Decatur Water Works Ruins

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Features Fall Colors · Historical Significance · River/Creek

At just under 2-miles in length, this hike is a great option for a short outing or you can use this as a jumping off point to explore the other natural surface trails in Mason Mill Park.

Starting from Medlock Park, the hike starts on the wide and well-maintained South Peachtree Creek Trail. This trail heads north and then west, branching into Mason Mill Park. The path is wide and in places, you'll enjoy hiking along impressive raised boardwalk that wind through the woods.

At about 0.75 miles, you'll have the option to branch from the main, multi-use path onto a series of natural surface singletrack trails. Take the Decatur Water Works Connector Trail as mapped here to head to the area of the Decature Water Works ruins.

The Decatur Water Works once supplied water to the city of Decatur. The remains of the brick buildings have now fallen into disrepair and are slowly being reclaimed by nature. Many of the old buildings have colorful graffiti that can be fun to photograph. It is an interesting area to explore, although be sure to use caution around the old buildings.

Once you are done exploring, you can either head back the way you came or continue on the South Peachtree Creek Trail for some added mileage.

More on the history of the Water Works can be found here.