Two of the best ways you can social distance today are hiking and walking. Jack, Tom, and I have been exploring new trails and revisiting favorite ones. The wildlife has been plentiful and exciting to watch. I love the smell of trees and flowers in the woods and parks. The number of other walkers varies on the trails, and I'll note what we experienced out and about.
Lake Avondale
Avondale Estates Neighborhood
It's an easy walk around the lake with a paved trail. You can wander to parts along the lake to peer into the water or stand and take pictures off the trail. We always see turtles, ducks, and geese. Early May we had a good time when we went before lunch. Less walkers and people were conscientious about distance between guests. The lake is well marked with directional signs to keep everyone moving in the same direction and reminders to stay at least 6 feet apart. There's a bridge and it's advised only 1 person be on it at a time.
South Peachtree Creek at Mason Mill Park
Decatur
Mason Mill Park has a wonderful playground, picnic areas, and tennis courts. If you drive back into the park, you'll find the entrance to South Peachtree Creek Trail. It's a paved 3.6 round trip walk from Mason Mill to the Medlock Park neighborhood. Starting off, you walk the first part of the paved trail and cross a wooden trestle bridge that runs over an active railroad line. Then, you can follow the paved walk or veer off the pavement onto several different trails through the woods. We enjoy visiting the historic Decatur Water Works which are covered in colorful graffiti. Lots of people climb on them, however, I wouldn't recommend it if you don't have good balance and coordination. You can walk down a trail to the banks of Burnt Fork Creek. On the other wood trails you can walk down to the creek and up a hill to the railroad tracks. It's a great place to walk, but I will say there were LOTS of people. Social distancing can be a challenge at times.
Henderson Park Trails
Tucker
We've been going to Henderson Park since Tom was in a jogging stroller. I used to take all 3 boys and meetup with a moms group. You can play on the playground, walk down to Lake Erin's edge and see the ducks, and walk through the woods. Nowadays, we like to start the trails on the other side of the lake where it begins near the Henderson Community Garden. Walk a wide paved path either in a large circle from one side of the parking lot around to the other or go down the woodland trails. Going through the woods it is an easy to moderate walk. There are elevated areas and lots of tree roots you need to watch out for while on the trails. You can cross a creek and come out on the other side of the lake. We walked it last week and climbed down a hill near a run off area to stand and watch the water. We used to carry babies in our arms and take toddlers on the trails when they weren't as developed and you couldn't go to far down them due to the density of the woods. Today they are laid out, developed more, and you don't walk through brush like you used to. Very pretty hike no matter what time of year.
* All photography and videos by Jennifer Graham
