If you have not yet been to the higher ridges at Atlanta’s Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve, you’ll enjoy this hike. We should still have some lingering fall color with reds on the high summits. This 216-acre natural area is one of South Atlanta’s greenspace gems hosting a mature native forest including rare stands of Shagbark Hickory. 

The unusual geology underlying the park, which includes part of DeKalb County’s Soapstone Ridge, contributes to the biodiversity of the forest, and is likely why it was preserved since the hilly, rocky terrain did not lend itself well to farming or to previous development. The special soapstone formations were also important to Native Americans who carved cooking bowls out of the rock, which were popular during the Late Archaic and Early Woodland Native American cultures, around 1000 BCE.

The total hike will be approximately 3 miles, partly on natural trails and partly off-trail. There will be an option to turn around and not hike the off trail portion for a shorter, easier walk. For those who would like a bit more adventure, and to see the rock formations, we’ll continue on for the entire hike which will include a significant off-trail section on steep, somewhat rocky terrain, but it is well worth it to explore this very special greenspace in Southeast Atlanta.

Limit 12 participants.

To register (RSVP) click HERE – details and directions sent to registered participants.

A donation of $20 or more helps support our programs.

Photos from Lake Charlotte Preserve © Kathryn Kolb, 2023