Cascade Springs Nature Preserve is 120 acres of wild and gorgeous greenspace, just waiting to be explored by you and your trail dog. It’s a surprisingly tranquil retreat in the midst of urban, southwest Atlanta. The park’s namesake trail follows a loop around the preserve so you and your canine companion can see all the best spots. The trail is mostly used for hiking, trail running, and dog walking.
On the north side of the park, just off of Cascade Road South West, you can find plenty of parking and the trailhead. Other than parking there are no other facilities here, so be sure to use the restrooms before you head out, and bring plenty of drinking water for you and your pal. Once you’ve parked the vehicle, you can hit the trails and start you adventure.
The trail surface is part boardwalk, part paved, and part natural dirt surface. It gets muddy after a rainfall, so you may be returning home with a dirty, happy, and tired doggo. Shortly after departing and entering the rolling forest, you’ll come across earthworks dug by Civil War Troops, and a moss-covered historic stone and mortar spring house. The trail then meets the Utoy Creek on the west end of the park, and follows it for a stretch. The soothing sounds of the babbling creek will make you forget you’re anywhere near civilization.Â
After 1.3 miles of hiking you’ll reach the highlight of the trail, the lovely Cascade Springs Waterfall. The waterfall features three tumbling cascades underneath a bridge.
Doggos are more than welcome on these trails, and you’re likely to come across other furry friends. Please keep your pal leashed, picked up after, and on good behavior at all times. Be sure to have clean-up bags on hand.
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve Trail will have your pup leaping for joy!