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Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Running trail in Atlanta, Georgia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve
“The preserve is full of diverse terrain, tons of smells, and beautiful sights—perfect for dogs that enjoy a mix of gentle climbing and sniffing around.”
“Parking is residential, tucked into a quiet neighborhood, and while not formal, it was easy enough to find a spot.”
“Hidden Gem for Dogs Who Love Adventure As the owner of Praline’s backyard dog services.”
Finally found the entrance! I've been trying to hike here for years and never could find a proper entrance. Here are some tips and photos for the interested enthusiast: 1) There isn't any official parking but you can park off the side of the road in front of the entrance on Forrest Park Rd closer to S.
Gorgeous plot of land in an unexpected place few miles from East Atlanta Village. Don’t let the industrial businesses nearby fool you, this place is huge and full of gorgeous trees! (Thank you Trees Atlanta for helping me discover this area!)
Hidden Gem for Dogs Who Love Adventure As the owner of Praline’s backyard dog services. A dog walking business in Atlanta, I’m always looking for new spots that offer enrichment, stimulation, and a little bit of challenge for my dog and my clients —and Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve delivered all three.
Very nice nature preserve inside the city. Great place to go for a hike with your dogs and spot some wildlife. I hope City of Atlanta and the metro counties continue to protect natural areas like this.
Trail conditions & character
“Hidden Gem for Dogs Who Love Adventure As the owner of Praline’s backyard dog services.”
“The preserve is full of diverse terrain, tons of smells, and beautiful sights—perfect for dogs that enjoy a mix of gentle climbing and sniffing around.”
“Parking is residential, tucked into a quiet neighborhood, and while not formal, it was easy enough to find a spot.”
“Parking is residential, tucked into a quiet neighborhood, and while not formal, it was easy enough to find a spot.”
Plan your run at Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(404) 546-6813
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Atlanta
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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