Hiking the Lullwater Preserve Trails in Atlanta

Lullwater Preserve is one of my favorite places in Atlanta for a quick nature escape without leaving the city. Tucked onto Emory University’s campus, the preserve has shady trails, a scenic lake, and an easy paved path that’s perfect for a short hike.

I’ve hiked the trails here when I wanted something peaceful but didn’t have time for a full day outside the city. The President’s Loop takes you past Lullwater House, the university president’s residence, while the Lake Loop circles the water and gives you some of the prettiest views in the park.

If you’re planning to hike Lullwater Preserve, here’s what to expect on the trails and why it’s such an easy Atlanta nature break.

Lullwater Preserve Hike

Lullwater Preserve, also called Lullwater Park, is located on Emory University‘s North Decatur campus in Atlanta.

Paid parking is available in the parking lots and decks on campus, but most of Emory’s parking lots are free after 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday and on the weekends.

Another option for free parking is to go to the parking lot for Hahn Woods on Houston Mill Road. From there, you’ll take the trail along the creek that passes under the road to get to Lullwater Preserve, which is how we entered the park.

Hiking to Lullwater Preserve from Hahn Woods

We departed from the Hahn Woods parking lot, following the trail as it descended a set of stairs to the creek where we turned right and continued under the bridge.

Just past the bridge are the ruins of a metal bridge, rusting over and sprouting vines, spanning a waterfall. Concrete blocks at the bridge’s beginning sites two dates: 1863 and 1927.

From there, the hike continues over sandbars and a trail forged through ivy.

A fence follows along the opposite bank of the creek, marking out the land of the sprawling Yerkes National Primate Research Center owned by the university, whose buildings loom out of the trees.

After about 0.5 miles, the trail brought us underneath a suspension bridge and we saw a small waterfall with powerhouse ruins sitting like a castle on its edge. That was our sign that we had officially made it into Lullwater Preserve.

Hiking the President’s Loop Trail

Officially in Lullwater Preserve, the trail turns from dirt and sand to a paved path. We continued straight through the intersecting pathways on the paved trail to begin the President’s Loop Trail.

On the left, the trail follows along the park’s Candler Lake, and on the right, up the hill, you can begin to see the president’s mansion peering through the trees. The trail continues in perfect campus serenity, passing large green fields of people lounging and puppies playing.

When the trail came to a fork, we continued to the right and then to the right again. Here, the trail begins to climb the hill toward the mansion.

Lullwater House was built in 1926 as the private residence of the son of the Coca-Cola founder. The Tutor-Gothic revival style mansion was given to Emory University in 1958, and the presidents of the university have lived there since 1963.

The President’s Loop Trail continues past Lullwater House and down the hill to the suspension bridge.

The suspension bridge bounces you across the creek where you can turn right and explore the ruins of the powerhouse that used to provide power to Lullwater House. This is a worthwhile detour to explore the graffiti inside the old power tower.

The trail continues back the way we came, over the suspension bridge, and continuing left to the end of the loop. The President’s Loop Trail is about 0.8 miles, plus a little more if you explore the ruins.

We then continued straight, down the dirt path this time, to begin the Lake Loop Trail.

Hiking the Lake Loop Trail

The Lake Loop Trail continues straight on the dirt path. This trail takes you on a more narrow path around the back side of Candler Lake. Since this path is unpaved, it can easily get muddy after a big rain.

As we hiked along the trail, we lost sight of the lake through the trees before coming to a larger path. We turned right onto the wider path; this nice wide trail provides more room for bikers and strollers.

The path continues to follow along the banks of the lake before coming to meet with the paved path of the President’s Loop Trail. We took a right and finished off the hike on the paved path. The Lake Loop is an easy 0.9 mile trail.

From there, we retraced our steps over the sandbars back to the parking lot at Hahn Woods, ending our hike at about a 2.7 mile hike total.

But if these short loops weren’t enough hiking for you, Lullwater Preserve also has the 1.2 mile Hill Loop that you can also add on.

Lullwater Preserve Trails Info

Hike length: 2.7+ miles round-trip depending on which route you take

Difficulty: Easy

Is it pet-friendly?: Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.

Location: 1463 Clifton Rd NE, Decatur, GA 30033

Parking: Paid parking is available in the parking lots and decks on campus, like the Michael Street Parking Deck, but most of Emory’s parking lots are free after 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday and on the weekends, like the Woodruff Residential Center lot off of Gatewood Road.

Another option for free parking is to go to the parking lot for Hahn Woods on Houston Mill Road. From there, you’ll take the trail along the creek that passes under the road to get to Lullwater Preserve, which is how we entered the park.

Fees: Free.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Accessibility: The President’s Loop Trail is paved (except for the detour to the ruins), with an incline toward the President’s House. The Lake Loop Trail is unpaved but flat.

• Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail
• Atlanta Beltline Northside Trail
• Sweetwater Creek Yellow Trail & Orange Trail
• Sweetwater Creek Red and White Trails
• Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
• Zonolite Park Trails
• Shirley Clarke Franklin Park Trails

• 99+ Fun Things to Do in Atlanta (From a Local)
• 10 Breathtaking Sunset Spots in Atlanta
• 10 Must-Visit Restaurants in Decatur, Georgia
• Decatur Ghost Tour Review: Discover Haunted Downtown Decatur, GA
• Local’s Guide to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta
• 11 Best Ice Cream Shops in Atlanta for a Sweet Treat
• Shoot the Hooch: A Complete Guide to Tubing the Chattahoochee

---

Ready to visit Atlanta, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Get Familiar With the City: Check out my Ultimate Guide to Atlanta to help plan your trip!
• Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Atlanta using Booking.com.
• Save on Attractions: Save 50% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.

---

Cheers!

Paige

What is your favorite hike at Lullwater Preserve? Let me know in the comments!