Nestled In The Outskirts Of Atlanta Lies A Nature Preserve With Scenic Waterfall Hiking

Not every university is lucky enough to share space a scenic nature preserve. But for students on the North Decatur campus of Atlanta's Emory University, Lullwater Nature Preserve provides a peaceful haven, ideal for studying or escaping the confines of a classroom. It's easy to believe you're miles from the heart of the city on the 154-acre preserve, but in fact, it's only six miles from Downtown, and like this other underrated Atlanta nature preserve, is certainly worth a visit. Accessible all year round, it's particularly pretty in the Spring time when the mature woodlands turn vivid shades of green, wildflowers start to bloom among the grassland, masses of birds gather, and the waterfall on Candler Lake sparkles in the sun.

Originally home to the Muscogee people, the Lullwater land was ceded to the U.S. government in 1821. It passed through several owners before being bought by Asa Candler, who made his fortune through Coca-Cola. His son, Walter T. Candler, developed the land, building the grand Tudor-style Lullwater House in 1926 using stone quarried on site. He also created the lake by damming South Peachtree Creek, which he then used to build a hydroelectric system to power the estate. The Candlers donated Lullwater Estate to Emory University in 1958, and the mansion serves as the official residence of the university president. Although the residence is not open to the public, you can catch a glimpse of it as you wander along the trails.

Much like this peaceful Atlanta escape with easy hiking, many of the paths in Lullwater crisscross through the forest. The main trail is the Lullwater Loop, an easy 3.2 mile walk that circles around Candler Lake. The gentle, mostly flat terrain is a combination of dirt and paved paths, making it ideal for a relaxing stroll. Extremely popular with dog walkers, joggers, families, and not to mention the students, the trail can become quite crowded on some days. However, the pleasant surroundings and the many smaller side paths mean you'll always find your own oasis of calm.

Candler Lake is the centerpiece of the trail, its shimmering surface appearing through the leafy branches. As you make your way to its northern side, you'll come across a spillway from the dam, cascading down into the creek. Behind it sits the octagonal ruins of the old stone powerhouse that housed the original hydroelectric system. Access to the ruins is by way of a charming wood and steel suspension bridge, and together, this area is one of the most photographed spots in the preserve. Nearby is a picturesque waterfall that completes this bucolic scene. 

There are also stone remnants from its days as a working estate and traces of the old dam dotted around. To extend the Lullwater Loop, you can head out towards Medlock Park from the eastern side and connect onto the South Peachtree Creek Trail. This short, mostly boardwalk trail runs alongside the creek and has frequent seating areas along the way.

With such a diverse habitat, Lullwater is rich with wildlife and teeming with birds. The thick forest canopy and long grasses along the water's edge provide ample cover and feeding grounds for a wide variety of birds. Green herons, wood ducks, and eastern bluebirds are frequently seen, as are Canada geese in winter. Although there is no hide to watch them from, you'll spot them as you wander amongst the trees or by the water, possibly hearing them before you see them.

The undergrowth also provides ideal cover for white-tailed deer, who are frequently seen roaming the preserve. There have been sightings of turtles, snakes and even coyotes, but being mostly nocturnal, you're unlikely to bump into them. Fishing is allowed in Candler Lake following Georgia state fishing regulations, and catch and release is encouraged. Recent fishing reports have listed largemouth bass, bluegills, and redbreast sunfish. 

There are several entrances to Lullwater Preserve, although it's important to keep in mind that the preserve is primarily for use by university students and faculty, so finding public parking can be an issue. The main campus entrance on Clifton Road is closed to the general public, and most people enter via the Emory Campus footpaths, where there is some street parking. You can also enter near Hahn Woods on the north side of the preserve, where there's a small free parking lot. Even though Atlanta can be difficult to navigate, Lullwater is served by public transport by taking the MARTA bus 6 to the west side.