A little known gem in the middle of Atlanta, GA is the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve. The 120-acre park is small by many state park standards, yet it is a significant green space amid the urban landscape of the city that surrounds it. The park is located in the southwest part of Atlanta, off of exit 7 of South I-285 onto Cascade Road. There is a parking area off of the right side of the road at the entrance of the park. The trailhead for the preserve trails can be found on the left side of the parking lot when facing the woods. The Preserve is open from 8 AM to 6 PM, generally from sunup to sundown.
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve has a fascinating history. Located where it is along an old Native American trail called the “Sandtown Road” that connected the Stone Mountain area of Georgia to the western borders of Alabama, many Indigenous travelers passed through the area and perhaps stopped along the creek. The stream, named Utoy Creek, was long regarded as restorative because of the stream’s mineral content, believed to have healing properties. During the American Civil War in 1864, the city of Atlanta was under siege by Union forces. On August 4-7, Confederate forces repulsed a Union attempted to flank the Confederate defenses in the Battle of Utoy Creek. Evidence of the battle can still be seen today in the park with the remains of the Confederate trenches. After the war, a resort was built along the creek with a hotel and restaurant. Part of the hotel included a spa using the creek. Today, all that remains of the hotel is the spring house. The land was purchased by the city of Atlanta in the 1970s and set aside for a public park. The Cascade Springs Nature Preserve is now managed by the City of Atlanta Parks & Recreation.
Visitors to the park will enjoy hiking the shady trails, the outdoor auditorium, the historic ruins of the pump-house, a quarry, the Civil War tranches, the creek, and the wildlife. Look closely and you will see turtles and fish in the creek, deer and guinea fowl in the woods, and songbirds and birds of prey in the trees. The woods itself is one of the oldest stands of woods in the Atlanta area. The three main hiking trails of the Spring Trail, Ridge Trail, and the Utoy Creek Trail form a 2.5-mile scenic loop around the park. There are also other shorter side and connecting trails throughout the park. Along the trails, hikers will find historic signs marking the battle site, and the old resort. The terrain is mostly flat, so the trails are not strenuous, and are ideal for walks with children. Hikers and runners wanting a more extensive workout can easily loop the park several times, mixing the trails in different combinations. Cascade Springs Nature Preserve is also a favorite place to walk your dog, though out of respect for others, be sure to keep your dog on a leash and clean up the dog’s messes.
Cascade Springs Nature Preserved is a free, family-friendly park that is ideal for a quick get-away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Needing a place for a morning jog, an afternoon decompress, or a weekend escape? The Cascade Springs Nature Preserved is the place for you.
Another place to Enjoy around town Childrens Museum of Atlanta
Remember if you ever in Need of Our Mold Testing Services, be sure to give us a call.