Lullwater Preserve
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Lullwater Preserve

4.7
·490 reviews·Decatur, United States

A serene 154-acre preserve on Emory's campus, offering wooded trails, Candler Lake, and historic landmarks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more wildlife

CrowdLow
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Lullwater Preserve

Lullwater Preserve

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more wildlife

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 154-acre preserve on Emory's campus, offering wooded trails, Candler Lake, and historic landmarks.

4.7
(490 reviews)

"It's such a peaceful spot to run or walk. The trail is well-kept, and the surroundings are calming."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Strategy

Emory's Michael Street parking deck is free evenings/weekends. Avoid restricted university lots!

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Trails can be hilly and varied. Wear good walking or running shoes for the best experience.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 490 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Candler Lake Loop

Candler Lake Loop

Emory University Campus

A scenic loop around Candler Lake, offering peaceful views and a connection to nature within the city.

Trestle Bridge

Trestle Bridge

Lullwater Preserve Trails

An iconic long trestle bridge that feels like stepping out of the city and into a serene, wooded escape.

Old Stone Tower

Old Stone Tower

Lullwater Preserve

A striking, historic stone tower that adds a sense of wonder and mystery to the preserve's natural beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Lullwater Preserve Access

Lullwater Preserve is nestled within Emory University. Access can be tricky, especially regarding parking. Be mindful of restricted university lots to avoid towing. Consider nearby free parking options on evenings and weekends.

Best Times for Peaceful Exploration

To avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility, aim for weekdays or early mornings. Weekends can see more foot traffic, especially during pleasant weather. Early visits offer the best chance for wildlife sightings.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Free parking available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Details on this amazing spot- It’s called Lula Lake Land Trust, and it’s only open to the public on its ’Open Gate Days’. From December-April, these are only on the first and last Saturdays of each month, plus a few other special days you can find listed on their website. From May-November, open gate days are first and last weekends. You MUST reserve a spot on their open gate days. It’s around ...
@ganza_media
189K likes • 2M views

🚗 Parking Strategy

Emory's Michael Street parking deck is free evenings/weekends. Avoid restricted university lots! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Trails can be hilly and varied. Wear good walking or running shoes for the best experience. Instagram

Lullwater Preserve📍 North Atlanta, GA #thingstodoinatlanta #hiking #walkingtrail #atlanta
official_chelle
30 likes • 1.1K views
Looking to catch a tan, get peace & quiet, or need a good walk for the day check out Lullwater Preserve 💙🦋
chatinframes
15 likes • 864 views

🌿 Embrace the Nature

Look for deer, snakes, and turtles! The preserve is rich with wildlife. TikTok

📍 Trailhead Tip

Start at Hahn Woods on Houston Mill Rd for a magical journey through the preserve. Reddit

Exploring new trails is one of my favorite things to do. Let me know if I should share more!! #hiking #trails #atlantatrails #atlantahikes #roswellriverwalk #roswellmill #lullwaterpreserve #atlien #peaceful #weightloss #selflove #fitness
kam.g
477 likes • 9.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Strategy

Emory's Michael Street parking deck is free evenings/weekends. Avoid restricted university lots! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Trails can be hilly and varied. Wear good walking or running shoes for the best experience. Instagram

🌿 Embrace the Nature

Look for deer, snakes, and turtles! The preserve is rich with wildlife. TikTok

📍 Trailhead Tip

Start at Hahn Woods on Houston Mill Rd for a magical journey through the preserve. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The scenery is breathtaking, perfect for photos and peaceful reflection. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(490 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Lullwater Preserve for its breathtaking scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and excellent trails, making it a beloved spot for running and walking. While parking can be a challenge due to its university location, the natural beauty and wildlife sightings make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking an urban nature escape.

"Biggest negative is parking/access. Lots of cool birds and animals (deer, snakes, turtles etc) It has some decent foot traffic so you don’t ever feel like you’re “lost” but If you’ve ever been to other parks in the area and haven’t been here it’s definitely worth checking out. Not my first choice as I’d prefer Daniel Johnson or Moringside Nature Preserve as those you really feel like you’re in the woods. But if you’re close by check out, not sure it’s worth more than a 20 min drive."

Peter

"It was an amazing experience to to take my good friend to release her mother's ashes. It was peaceful. It's hidden but respectfully, it should remain hidden I recommend going with just a few friends. Highlight of my trip."

Markey Slaughter

"I absolutely love the Water Preserve! I visited it for the running trail while training, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. The scenery makes every step feel worth it, and it's such a peaceful spot to run or walk. The trail is well-kept, and the surroundings are calming—perfect for both a good workout and some relaxation afterward. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful outdoor spot!"

Brittany Brown

What People Like

Breathtaking scenery
Peaceful atmosphere
Great for running

What People Dislike

Parking challenges
Can feel less 'wild'

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lullwater Preserve is located on the Emory University campus in North Decatur, GA. You can enter via various points, including off Clifton Road or Houston Mill Road. Be aware of university parking restrictions. Instagram+1

While it's on Emory's campus, signage can be a bit subtle. Using GPS and looking for entrances near the President's home or along Clifton Road can help. Instagram

Emory University is served by several MARTA bus routes. Check the MARTA schedule for routes that stop near the campus. From the bus stop, you may need to walk a bit to reach the preserve entrance. Instagram

Many visitors recommend starting at Hahn Woods on Houston Mill Road, which leads you down wooden stairs and onto the main trail system. Reddit

While primarily a walking and running trail, some paved asphalt road sections within the preserve can be used for cycling, offering a hilly workout. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Lullwater Preserve is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. Access is generally free. Instagram

As it's part of Emory University, access is generally during daylight hours. It's best to visit during typical park hours to ensure safety and accessibility. Instagram

There is no admission fee to enter Lullwater Preserve. It's a free public space for recreation and enjoying nature. Instagram

Reservations are not typically required for general public access to Lullwater Preserve. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. TikTok

Unlike some other nature trusts, Lullwater Preserve is generally accessible without needing to wait for specific 'Open Gate Days.' TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The preserve offers a mix of wooded trails, paved asphalt paths, and a scenic loop around Candler Lake. Some sections can be hilly. InstagramReddit

Visitors often report seeing deer, snakes, turtles, and a variety of birds. It's a great spot for nature observation. Reddit

Yes, it's a popular spot for runners, offering hilly terrain and beautiful scenery that makes workouts enjoyable. InstagramReddit

Restroom facilities are not widely advertised within the preserve itself. It's advisable to use facilities before your visit or at nearby Emory campus buildings if available. Instagram

The Candler Lake loop, the long trestle bridge, and the historic old stone tower are frequently highlighted as particularly beautiful and photogenic spots. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The trestle bridge, the old stone tower, Candler Lake, and the lush greenery offer fantastic photo opportunities. The 'lost city' vibe under the overpass is also unique. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! With diverse wildlife, beautiful water features, and dense woods, it's an excellent location for capturing nature shots. Reddit

Early mornings often provide softer light and fewer people, ideal for photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be stunning. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted on university campuses and in natural preserves due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to check Emory University's specific policies. Instagram

The old stone tower and the long trestle bridge are iconic landmarks that make for memorable photographs. InstagramReddit

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