Hidden away in Atlanta, on the Emory University campus is an oasis in the middle of Decatur. I have tried and failed to find this spot for a very long time. Parking is really hard to figure out and the entrance is located in a very random spot. Here is a tip. Go on a Sunday like we did. We parked in the medical research visitor parking deck located next to the CDC. Sunday parking is free and plentiful. Follow the service road, then cross Haygood to the gated entrance of the preserve.

Once inside follow the paved trail and shortly you will see a wooden pavilion with a map of the preserve. This is a fairly popular spot. We ran into several people engaged in photographer sessions, lots of runners, cyclists and dog walkers. There are ruins, meadows, a lake, waterfall and the coolest suspension bridge. Our pup was not a fan. He laid down in the middle of the bridge and would not budge. This was my first official hike with the new pup. We really have to learn leash manners. We discovered he wants to chase all the bicycles! He would bark and scare the living daylights out of anyone that rode by. He wants to meet every dog, but not every dog wants to meet him. He likes to growl but doesn't mean anything by it. I have never had the "scary" dog before. It is funny because he is just a big baby but people cross the path to give him room. Once he is trained he will be the best running and hiking partner. That is as long is there is not a squirrel nearby. He about ripped my arm off! We had close encounters with 2 deer but he did not even bat an eye in their direction.

Located in the middle of the preserve is the president of universities home. Just a small urban castle.