved multiuse trails that areideal for bicycling as well as walking.Bike travelers may find it helpful tolink several neighboring trails for an extended ride. A few tips for riding in and around Atlanta areimportant:

Always wear a helmet: Wearing ahelmet is an important part of safebicycling. A high percentage of bicy-cling-related fatalities are due tohead injuries.

Ride with the flow of traffic: Usedesignated bicycle lanes if they areprovided. If you are riding in a groupin a heavily trafficked area, travel sin-gle file.

Obey all traffic rules: Use handsignals at intersections. When indoubt, give the automobile the right-of-way.

Station adults at front and backof group: If you are riding with chil-dren, it is best to position an adultat the front of the group and one atthe back.

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Be visible: If you will be riding inpoor visibility, wear reflective vests orclothing, and make sure the bicycleshave reflectors.

Do not wear earplug audiodevices: Avoid any devices thatmight hinder you from hearing.

Use designated routes. If you aretraveling on wooded paths, followdesignated routes to minimize dam-age to the surrounding environment.

Most importantly, have fun!

ACCESSIBILITY FOR DISABLED PERSONS The occurrence and quality of side-walks in Atlanta is inconsistent: Side-walk pavement is often broken anduneven because of tree roots growingbeneath it, while construction andrepair projects often keep sidewalksand streets inaccessible to disabledpersons.

Well-maintained curb ramps and sidewalks are generally foundthroughout downtown Atlanta, but are less frequent in the suburbs.Therefore, for disabled persons, finding an accessible, non-down-town route to explore may pose achallenge.

All government buildings, mostcommercial buildings, and museumsare required by law to be accessibleto the disabled, although their sur-rounding area and approach maynot be. For best results, before set-ting out for your adventure, drive the route you want to explore andevaluate area accessibility conditionsfor yourself.

Below are a few walks, or por-tions of walks, from the guide thatare most accessible for the mobilityimpaired due to limited traffic and well-maintained sidewalks andcurbing:

Chapter 2: Atlanta University Center

Chapter 9: Freedom Park, Candler Parkand Little Five Points

Chapter 12: Georgia Tech

Chapter 13: Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden

Chapter 17: Fernbank Forest [section]

Chapter 18: Emory University

Chapter 24: Oglethorpe University & Silver Lake [campus section]

Chapter 25: Chastain Park [PATH Trail]

Chapter 27: Silver Comet Trail — Mavell Road to Floyd Road

Chapter 28: Silver Comet Trail —Floyd Road to Florence Road

Chapter 33: Big Creek Greenway — Alpharetta Section

Chapter 34: Big Creek Greenway — Forsyth County Section

Chapter 36: Little Mulberry Park [paved trails]

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Chapter 37: Suwanee Creek Greenway [paved sections]

Chapter 38: South Peachtree Creek PATHTrail [section]

Chapter 40: Avondale Estates

Chapter 41: Stone Mountain Park [paved sections]

Chapter 46: Davidson-Arabia MountainNature Preserve [PATH trail section]

Chapter 50: CRNRA Cochran Shoals & Powers Island Units [FitnessTrail]

Documents

Atlanta Walks - Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.peachtree-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/AtlantaWalksexcerpt.pdf25 Chastain Park Walking, Running, Biking ... trails, and horse