Home › Georgia › Atlanta › Morningside Nature Preserve
Morningside Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 898 Google reviews · Running trail in Atlanta, Georgia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Morningside 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.
This forested tract with paths for running, hiking & biking also features a scenic creek.
What runners say about Morningside Nature Preserve
“Beautiful Nature Preserve that has plenty of room for dogs to run and play in the water!”
I've been going here for about 6 years now. I would definitely say that it's a hidden gem worth visiting. It is pet friendly. You may spot a deer. There's a beautiful creek, boardwalk and sometimea berries. There is often dogs not on leashes. Due to gentrification more people are visiting this area.
This place is located almost in residential area. Parking lot is small but its usually not that crowded. Initially trails starts from a dry area over the mountain but soon you’ll enter the adventures kind of a trail surrounding swamps. It’s bit thrilling and exciting too.
My wife and I have brought our pups here since before we were married. It's such a serene spot with the perfect doggy beach! After parking, you hike about a mile down a well maintained trail, go across a very cool suspension bridge, and end up at the creek.
This is a great little oasis in the city of Atlanta. If you are nearby I definitely recommend. It's about a two mile walk from one end to the other with plenty of things to see along the way. I really enjoyed the views and different ecosystems. Great place for a lunch or a quick escape if you live nearby.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s dense and people get their dogs along but you have to watch your steps and be careful while you cross swamps.”
“I left my bicycle in the bike rack located in the limited parking lot (if you drive there and no parking available, I guess you can park in the neighborhood side streets.”
“Beautiful Nature Preserve that has plenty of room for dogs to run and play in the water!”
“There are both hilly trails and level ones along the creek and sand beaches, and delicious wild mulberries to taste in springs.”
“The trails are generally in good conditions but could be a bit muddy after heavy rains.”
“There are both hilly trails and level ones along the creek and sand beaches, and delicious wild mulberries to taste in springs.”
“Public parking available, but it was very small with gravel road and can be improved.”
“Pretty flat trail for most of the part which includes boardwalk and a small bridge over the creek.”
Plan your run at Morningside Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- Websiteatlantatrails.com
- Phone+1 404-546-6788
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 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.
Zonolite Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
Wooded nature park featuring creek access, walking paths, and a community garden.
Oldcastle Nature Trail at Marcus Center
4.5 ★★★★★ 34 reviews
Wooded half-mile trail featuring varied overlooks and a meditation area, plus a lawn for dogs.
Daniel Johnson Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 124 reviews
Tranquil green space with a creek & a network of unpaved trails shaded by mature trees.
Hahn Woods
4.6 ★★★★★ 151 reviews
Wooded park featuring creek-side trails and a small waterfall.
Elwyn John Wildlife Sanctuary
4.6 ★★★★★ 150 reviews
Petite conservation area featuring wooded walking trails, picnic tables & viewing platforms.
