Blue Heron Nature Preserve
Atlanta, Georgia
Details
Distance
0.82 miles
Elevation Gain
79 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Kandis Owens
Blue Heron Nature Preserve is a diverse ecosystem that includes a bustling creek, thick forest, and a mossy pond. It makes for quite the impressive urban adventure!
Blue Heron Nature Preserve is located directly off of the heavily trafficked Roswell Road in Buckhead. The preserve boasts seven acres of greenery, wetlands, meadows, wildlife, and wildflowers. There is even an educational facility located on the grounds for those extra curious explorers. This park is dog-friendly, but be sure to bring doggy waste bags if your furry companion is tagging along.
After turning off of Roswell road, cross over the wooden plank bridge and park in the paved lot. In the corner of the lot, opposite of the learning center, an upcycled "scarecrow" greets visitors just adjacent to the start of the Woodland Loop Trail.
There are four complete trails:
- Beaver Tail Trail
- Eidson Mill Trail
- Painted Turtle Trail
- Woodland Loop Trail
In the interest of time, I chose the Woodland Loop Trail (0.7 mi) for a quick nature stroll. Grab a brochure (map included) from the wooden box to plan your route and read more about the land during your trek.
With hardly any true ascents/descents, the Woodland Loop trail is very easy to navigate even for the most novice adventurer. The marked trail consists mostly of wood chips making the ground perfect for trail-runners and walkers alike. At about .2 mi, a view of Nancy Creek opens up to the left. Sandy shoulders line the creek making it the perfect stop for a picnic or splash time for your pup. Cross over the wooden bridge for an overlook point and continue on dredging through the woods. At about .35 mi, you will meet the road and a sign that directs you to continue the trail just on the other side of the bridge. The walk back winds a bit more through the woods and further from the water. At .6 mi, you will meet three different paths with the option to continue to the left on the trail, continue straight to a Girls' Scout pavilion, or continue to the right to view the community garden. If you have the time, I definitely recommend walking through the lovely 32 plots of community garden. A blue heron sculpture erected at the center of the garden area makes for a charming photo.
The Woodland Loop trail picks up just to the right of the community garden and winds through a few more bends of forestry passing an apiary just before arriving right back on Roswell Road. The preserve sign is visible and just a short walk to the left. There is a sidewalk so no need to worry about battling oncoming traffic. Enter back into the preserve and wander around to check out other art sculptures and various installations.
This was definitely one of my favorite city finds. The trails are well-marked, manicured, and the extra touch of educational flora/fauna signage is an added perk! This preserve is especially perfect for families, children, and our furry friends!
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