Lullwater Preserve image

Lullwater Preserve

Tourist attraction Park

One of the Best Places To Visits in North Decatur


Address

1463 Clifton Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, United States

Website

www.emory.edu

Contact

+1 404-727-6123

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (407 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Thursday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Friday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Saturday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Sunday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Monday: 7 am to 9 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (21) lake (20) walk (19) trails (16) parking (14) Emory (13) trail (12) great (12) bridge (11) area (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jim C. 2 years ago on Google • 68 reviews
    Easy scenic walk. We're elderly and had no trouble walking the two miles around the lake as well as down some of the side trails. Beautiful nature area in the heart of the city, on the Emory campus. The best place to park is in Parking Deck D of the VA hospital, because there is a footbridge into Lullwater park right behind it.
    18 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Adam S. 4 years ago on Google • 443 reviews
    A beautiful nature preserve right in the city that's got nice trails, a lake, a fun bridge, a ruined power station, a mansion, and even a little waterfall. Good variety in the length and difficulty of the trails. Only gripe is the parking situation which is nonexistent, you're on your own and it's not very clear where you're allowed to park on Emory's campus and where you aren't.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aman M. 3 years ago on Google
    Run or walk the scenic trails of Lullwater Park, following the banks of a Serene lake and crossing a span bridge to explore the ruins of a 1920s powerhouse. Lullwater Preserve offers many scenic walking and running trail loops nestled within Emory University' North Decatur campus near Atlanta. The Lullwater Trail passes the Lullwater House mansion,skirts Candler Lake and Crosses a span bridge to explore mill beside a tumbling spillway waterfall im a beautiful,wild rich Forest.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alisha D. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a beautiful park. Perfect for a light walk, jog, run or mini picnic. Parking is the biggest downside. It’s best for people in the community, Emory or VA Hospital employees or students. It’s not crowded at all and the people were very friendly. I saw ducks, geese and a Red Robin bird. I also saw the home to Emory University President and a lovely slender waterfall. I lived in the area for about 10 years and it’s the 1st time I’ve visited but definitely not the last.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tropicality 1 year ago on Google • 76 reviews
    This place is a lovely walking spot. Great for walking/running routines. There’s a small water fall that adds to the aura of the preserve. I recommend coming here for little hikes, photography, picnics, even study sessions. It’s a wonderful environment.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 caroline s. 1 year ago on Google
    I personally think it is an amazing place for taking photos. There are some bugs, so be prepared. But the view is very nice, foresty and peaceful.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arun G. 9 months ago on Google • 183 reviews
    It was truly a pleasant surprise for me and my wife during our present stay in Atlanta, when our daughter and son-in-law took us around this stunningly beautiful area ... a heaven for nature's lovers. We couldn't believe we were in the middle of the city within the Emory University area. I would call it a 'hidden gem' in Atlanta. It was tranquil, peaceful, and strolling around a serene lake on semi paved pathways was a wonderful experience. My three years old grand daughter too thoroughly enjoyed her walk... and was excited to see plenty of geese and a couple of deers. Would highly recommend a walk over the suspension bridge near the waterfall. Would love to spend some time here every time we visit Atlanta.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Allison G. 5 years ago on Google • 60 reviews
    Very tranquil, quiet and lovely. Great for a quick 1 mile or 3+miles on paved / trail surfaces. No grilling options that we could see so a proper picnic experience is required. The ruins were very cool but the walk over the bridge was even cooler! Fun afternoon for sure!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Migili M. 4 years ago on Google
    I cant' say how much I love this place. The best place for running and relaxing. anytime I go there, I find a new trail. There is lake in this park and you can run around the lake and breath the fresh air. If you are lucky, you might see some deers around you. There are always gooses around the lake. Very nice and scenic place for those who like shooting photos. It's also a nice place if you want to walk with your dog, however, the leash policy is enforced. There is also a stream inside the park. You'll also find a beautiful bridge which connects the trail to the back of VA hospital. So if you leave in front of VA hospital, you have the access to the park and you do not need to use the front door.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ritvik N. 9 months ago on Google • 105 reviews
    Pretty sweet park. I strolled down here with my sister, who's showing me around. I'm visiting Atlanta, so I'm not like a local or anything. First off, coming in there's an iron gate cutting through the paved asphalt road, with a sign that says "Private Entry only" -- don't remember the exact phrase. Suffice to say, I'd imagine they want to warn off traffic, but any *foot* traffic (ahem, pedestrians) are fair game here. As in, it's a free country, and it's perfectly allowed to go for a casual stroll around -- so no worries, brother. Cool views all around. Lot of light to deep- green vegetation, as is customary for all Georgia sights, as I've slowly come to learn. Saw a brotherhood or some forked trees, about human height, I'd say. A tree that seemed split in two, perhaps by the storm or such. A wide open grassy pasture, which is perfect to sit down and picnic at, maybe eat a sandwich or something for lunch. Wouldn't be a halfway bad idea. Oh, and I spotted a dear -- deer. Snapped my fingers because I'm a bit combatant for no good reason, and the deer's ears eventually perked up, and it glanced in my direction, a bit quizzically, tilting its head as if asking what the heck I was about. I just said aloud, "Hi!" and promptly waved in a genial rejoinder, and it promptly snorted (or maybe I heard it in my mind) and went back to feasting on the wondrous, glorious deep-green vegetation. Oh, well. Vegans, am I right? Anyways, strolled down a bit farther, came across a man-made waterfall. Didn't get too close, but I managed to snap some photos, as you can see. Eventually, on the right side of a road, we beheld a narrow metal bridge, which looked safe enough to cross. It was situated above a murky swamp, or maybe it was a lake. We crossed two at a time, even though I wondered if maybe one at once would've been a wiser choice. Turns off, there was enough wisdom to go around, as nothing too eventful transpired there. Ultimately, came upon a private residence, the Lullwater House -- named after the park, I'd hazard a guess. It said invited guests only, which was a bit of a bummer, and I'd assume dear Nosferatu would agree wholeheartedly with me. Anyways, we turned back or rather continued the loop to head to the path that returned to the entrance, but overall my experience is that this is a pretty nifty, out of the way and low-key park, with a sufficient amount of vegetation, trees, and wildlife if that's your sort of thing! Seems like a great and altogether unassuming location too. I'll definitely be back here, at least once more, maybe run it solo next time! Great place for a casual stroll anytime — after all, who’s there to stop you?
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Curtis F. 2 years ago on Google • 138 reviews
    While we enjoyed the suspension bridge and ruins, I found the trails from Hahn Woods into Lullwater to be pretty boring. That said, my kid loved the tower, and I'm sure there's more to see, so we'll be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Slick H. 8 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    I don't know the parking situation. But this hike is pretty cool. This trail got it all waterfall, ruins, suspension bridge, and lots of trail loops. Perfect hike for whole family. FOLLOW @slickhiking on social media
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Qing F. 3 years ago on Google
    A very peaceful and quiet place to enjoy nature and family & friend time. There are natural trails and paved president loop trail. You can see deers, rabbits, geese, glow worm, and many other species. Recently, I found there is a free parking lot after 4pm. It is a parking lot for woodruff residential center and there is a shortcut leading to the entrance of Lullwater Preserve with only 1 minute walk.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jamison L. 10 months ago on Google
    No idea how anyone finds this place. The only signage we saw for this park was for a closed, gated road for official vehicles only. All the nearby parking was for neighborhoods or private businesses and most had signs threatening to boot your car. It shouldn't be this difficult to enjoy a park.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stacy C. 3 years ago on Google
    Always love Lullwater Preserve. It was great during pandemic but I got a ticket from Emory the other day, for parking in a lot that I have parked in for 9 months. No new signs, parking arm was still up...nothing changed except that I got a ticket. Sad cause I love the place but there is nowhere to park.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon A. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is straight out of heaven. So glad i found about it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wesley C. 2 years ago on Google • 29 reviews
    A beautiful oasis in the middle of the city. It's an easy and scenic walk, complete with a lake and mini waterfall. If you're lucky, you'll see the family of deer that lives there. There's also plenty of birds, and the lake has ducks and herons. In the winter months, there's tons of Canadian geese enjoying the weather.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mary F. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful park. Wish it was more accessible to the public but it’s worth the hassle. Lots of trails and a variety of scenery.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Angela C. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice mostly shaded trails-some paved. Peaceful and private feel. Even saw a doe run across the trail near the lake. Thought it was a large dog off leash first. No nearby parking.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mocha Latte M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place for a peaceful.walk and at least 8 out of 10 people were mask compliant.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Subhashis P. 4 years ago on Google
    It's an amazing place, very close to nature. Beautiful lake, small Waterfall and lots of trees.. You get everything in a small place. We use to go here every weekend. Must go place in Atlanta near emory university.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brandon V. 5 years ago on Google • 11 reviews
    Really great walking experience. The scenery was great and the ruins up close was a plus. There is no designated parking so make sure to find a plaza or public area near by to park. Lots of people so you never feel alone. Definitely would come back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 anduritoco2004 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderful gem so close to the city. This spot will always be home to me.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher Y. 3 years ago on Google
    Great shaded trails, plenty of room to stretch and a great place to relax and teach my boys how to fish!

  • 5/5 Oana H. 3 years ago on Google
    I've known this place for decades. An oasis in the city. More crowded this last time, perhaps because of the quarantine closures. Kids love it.

  • 5/5 Kevin F. 3 years ago on Google
    Great park near Emory

  • 5/5 Alberto O. 3 years ago on Google
    Great short hike with pups

  • 5/5 acsllinas l. 3 years ago on Google
    I love this place. Is like hidden gem inside the city

  • 5/5 Max H. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely lake with plenty of different trails and scenery

  • 4/5 Travis E. 3 years ago on Google
    What a nice place to hike! Who knew something like this would exist just outside of downtown atlanta. We came in a colder day and there were still a lot of people on the park. There is a nice little waterfall and old structure that powered the house up on the hill many decades ago. I rated this hike a 4 only because parking is REALLY hard to come by and in fact I wouldn’t recommend where we parked as you might be ticketed or towed. We hope to come back when the weather warms up and have the time to hike more of the park.

  • 4/5 Moremi H. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is beautiful and the trail is very nice. The lack of parking was why I didn’t give it the full point. It’s quite a pain to find parking but when you do, you’ll really enjoy the serenity.

  • 5/5 Hadas B. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a great place to hike with kids. The only annoying thing is to find parking that cost money.

  • 5/5 Tara B. 2 years ago on Google
    This hike was a great long hike and awesome because they took the man-made construction and built trail around it. I loved going under the bridge, the board walks and mostly the little historic places left behind. I had a great time, great preservation next to Emory college.

  • 5/5 Brandilynn L. 3 years ago on Google
    We love going for walks and runs here. It's peaceful. A great place to walk or run and get some fresh air in the Emory area.

  • 5/5 Benjamin B. 3 years ago on Google
    I’m giving it 5 stars but they could do more with it honestly.

  • 5/5 Nha James N. 8 months ago on Google
    Quiet gravel and paved walking trail around the lake with a waterfall. You can fish or have a picnic on the grass. No restrooms.

  • 5/5 Gabriel A. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent place for a quick study break or escape to nature!

  • 5/5 Nicole G. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful part of the Emory campus. Muddy after the rain so bring your hiking boots!

  • 4/5 jayinatlanta 3 years ago on Google
    Such an amazing park with so much to see. Kids like the "castle ruins" on the waterfall. The Lullwater House is beautiful. Hilly rustic trails, lake trails, and paved trails, as well as nice open fields. Urban oasis! Negatives: no parking and a longish walk until you get to the lake - can park on side streets or in Emory lots but they are not close.

  • 5/5 Rich H. 3 years ago on Google
    A great place to walk with the family. Don't forget to wear a mask. Many trees have hosted many kids climbs.

  • 5/5 Paul M. 3 years ago on Google
    A green oasis in the city

  • 1/5 Arthur F. 3 years ago on Google
    Ok

  • 5/5 Shuyang 3 years ago on Google
    I have been coming here for years, such a great place to get some rest in campus, easy for a short run and walk.

  • 4/5 Andy H. 3 years ago on Google
    Very pretty walk near Emory.

  • 5/5 Shirley H. 3 years ago on Google
    Quiet easy walking trail tucked away in the midst of the Emory hustle and bustle.

  • 5/5 Bikash D. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit!

  • 4/5 Best N. 3 years ago on Google
    Food was pretty good and timely.

  • 5/5 Kurstin S. 3 years ago on Google
    Just beautiful I love this area.

  • 5/5 lexs o. 3 years ago on Google
    Great and adorable place

  • 5/5 Amy W. 3 years ago on Google
    Never crowded, shade or sun, dirt trails or walkways, lake or stream: your choice! Plus there's a suspension bridge!

  • 5/5 Payton P. 3 years ago on Google
    Very easy to get lost. Huge place. Loved all the paths.

  • 5/5 john k. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful walk today!

  • 5/5 Sharee O. 3 years ago on Google
    Had the pleasure of photographing this lovely couple at this amazing location. Check out some of my other work on Instagram at @omgphotography_llc

  • 1/5 Marina H. 3 years ago on Google
    Could not find the place

  • 5/5 Arjuna K. 3 years ago on Google
    Best park in the area has paved and unpacked trails through a small forest as well as around a lake

  • 5/5 Donavan W. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely. Paved and gravel trails around a large enough lake make for a shaded and refreshing walk. Bring bug spray.

  • 5/5 James S. 3 years ago on Google
    Love the trails, lake, creek, and waterfalls. Excellent place for a walk with the dogs or a hike with the family.

  • 5/5 Ja'Qualen & Alexandra C. 3 years ago on Google
    When we visited the area it reminded us of Piedmont Park. However, it is much quieter and well kept up. This is a gem and we will be returning soon.

  • 5/5 Talibah N. 3 years ago on Google
    Very lovely place to lay around and catch some zen

  • 5/5 Karen W. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful area. We took a walk around for graduation. Will go again.


Call +1 404-727-6123 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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