Mason Mill Waterworks - Mountain Bike Trails

5 mi
Distance
276 ft
Elevation gain
Intermediate
Level
Network
Route type
0/5
Rating
#1587 place in the world
#2 place in the region
5 mi
Distance
276 ft
Elevation gain
Intermediate
Level
Network
Route type
0/5
Rating
#1587 place in the world
#2 place in the region

The Mason Mill Waterworks trail in Atlanta is a fun trail that gets very enjoyable once you get the hang of it. It boasts a network of trails that takes you through some easy and technical areas. Our team recommends going slow on the first ride because the tracks are covered in pine needles and leaves. Disappointingly, the markings are not adequate to provide enough help.

Before you go:

Drinking water
Restrooms
Fee required
Lift service
Fat bike grooming
Family Friendly
Night riding
E-bikes allowed
Dogs Allowed
Obstacles
Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

Mason Mill Park boasts a 120-acre forest with a network of fun biking. The forest also houses the Old Decatur Waterworks, which has a place on the National Historic Registry.

The Mason Mill Waterworks route uses a network of trails that delivers some of the best in-town rides Atlanta has to offer. Frankly, finding the correct trails to pass can be a hassle because the markings are not just there to make you have a seamless experience.

The Waterworks/Mason Mill trailhead is near the bottom of the hill off Mason Mill Road. You can get there from I-85 by exiting left onto North Druid Hills Road. Continue to Clairmont Road and turn to your right. Then, turn left onto Mason Mill Road. From there, ride towards the bottom of the hill until you find an old muddy road that connects to some railroad tracks.

Ride across the tracks and continue on a little path that goes past the ruins of an old mill. Then, cross the boardwalk in front of you. After crossing, you will see many trails in different directions. Before you choose a trail, we advise getting a current and accurate map that takes you to the endpoint because there are inadequate markings on the trails to help you.

As enjoyable as the ride can get, expect extremely muddy trails that quickly get you dirty. Also, anticipate some hairy downhill during your ride.

Sight of Interest

Decatur waterworks were declared a historical site in 2006. Completed in 1907, the facility obtained water for Decatur, Georgia, from the local Burnt Fork Creek and Peachtree Creek. It was abandoned in the 1940s.

Even though the old waterworks have fallen into disrepair, it is covered with beautiful graffiti. You do not have to complete the five-mile ride in one or two hours; you can stay a while to take in the art that has engulfed the old facility.

Precautions

The Mason Mill Waterworks trail offers a singletrack paved path that is easy to explore. However, we advise that you are courteous to hikers you meet on the routes. The trail’s networked format means you are going to encounter many hikers on various trails, so prepare your mind for that.

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