FREE weekly group walks and ranger-guided walks at Mason Mill Park

Posted by admin on May 01, 2023

If you’ve never explored Mason Mill Park, now is the time! The park is located in the Emory area of Decatur. It’s a 120-acre forest, with some of the nicest, most scenic trails inside the perimeter.

The South Peachtree Creek Trail runs though Mason Mill Park. It features both multi-use paved sections and breathtaking elevated boardwalks. The trail connects Mason Mill Park to Medlock Park.

Several FREE weekly fitness walks, nature walks, and bird-watching walks are being offered now through late September. It’s a great way to bring nature — and fitness — into your weekly routine. All the info is below.

Since the pandemic, some of the events (but not all!) have limited capacity and require an advance registration. They sometimes fill up quickly, so you’ll need to sign up quickly.

You can see upcoming events on Eventbrite, as well as here on our page. But registration for them doesn’t open until about a week ahead of the event. So If you see an event you want to attend, we suggest setting a calendar reminder that will notify you the morning that registration opens.

Accessing the Mason Mill trailhead

Whether you want to explore on your own or join one of the FREE walks at Mason Mill Park, you’ll need to find the trailhead.

The trailhead to S. Peachtree Creek Trail is located at the intersection of Mason Mill Rd and McConnell Drive, with parking available near the Dekalb Tennis Center (1400 McConnell Dr, Decatur 30033).

It can often be unnecessarily difficult to locate trailheads, but the good thing is that the S. Peachtree Creek Trail shows up in the Google Maps mobile app. According to TrailLink, both forks of the S. Peachtree Creek Trail together are 3.3 miles in length.

See the PATH Foundations trail map with trailhead locations
Visit Dekalb County’s Mason Mill Park webpage

Free events at Mason Mill Park

Some of these events and walks have limited capacity, and they tend to fill up. Registration opens a week or so before each event. If there’s a walk you’re interested in, we suggest setting a calendar reminder for the first day of registration and signing up right away.

FREE: Just Walk events on Wednesday mornings

Come out and walk with a friendly group!
These weekly walks happen every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m., now through the end of 2023.

They are open to everyone, of all ages.
You don’t need a reservation — just show up!

The walk is about 2 miles, with an option for an additional 2 miles if you’d like to keep going.

Please dress for the weather (layers are a good option, so you don’t overheat) and wear appropriate shoes or boots.

To participate: Meet in the parking lot, near the tennis courts. The group leader will have a banner to help you find the right spot.
More info here

FREE: Full Moon Night Walks in 2023

NOTE: This is the walk that is most likely to reach capacity, so make your reservation as soon as tickets open up!

This is an opportunity to walk the trails through twilight and into the night, listening to the sounds of nature and watching for the full moon to rise. It’s about a 2-mile walk, so wear the appropriate footwear and dress for the weather — including a warmer layer for after dark, if necessary. You’re asked to carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp. The walk is guided by a ranger.

The links below click through to the Eventbrite registration page.

• The May 5th walk (8:30 p.m.) opens for registration on April 28th at noon.
• The June 3rd walk (8:30 p.m.) opens for registration on May 26th at noon

FREE: Bird Stroll with Ranger Jonah

This is a two-mile walk on the trails at the park. All levels of birders are welcome. Binoculars and comfortable footwear are recommended. The Bird Stroll will not happen in inclement weather. This walk does not start in the usual location near the trailhead. Instead, please meet near the Mason Mill playground. No dogs.
The links click thru to the Eventbrite registration page.

The May 16th Bird Stroll (8-11 a.m.) opens for registration on May 5th at noon.

FREE: Nature Walk with Ranger Jonah

Learn all about the flora and fauna of the Mason Mill forest.
This is a 2 mile walk on pavement, boardwalks, and woodland trails. It lasts about two hours, with stops to look at plants and animals.
Meet at the trailhead, near the tennis center.
The links click thru to the Eventbrite registration page.

The May 11th Nature Walk (10 to noon) opens for registration on May 5th at noon.

FREE: Nature Play Adventure (kids 2 to 8)

This is a family adventure through the forests of Mason Mill. You’ll climb on rocks, look for critters under logs, and splash in the creek. This is a walk of about one mile, so plan to help your child if s/he needs it. Expect to get dirty and wet, so wear clothes and shoes that are appropriate for the activity and weather. Bring water bottles, snacks, a change of clothes, and masks for your family.

The links click thru to the Eventbrite registration page. You only register your child(ren) and not yourself.

The April 28th Adventure opens for registration on April 21st at noon.
The May 19th Adventure opens for registration on May 12th at noon.
The June 30th Adventure opens for registration on June 23rd at noon.

FREE: Edible Nature Walk with Ranger Jonah

You won’t actually eat anything on this nature walk, but you’ll learn a bit about the fruits, nuts, seeds, and plants that our ancestors made use of. The walk is 2 miles and lasts between one and two hours, with stops to look at plants.
The links click thru to the Eventbrite registration page.

The June 15th Edible Nature Walk opens for registration on June 9th at noon.

FREE: Stories & S’mores

Suitable for the whole family. Bring chairs or a blanket. You’ll walk a half mile to the campfire location, then settle in for storytelling and S’mores around the fire.
The links click thru to the Eventbrite registration page.

The May 13th Stories event opens for registration on May 5th at noon.

FREE: Super Bowl Hike

Get some exercise before you dig into the pizza and chips during the big game! The first leg of the hike is kid-friendly — but then continues on some more challenging trails, including some steep grades and a rock-hop over a creek.
The event takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2023, the day before the big game — from 9 a.m. to noon.
RESERVATIONS open at noon on Feb. 3rd.
Register thru Eventbrite

View more upcoming FREE nature events at Mason Mill Park

Stay in the know!

The best way to learn of free walks, guided hikes, and trails you haven’t explored yet is to subscribe to our free daily newsletter.

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