Exploring Lullwater Preserve at Emory: A Quiet Nature Escape in Atlanta

Lullwater Preserve (often called Lullwater Park or Lullwater Preserve at Emory) is one of Atlanta’s most peaceful green spaces—tucked right into the Emory University campus, just east of Virginia-Highland and Druid Hills. If you’re looking for shaded trails, a small lake, a waterfall, and a suspension bridge without driving to North Georgia, this is a local favorite.

This guide walks you through what Lullwater is, how to get in, what to expect on the trails, and how it compares to other Atlanta parks so you can decide if it fits your next walk, run, or study-break stroll.

Where Lullwater Preserve Is and How It Works

Location (general area)
Lullwater Preserve is located on Emory University’s campus in the Druid Hills area of Atlanta, near Clifton Road NE and North Decatur Road.

The actual preserve doesn’t have a single big “city park” entrance sign like Piedmont Park. Instead, it’s accessed through Emory campus entrances and paths, with trailheads tucked behind academic buildings and housing.

Who Can Use Lullwater?

This is important for Atlanta visitors and residents:

• Primarily for Emory students, faculty, and staff
• Public access is informal and can change
• Campus security and access policies may affect when or how the general public can enter

Most Atlanta locals who aren’t affiliated with Emory access Lullwater by walking in from nearby neighborhoods or parking legally near campus and entering on foot. Policies can shift, so it’s smart to:

• Check Emory University’s official campus information before you go
• Be prepared to show ID if security asks
• Respect any posted signs about private or restricted areas

Main Features of Lullwater Preserve

Once you’re inside, Lullwater feels far away from city traffic. Here’s what you’ll find:

1. Lullwater Lake and Dam

At the heart of the preserve is Lullwater Lake, a small reservoir formed by a dam on South Peachtree Creek.

• Calm water with ducks and turtles
• A waterfall-like spillway over the dam—one of the most photographed spots
• Benches and open areas where people sit, read, or relax

This is one of the most peaceful places inside the Emory campus area, especially on weekdays outside of class-change rush.

2. Suspension Bridge

One of Lullwater’s standout features is its narrow suspension bridge over the creek:

• Slight bounce and sway as you walk across
• Great viewpoint for photos of the creek and surrounding forest
• Connects trails on either side of the water

If you’re bringing kids, this is usually their favorite part of the walk.

3. Wooded Trails and Loops

Lullwater offers miles of unpaved and gravel paths, mostly shaded:

Common uses:

• Walking and light hiking
• Running/jogging
• Dog-walking (leashed only)

Trail feel:

• Mostly easy, rolling terrain
• Some rooty or muddy sections after rain
• Not signed like a formal hiking trail system, so think more “campus preserve” than state park

Some main loops circle the lake, while side trails follow South Peachtree Creek and lead deeper into the woods.

4. Historic Lullwater House (Exterior Views Only)

Deep in the preserve is Lullwater House, the traditional residence of the Emory University president:

• Large stone mansion visible from some trails
• Private residence and not open as a tourist attraction
• You can view it from designated paths only; do not approach the house or grounds

Quick Snapshot: Lullwater Preserve at a Glance

Getting to Lullwater from Around Atlanta

Because this is part of Emory’s campus, access is a little different than a standard city park.

General Access Notes

• There is no big public parking lot marked “Lullwater Preserve” for the general public.
• Most people enter from footpaths off Clifton Road NE or through nearby campus/Emory housing areas.
• Some nearby paid or permit-based Emory parking decks and lots may be available depending on the day and your status with the university.

If you’re not affiliated with Emory:

• Plan to park legally on nearby public streets where permitted (watch signs closely).
• Expect a short walk through campus areas to reach the preserve trails.
• Always respect residential streets and driveways around Druid Hills and North Decatur.

🚇 Transit Tip: Several MARTA bus routes serve the Clifton Road / Emory area from Midtown or Decatur MARTA stations. From bus stops along Clifton, you can usually walk into campus and locate a trail entrance with a short walk.

What You Can Do at Lullwater (And What You Can’t)

Good Activities for Lullwater

Lullwater is ideal if you want something quiet and low-key:

• Walking and light hiking
• Trail running or jogging
• Birdwatching and wildlife spotting (squirrels, birds, turtles, sometimes deer)
• Photography (bridge, dam, fall foliage)
• Low-key picnics on the grass or benches (pack in/pack out)

You won’t find big crowds like Piedmont Park here, especially on weekday mornings and early evenings.

Activities That Don’t Fit Well Here

Lullwater is not set up for:

• Team sports or field games
• Organized events or large group gatherings
• Loud music or parties
• Grilling or large cookouts
• Swimming, wading, or boating

Also, as a campus preserve, you should expect:

• No alcohol
• No camping
• No off-trail exploring near sensitive or posted areas

Always follow signs and be prepared for Emory security or staff to ask questions if something looks out of place.

Lullwater vs. Other Atlanta Parks

If you’re deciding where to spend a Saturday outside, it helps to compare.

Choose Lullwater if you want:

• A quiet, mostly shaded escape without driving far
• Natural-feeling trails but in-town
• A peaceful spot before or after visiting Emory, CDC, or Druid Hills

You might choose another park if you want:

• Big lawns, playgrounds, and sports fields

  • Consider: Piedmont Park, Chastain Park, Brook Run Park

• More formal trails and facilities

  • Consider: Morningside Nature Preserve, Fernbank Forest (paid entry), Freedom Park trails

• Wide, paved paths for bikes and strollers

  • Consider: BeltLine Eastside Trail, Westside Park, Grant Park

Lullwater is usually better for quiet walks and runs, not all-day family activities.

When to Visit and What to Expect by Season

Atlanta’s climate makes Lullwater usable most of the year, but the experience changes:

Spring

• Wildflowers and bright green new leaves
• Comfortable temperatures for running and hiking
• Some mud on trails after spring rains

Summer

• Heavy shade offers a cooler feel than open parks
• Humidity can be high; trails may feel muggy
• Mosquitoes and gnats can be more noticeable near water

Fall

• One of the best times to visit
• Colorful leaves, especially around the lake and bridge
• Very popular with local photographers and students

Winter

• Bare trees give better views of the creek and house
• Trails are generally quieter
• Still walkable most days unless there’s rare winter weather

Practical Tips for Visiting Lullwater

A few small choices can make your visit smoother:

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes (trails can be uneven)
• Water (there may not be convenient fountains inside the preserve)
• Bug spray in warm months
• Small bag for your trash (pack everything out)

Safety and Courtesy

• Stay on established paths to protect the habitat and avoid erosion.
• Be aware that this is part of a working university campus—keep noise down and respect academic buildings nearby.
• If you’re running, keep right on narrow paths and pass with a heads-up to walkers.
• Keep dogs leashed, and always clean up after them.

Accessibility Considerations

Lullwater Preserve is more rustic than many city parks:

• Many paths are unpaved, with roots, rocks, and occasional steep sections.
• After rain, trails may be slick or muddy.
• There are some gentler, wider gravel sections, but the preserve isn’t consistently wheelchair- or stroller-friendly the way a fully paved trail would be.

If you’re looking for more accessible paved surfaces in Atlanta, you may find it easier to use:

• The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Piedmont Park’s main paved walks
• Paved loops at Westside Park or Grant Park

Nearby Atlanta Spots to Combine With Lullwater

If you’re planning a half-day around Emory, you can easily pair Lullwater with:

• Emory Village and Emory Point

  • Food, coffee, and quick bites just off campus

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History (nearby on Clifton Road)

  • Indoor exhibits, plus the outdoor WildWoods & Fernbank Forest area

• Druid Hills Neighborhood Drives/Walks

  • Historic homes and tree-lined streets off Ponce de Leon Avenue

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

• Lullwater Preserve is a wooded, lake-centered nature area inside Emory’s campus, not a standard Atlanta city park.
• It’s best for quiet walks, runs, and low-key nature time, not for playgrounds, sports, or large gatherings.
• Access is through campus paths, and policies can change, so always respect signs and be aware you’re on university property.
• If you live in the nearby Emory, Druid Hills, or Decatur areas—or you’re visiting the campus—it’s one of the most convenient ways to feel “out in nature” without leaving Intown Atlanta.