Exploring Fernbank Forest and WildWoods in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Fernbank Forest and WildWoods offer one of the most immersive nature experiences you can find inside the Atlanta city limits. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want real woods—not just a neighborhood park—this is one of the top places to go.

Where Fernbank Forest and WildWoods Are and How They Work

Fernbank Forest and WildWoods are part of Fernbank Museum of Natural History, located in the Druid Hills area, just east of Midtown and south of Decatur.

• Address: 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• General info phone: (404) 929-6300

Fernbank Forest is a large old-growth Piedmont forest tucked behind the museum. WildWoods is the developed outdoor area that acts as the gateway to the forest, with boardwalks, interactive exhibits, and play areas.

In practical terms:

• You enter through Fernbank Museum, then walk out the back to reach WildWoods, which connects to Fernbank Forest via trails.
• Access is typically included with standard museum admission or membership, rather than being a standalone public park.

What Makes Fernbank Forest Special for Atlantans

A rare old-growth forest inside the city

Fernbank Forest is often noted as one of the largest old-growth urban forests in the country. For Atlanta residents, that means:

• You see towering, mature trees that haven’t been clear-cut and replanted.
• You get a feel for what the Piedmont forest ecosystem looked like before heavy urban development.
• It’s quieter and more secluded than many in-town green spaces.

You’ll find:

• Massive hardwoods like tulip poplar and various oaks
• A rich understory of shrubs, ferns, and native plants
• Seasonal wildflowers and plenty of fungi, especially after rain

If you’re used to the BeltLine or neighborhood parks, Fernbank Forest feels much more like getting out of the city—without driving to North Georgia.

What to Expect in WildWoods

WildWoods is the transition zone between the museum and the deep forest—more developed than the forest, but still very natural. It’s designed to be family-friendly, accessible, and interactive.

Typical features (these can change as exhibits rotate, but the core concepts stay similar):

• Elevated boardwalks and overlooks with forest canopy views
• Interactive nature exhibits explaining local ecology, water cycles, and wildlife
• Nature play areas where kids can climb, balance, and explore in a semi-wild setting
• Art and sculptures integrated into the landscape

This area works well if:

• You have kids of different ages and need something that’s interesting but not a long hike
• You’re looking for a short, accessible outdoor experience before or after the indoor museum
• You like interpretive signs and structured learning along the way

Fernbank Forest vs. WildWoods: Quick Comparison

Trails, Walking, and Hiking: How Strenuous Is It?

WildWoods

• Distance: Short, loop-style paths; easy to cover in 30–45 minutes at a relaxed pace.
• Difficulty:Easy. Mostly smooth boardwalks or firm paths.
• Good for: Strollers, young kids, visitors who aren’t used to hiking, or anyone wanting a lower-effort walk.

Fernbank Forest

• Distance: The full forest trail network can feel like a moderately long walk. Many visitors spend 45–90 minutes depending on pace and side paths.
• Difficulty: Generally easy to moderate, but:
  • There are roots, rocks, and some elevation changes.
  • Trails can be muddy or slippery after rain.

It’s not a mountain hike like you’d find in North Georgia, but it’s definitely more rugged than a paved city sidewalk.

Wildlife and Nature You Might See

Because this is a relatively large block of forest in the middle of Atlanta, wildlife viewing can be surprisingly good, especially in quieter times of day.

You might encounter:

• Birds: woodpeckers, owls, songbirds, hawks
• Small mammals: squirrels, chipmunks, occasional deer
• Reptiles and amphibians: lizards, turtles, frogs, non-venomous snakes
• Insects and spiders: butterflies, dragonflies, and a wide array of bugs, especially in warm months

For Atlanta birders and nature photographers, Fernbank Forest and WildWoods can be a productive spot without leaving the city, especially compared to smaller neighborhood parks.

When to Visit: Seasons and Timing

Best seasons for Atlantans

• Spring:
  • Comfortable temperatures
  • Wildflowers and fresh green leaves
  • Good time for migratory birds
• Fall:
  • Leaf color in the canopy
  • Less heat and humidity
  • Clearer views through the forest

Summer is still enjoyable but can be hot and humid. The forest canopy does offer shade, making it more comfortable than walking in full sun around the city. Winter visits are quieter, with better visibility through the trees but fewer leaves and flowers.

Time of day

• Morning: Cooler, quieter, better wildlife viewing.
• Afternoon: Busier, especially on weekends and school breaks; good if you are combining with indoor museum exhibits.

Tickets, Access, and Parking

Because Fernbank Forest and WildWoods are part of Fernbank Museum of Natural History, access is typically tied to museum admission rather than being a free public park space. Policies can change, but generally:

• You purchase admission or use a membership at the main entrance.
• From there, you can explore indoor exhibits, WildWoods, and, when open, Fernbank Forest.

Parking

• There is usually an on-site parking lot off Clifton Road NE.
• Parking procedures can vary depending on events and time of day, but it’s designed to serve museum and outdoor visitors.

If you’re coming from neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Midtown, or Decatur, the drive is fairly short. Public transit options may require combining MARTA with a rideshare or short walk, so many locals choose to drive.

Hours and Closures: What Atlantans Should Know

Access to WildWoods and Fernbank Forest usually follows the museum’s daily schedule, with earlier closing times than typical city parks.

Things to keep in mind:

• The forest may close temporarily for:
  • Severe weather
  • Trail maintenance
  • Restoration and preservation work
• Certain trails or sections may occasionally be off-limits to protect sensitive habitats.

If you’re planning a visit specifically for the forest, it’s wise to check same-day status by phone or through Fernbank’s official channels before heading out, especially during stormy or wintry weather.

Accessibility and Who This Is Good For

Mobility and accessibility

• WildWoods:

  • Generally more accessible due to boardwalks and smoother paths.
  • Works well for strollers and many mobility devices, though slopes and surfaces can vary.

• Fernbank Forest:

  • Less accessible due to natural terrain, roots, and uneven surfaces.
  • Not ideal for wheelchairs or people who need very even walking surfaces.

Good match for:

• Families with kids:
  • WildWoods offers active play, learning exhibits, and shorter walks.
• New to hiking:
  • A gentle introduction to real forest trails without a long drive from Atlanta.
• Nature lovers and photographers:
  • Old-growth trees, seasonal color, and wildlife.
• Visitors to Atlanta:
  • A compact way to see indoor natural history exhibits and real Georgia forest in one stop.

Practical Tips for an Atlanta Visit

A few simple steps make your trip smoother:

• Footwear:
  • Wear closed-toe walking shoes or light hiking shoes, especially if you plan to go into the forest.
• Weather prep:
  • Atlanta humidity can be intense; bring water, especially in warm months.
  • A light rain jacket can be helpful; trails may be open in light rain, but surfaces get slick.
• Bugs:
  • In warm seasons, mosquitoes and ticks can be present like in most Atlanta-area woods. Consider appropriate clothing and protection.
• Time planning:
  • Many locals allow 2–4 hours total if combining:
    • Indoor museum exhibits
    • WildWoods
    • A walk in Fernbank Forest
• Kids’ pacing:
  • Let kids burn energy in WildWoods play areas first, then decide whether to head deeper into the forest based on energy and interest.

How Fernbank Forest and WildWoods Compare to Other Atlanta Nature Spots

If you’re figuring out how this fits into your Atlanta nature rotation:

• Compared to Piedmont Park or the Atlanta BeltLine, Fernbank Forest feels:
  • More secluded
  • Less urban and social, more focused on nature
• Compared to Morningside Nature Preserve or Deepdene Park:
  • Fernbank Forest offers older, taller trees and a more curated experience through the museum.
• Compared to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area sites:
  • Fernbank is closer to many in-town neighborhoods and combines indoor and outdoor learning, but has a smaller overall trail network and no riverfront.

For many Atlantans, Fernbank Forest and WildWoods are especially appealing when you want:

• An educational outing with kids
• A nature experience plus air-conditioned museum time
• A “real forest” feel without driving out of the metro area

Contact and Key Details at a Glance

Location:

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
• 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Phone (general info):

• (404) 929-6300

What’s on-site:

• Indoor natural history museum
• WildWoods outdoor exhibits and play zones
• Fernbank Forest trail system (access and hours may vary)

Best for Atlantans who want:

• An in-town forest experience
• Kid-friendly outdoor learning
• A combined indoor/outdoor day without leaving the city

This gives you a clear sense of what Fernbank Forest and WildWoods offer, how they work within Atlanta, and how to plan a visit that fits your interests, schedule, and comfort level with the outdoors.