AtlantaAtlanta RunningRunning GuideGuide

MiKE CosEntino FOR INGE The best miles are the ones we cover together. They are also the source of my inspiration for all of the others. —M.C.

Published by PEACHTREE PUBLISHERS, LTD. 1700 Chattahoochee Avenue Atlanta, Georgia 30318-2112 www.peachtree-online.com

Text © 2003 by Michael Cosentino

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Book and cover design by Loraine M. Joyner Composition by Robin Sherman Photographs: Ren Davis, Mike Cosentino, and MarathonFoto for the Atlanta Track Club

Manufactured in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 First Edition

ISBN 1-56145-205-X

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Cosentino, Mike. Atlanta running guide / Mike Cosentino -- 1st ed. p. cm. Includes index. ISBN 1-56145-205-X

1. Running--Georgia--Atlanta Metropolitan Area--Guidebooks. 2. Atlanta Metropolitan Area (Ga.)--Guidebooks. I. Title. GV1061.22 .C68 2003 796.42'09758'231--dc21 2002153456 R 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 EAST ATLANTA 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 WEST ATLANTA P I A NTRODUCTION REFACE CKNOWLEDGMENTS OUTE WESTVIEW CEMETERY BUCKHEAD CHASTAIN PARK VININGS GRANT PARK/OAKLAND CEMETERY GARDEN HILLS ROAD WEST PACES FERRY WIEUCA ROAD MOUNT PARAN Following in the Footsteps ...... Footsteps . . . the in Following Neighborhoods the through Zigzagging PONCE DELEONCORRIDOR THE FREEDOMPARKWAY TRAIL ANSLEY PARK DREW VALLEY EMORY/DRUID HILLS MASON MILL BROOKHAVEN SAGAMORE HILLS PEACHTREE DUNWOODY VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND The Long and Winding Road ...... Road ...... Winding . and Long Points The Five Little Near . . . . Miles . . . . Little . . . . Five ...... Glory the for Going L ...... viii OCATOR Putting You through the Paces ...... Paces the through You Putting ...... xii Tracing the Battle Lines ...... Lines Battle the Tracing M AP ...... x Magnificent Miles ...... Miles Magnificent Where the Running Is Easy ...... Easy Is Running the Where AND AND Runnin’ on the Ridge ...... Ridge the on Runnin’ H Playing through the Course ...... Course the through Playing oeTa aki h ak. . . More ThanaWalk inthePark ...... 1 igh Grades without Studying ...... Studying without Grades igh MORNINGSIDE More Ups and Downs ...... Downs and Ups More PEACHTREE HILLS Climbing Clifton ...... Clifton Climbing High Times in the Highlands the in Times High Running in Peace ...... Peace in Running A Run with a View ...... View a with Run A Pushing Pill Hill ...... Hill Pill Pushing . . . . . 63 60 54 51 48 45 42 39 36 31 27 24 20 17 14 11 57 7 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLEOF C ONTENTS ATLANTA RUNNING GUIDE

20 PEACHTREE ROAD Exploring the Big Peach ...... 67 21 PIEDMONT PARK/MIDTOWN Where the Action Is . . . .73 22 DOWNTOWN ATLANTA The Heart of the City ...... 77

AROUND ATLANTA 23 THE SILVER COMET TRAIL Runnin’ the Rails ...... 85 24 MARIETTA A Run That’s Right on Track ...... 90 25 EAST COBB Shootin’ the ’Hooch on Foot ...... 93 26 ROSWELL A Run through the Past ...... 96 27 ALPHARETTA Blazing a Path Along Big Creek ...... 100 28 SANDY SPRINGS Heading Up the Hills ...... 103 29 LILBURN A Run Back in Time ...... 106 30 STONE MOUNTAIN Runnin’ around the Rock ...... 109 31 AVONDALE ESTATES A Quick and Quiet Quest ...... 112 32 DECATUR Where the Running is Greater ...... 115 33 NORTH FAYETTE The Runner’s Place for Open Space .119 34 PEACHTREE CITY Pedestrian Paradise ...... 122

THE TRAILBLAZERS 35 SWEETWATER CREEK ...... 128 36 RED TOP MOUNTAIN ...... 132 37 KENNESAW MOUNTAIN ...... 135 38 CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA ...... 139 39 MURPHEY CANDLER PARK ...... 166 40 REYNOLDS NATURE PRESERVE ...... 169 41 COCHRAN MILL NATURE CENTER AND PARK . . . . . 172

vi TABLEOF C ONTENTS ATLANTA RUNNING GUIDE

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS 42 PEACHTREE ROAD RACE ...... 178 43 US 10K CLASSIC ...... 182 44 ATLANTA MARATHON & HALF MARATHON . . . . .185

APPENDIX APPENDIX A Alphabetical Listing ...... 191 APPENDIX B Distances ...... 192 APPENDIX C Hill Factor ...... 194 APPENDIX D Routes by Type ...... 195 APPENDIX E Author’s Top Picks ...... 197 APPENDIX F Running Clubs ...... 199 APPENDIX G Pace Chart ...... 200

Textile mill ruins

along Sweetwater Creek

in Sweetwater Creek

State Park.

vii Preface

he idea for this book came to me as I was prepar- T ing for a friend and fellow runner to visit me in At- lanta. Planning to introduce him to running routes here, I realized there were too many wonderful places to run during a short visit. Since I knew this dilemma would arise again, I thought a guide to all of the great running places might be useful, both for me and for others.

When I began, I saw this book as an extension to my favorite hobby. Ultimately it proved to be the marriage of two of my interests—running and writing. The book provided the necessary extra motivation as I trained for the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Race. And writing about something I enjoyed was an ideal substitute for time I would have spent consuming ice cream or cold beer.

Then it happened. An evolution occurred. My project began to take on a life of its own. All of a sudden, I was getting up earlier than ever to re-run routes before work. During the early morning and even ing hours of busi- ness trips, I was editing text instead of reading the newspaper or catching a few winks. On a cruise to South and Central America, I took my laptop out by the pool and studied maps of Atlanta. As with previous projects, P REFACE ATLANTA RUNNING GUIDE

I refused to neglect my family and friends or my real job. Outside of those parameters, however, all bets were off.

It took more than 1500 miles on foot (and goodness knows how many more in the car and on my bike) before I finalized the 300 or more miles cov- ered in this book. Believe me, not every mile you can run is a quality mile—visually or physically. Many more routes were considered than were included.

This book is by no means a complete listing of great runs in our city. Many people feel that the best runs are those where they discover something new on their own, an idea I fully understand. The Peachtree Road Race ends in This guide is intended to turn you— whether you are a visitor, or new or Piedmont Park. longtime resident—on to places you may not have previously considered.

One of the benefits of running is that you can do it anywhere. I hope you will keep this guide near your shoes or in your car. If you do, you can in- crease your miles and your familiarity with our urban playground, often referred to as “Hot-Lanta,” “The Big Peach,” or “Capital of the South,” and appropriately regarded as a runner’s mecca. Enjoy! ix Introduction

his book was written for all runners in Atlanta, T whether the newest participants or the most seasoned of harriers. Of course, not every suggestion is for everyone. That is why this guide tells you what lies ahead. You can choose what suits you, your time, your needs, and your mood.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE The table of contents categorizes all of the runs by their location within or outside of the city of Atlanta, with the exception of the last two sections that describe trail running options and Atlanta’s most popular races. While each route is different, they are all organized in the same manner, making it easy to match a route to your current skills and mindset. Further classification is available in the appendix. H OW T O U SE T HIS G UIDE ATLANTA RUNNING GUIDE

Each entry contains the following OVERVIEW information: An explanation of why the entry made the Atlanta Running DISTANCE Guide. A brief history of the area, Given in miles and kilometers. interesting facts, or a glimpse as to why the conditions are ideal for HILL FACTOR runners. Atlanta is a city of hills, from rolling to steep. We’ve employed THE COURSE the following grading system: The recommended running NON-EXISTENT: route, terrain, surface, and specific stretches flat as the local track directions. Popular landmarks and MILD: notable obstacles are also included. requires a carpenter’s level to detect HIGHLIGHTS MODERATE: Key visual, safety, and educa- proves variety is the spice of life tional information and potential SIGNIFICANT: training benefits. needs oxygen supplements EXTREME: KEEP IN MIND attracts those more stable Information to help you deter- physically than mentally mine if this run is for you, as well as hints for starting or finishing GETTING THERE the run. Directions to the recom- mended starting point or trailhead. NEARBY NOTABLES Pre- or post-run sites for PARKING hydra tion, food, rest-room visits, or Self-explanatory locations, rituals. Also offers ideas for places usually at a church, shopping cen- to meet your family or friends or to ter, school, or other free space. participate in area activities.

TRANSPORTATION Public rail and bus transporta- tion to the route, if available. xiii INTRODUCTION ATLANTA RUNNING GUIDE

GENERAL INFORMATION may wish to visit a running spe- At the time of publication, no com- cialty store or a podiatrist to get an prehensive local running book was expert opinion on the right shoes. available. There are, however, nu- merous publications and websites VISITORS AND that address other running consid- NEWCOMERS erations, including training, diet, TO ATLANTA running clubs, races, apparel, and Many visitors and new residents footwear suggestions. Although I see runners everywhere in Atlanta. recommend that you seek further Almost 25 percent of the popula- information as needed, a few rele- tion consider themselves to be run- vant topics are addressed here to ners or joggers. In addition to the help ensure that you get the most quantity of runners, Atlanta is also out of this guide. recognized for its quality of run- ning. Longtime running residents GETTING STARTED were proud, but hardly surprised, You’ve already heard this before: to learn that in 2002, Runner’s Before starting any new exercise World magazine named Atlanta one program, consult your physician. of the “10 Best Cities To Be a Run- It just makes sense that you’ll enjoy ner.” Atlanta was the largest city to the benefits of running more if you earn this distinction. are sure it’s conducive to your phys- ical well-being. Many factors contribute to enjoy- able running in Atlanta; some After you get the green light from become increasingly evident the your doctor, you can increase your longer you run. Other factors bear enjoyment of running by getting the mentioning before you start out. right shoes for you. There is more to choosing the right shoes than This is the Sunbelt. We have just getting the same size as your plenty of sunny days that are warm Birkenstocks. You should also con- or hot. Perspiration accelerates the sider factors such as your foot effects of sun on your skin, so be shape, running mechanics, weekly sure to wear sunscreen. It might mileage, and requirements for sta- also be worth investing in a pair of bility. The first time or two, you sunglasses designed for runners. xiv T RAIL R UNNING ATLANTA RUNNING GUIDE

You’ll appreciate not squinting the to process oxygen more efficiently. entire way or having to wipe the The muscles in your calves and sweat out of your eyes. Most thighs will develop more quickly importantly, remember that many and noticeably. When planning a days are very humid—and not just run, be sure to consider not only the the sunny ones. The humidity can distance, but also the hill factor. And be more than 80 or 90 percent in don’t count on running the same the summer, so be sure to keep well pace per mile on the streets as you hydrated. Finally, choose the time do at the local track. If you are like of the day to run based on your many longtime Atlanta runners, you heat tolerance. will eventually come to appreciate— rather than be intimidated by—the This is the South. In addition to uneven layout. the weather, people enjoy two other things about Atlanta: friendly peo- TRAIL RUNNING ple and the lush, green environ- Trail running is an increasingly ment. As a runner in Atlanta, you popular discipline within the sport can contribute to both traditions. of running, as demonstrated by the Unless you are sucking wind terri- development of specific footwear bly, offer a smile and greeting to and courses. Atlanta is not like the those you pass. And when you take West when it comes to off-road consumables with you on the run, running; there are not as many please discard all refuse—water options available. But trail runners bottles, energy bar wrappers, gel are not out of luck. Atlanta is ahead containers—in trash receptacles. As of most cities of its size in the avail- the posted signs say, “Help keep ability and convenience of spacious Atlanta peachy clean!” and scenic trails. The Trailblazers section of this guide offers a wide This is Appalachia. Actually, range of options to get you started Atlanta is a bit southeast of Appa - or keep you interested in this alter- lachia, but its topography is simi- native. Keep the following in mind larly diverse. There are rewards and when running trails. challenges to running here. If you run the hills of Atlanta consistently Trail Etiquette. As you come upon and regularly, your body will learn others, remember that they are prob- xv INTRODUCTION ATLANTA RUNNING GUIDE

ably moving more slowly than you. ORGANIZED RUNNING They may be out for a walk or a AND RACING EVENTS hike, more interested in the sur- The vigor of Atlanta’s running scene roundings than you are, or with can be attributed to numerous fac- children or canine companions. They tors, including a wide variety of or- have the right-of-way. A friendly ganized events. In fact, there are smile or polite “excuse more running events every year in me” is all you’ll need to encourage Atlanta than in any other city in the most to step aside and let you by. United States. Exact dates and You may need to use the side of the course layouts can change from trail to get around a select few. year to year, so check regularly up- dated sources for the best informa- Mountain Bikers. You, as a trail tion. The Atlanta Track Club web- runner, have the right-of-way. This site (www.atlantatrackclub.org) and doesn’t do you much good, however, the free local publications, Atlanta if you’re lying on your back under- Sports & Fitness and Georgia Ath- neath a bike tire. Mountain bikes lete magazines, are some of the best are not allowed on many trails in places to check. this guide. Use caution and common sense on those that are multiuse. The three most famous events— all held on major holidays—are the Sightseeing. The opportunity to Peachtree Road Race, the U.S. see great natural beauty is one of 10K Classic, and the Atlanta the biggest benefits of trail running. Marathon & Half Marathon. Any Much can be absorbed whether runner that completes all of them you’re on a leisurely stroll or click- has had a good year indeed. The ing off six-minute miles. But if you Holiday Traditions section provides are interested in looking more the race dates, course descriptions, closely—really scrutinizing the and other pertinent information environment—trail running is not needed to get you started with your the way to do it. Most injuries dur- preparations. ing trail running are the result of the runner taking his eyes off of the trail. If you spot something irresistible, take a breather. xvi Springs Lithia 35 Fairburn LakeAllatoona 41 i 75 74 i i O 37 20 120 36 Marietta 34 Peachtree City 54 i 575 i i 85 24 u 41 i 23 285 refer tochapters Route numbers Downtown 33 1 43 38 Atlanta 38 9 25 28 O Roswell Rd. 400 u i 22 5 41 75 74 6 44 Roswell 2 3 Morrow 21 L Buckhead 38 State Hwy. Interstate Hwy. State Hwy. US Hwy. 7 16 26 R O F D N E G E 8 4 18 17 40 42 38 38 39 12 19 15 14 10 i i 20 E D I U G G N I N N U R A T N A L T A i Decatur 75 13 675 11 32 38 S O 31 S 400 / F Ind Pe F u a c i s h Common Start/Finish Bi-Directional Separate Start/Finish t Suggested Directional Secondary Alternate Secondary Primary Course Primary u naround Tur Alternate Course Alternate 285 r ial B tree 27

u 78 lvd. R Stone Mountain E T U O Lake SidneyLanier i i R 20 i i 30 29 85 38 E T U O [ x t V g P M S P A Drinking FountainDrinking School Parking Marta Station Marta Public Restroom Ranger Station Gate Hospital Other Landmarks No Access L T R ATO C O i 985 M P A ROUTE LOCATOR MAP

Swan House at the Atlanta History Center.

(West Paces Ferry Route)

WEST PACES FERRY ROAD ROAD FERRY PACES WEST CHASTAIN PARK CHASTAIN GARDEN HILLS AND PEACHTREE HILLS PEACHTREE AND HILLS GARDEN WIEUCA ROAD WIEUCA WESTVIEW CEMETERY WESTVIEW GRANT PARK/OAKLAND CEMETERY PARK/OAKLAND GRANT VININGS MOUNT PARAN MOUNT Zigzagging throughtheNeighborhoods BUCKHEAD More ThanaWalk inthePark Putting You through thePaces Where theRunningisEasy Following intheFootsteps Tracing theBattleLines Runnin’ ontheRidge A RunwithaView Running in Peace

ATLANTA WEST VININGS OVERVIEW Putting You through “Putting Yourself Through the the Paces Paces” is an apt title for this route, as you pass or use streets called Paces Ferry, Paces Mill, Paces Place, and Paces Walk. All are named after an 1 early settler who built the area’s first mill. And you’ll literally feel the paces, DISTANCE as some of the climbs on this course 6.0 miles, 9.6 kilometers (loop) are not for children. Nonetheless, the beauty of the residential portion HILL FACTOR makes this a run not to be missed for Significant someone willing to—yes, you guessed it—get put through the paces. GETTING THERE Approximately 9.0 miles north - The intersection of Paces Ferry Road west of downtown. Take I-285 to and Cumberland Parkway is at the Paces Ferry Road (exit 18) and go east center of one of metro Atlanta’s most to Cumberland Parkway. rapidly expanding areas. Fortunately, the growth has not eroded the endear- PARKING ing characteristics of Vinings, nor has it Plenty of parking is available in discouraged the significant foot traffic the Paces Ferry Shopping Center at the area has always enjoyed. Although the intersection of Cumberland Park- the amount of activity in the area can way and Paces Ferry Road. Park ing is be overwhelming at first, this location also available along some of the side is actually a great place to run. streets off Woodland Brook Drive. THE COURSE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MAIN ROUTE: The route begins at The area is served by the #70 the intersection of Cumberland Park- Cobb County Transit (CCT) bus, way and Paces Ferry Road. Head east which departs from the Hamilton E. on Paces Ferry away from I-285. Cross Holmes MARTA Station. the old railroad tracks and pass Paces Station, home to charming boutiques and restaurants. At the second traffic V ININGS ATLANTA RUNNING GUIDE

es Rd. Pac l r Rd. e Ferry Mil v S/F Paces i Exit R 18 Paces Paces P Station Ferry Paces Rd. Shopping Center

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Eberhart St. N. Church Ln. Atlant a Rd.

5 ATLANTA WEST ATLANTA RUNNING GUIDE

signal, approximately 0.5 mile from Proceeding north on Cumberland the railroad tracks, Paces Ferry Parkway, amid the areas obviously Road makes an abrupt right turn. targeted for development, you If you see signs indicating you are encounter two killer hills. Turn right now on Paces Mill Road, you have on Paces Ferry Road at the second gone too far. Run downhill on Paces apex, near the Paces Ferry Shopping Ferry Road for almost another 1.0 Center, and head for home—but not mile, past many lovely houses. Turn before conquering another formida- right on Woodland Brook Drive at ble ascent. the traffic signal. HIGHLIGHTS Follow Woodland Brook for about Most of Paces Ferry Road is 2.0 miles and cross another set of shaded by beautiful trees. Although railroad tracks. The road deadends at many of the neighborhood roads Log Cabin Drive; turn right and cross are dead ends or cul-de-sacs, they to the other side of the street to con- are worth exploring. tinue running on the sidewalk. The sidewalk ends 0.5 miles later at KEEP IN MIND North Church Road. Turn left on Even though sidewalks are North Church Road and go less than available and most drivers in the 100 yards to Eberhart Street, an un- area are courteous, you should be used road twenty yards south of and extra attentive when near the inter- parallel to Log Cabin Drive. Eberhart section of Paces Ferry Road and ends all too soon, and Log Cabin Cumberland Parkway. Drive fills with automobile traffic. At this point, carefully use the side of the NEARBY NOTABLES road to run the curves around several The Station at Vinings, near apartment complexes. the first railroad crossing, offers plenty to delight local runners, As you make your way north and including thin-crust pizza at the back toward the starting point, the New York Pizza Exchange and road changes name during the next Chinese cuisine at Uncle Wong’s few blocks to Beech Haven Trail and Orient Express. and eventually becomes Cumber- land Parkway at Gilmore Road. 6 MOUNT PARAN which departs from the Lindbergh Runnin’ on the Ridge Center and Dunwoody Stations. OVERVIEW If you are tired of climbing DISTANCE Atlanta’s hills, reaching the apex 211.0 miles, 17.6 kilometers only to begin the descent, this may (out and back) be your kind of run. Mount Paran Road follows Mount Paran Ridge HILL FACTOR from Roswell Road to Paces Ferry Significant Road; the ridge was a significant stronghold for Confederate forces GETTING THERE during the Civil War. This route Approximately 9.0 miles gets you to the top quickly, then northwest of downtown. keeps you there. No matter how appealing the concept of “start on To reach the northern starting top, stay on top” may be, do not point, take I-285 to Roswell Road assume that this means the road is (exit 25), and go south to Mount flat. The ridge offers consistent, Paran Road. gently rolling terrain with grand houses and estates below. To reach the southern starting point, take I-75 to Mount Paran THE COURSE Road (exit 256) and go south to MAIN ROUTE: While you can Paces Ferry Road. start this route at either end, I sug- gest you begin at the intersection of PARKING Roswell Road and run southwest Parking is available on many on Mount Paran Road; this will of the side streets along Mount allow you to become somewhat Paran and in the lots of several familiar with the road before you churches along the road. encounter any significant traffic (unless you run during rush hours). PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION The first mile is lined with very The area is served by the impressive houses. In mile 2.0, the Sandy Springs (#5) MARTA bus, road rolls a bit more and you pass ATLANTA WEST

ATLANTA RUNNING GUIDE Rd.

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8 M OUNT PARAN

ATLANTA RUNNING GUIDE

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9 ATLANTA WEST ATLANTA RUNNING GUIDE

some more recent residential devel- KEEP IN MIND opment and neighborhood churches, The course is frustratingly nar- as well as the Mount Paran Country row in many areas and devoid of Store, which despite its busy subur- sidewalks or pedestrian/cyclist lanes ban location is exactly what it almost the entire way. During the sounds like. Cross under I-75 after week, especially during the rush 4.5 miles and go to the end of hours, traffic can quickly become Mount Paran Road at Paces Ferry bumper-to-bumper. Therefore, I rec- Road, exactly 1.0 mile later. ommend that you incorporate this run into your midday or weekend ALTERNATE: You can gain another plans, so you won’t have to deal pleasant 2.5 miles each way with with commuter traffic. The sidewalk significantly less traffic and signifi- under the I-75 entrance ramp can be cantly greater elevation by crossing very muddy; drivers are also much Paces Ferry Road and continuing on less attentive in this particular loca- Ridgewood (Mount Paran changes tion. The steep hill near the inter- name to Ridgewood) to Moores section of Mount Paran and Paces Mill Road, then returning to the Ferry Roads is a relatively brief ex- starting point. ception to the gently rolling terrain.

HIGHLIGHTS NEARBY NOTABLES Despite the lack of provision The Mount Paran Country for pedestrians in the original road Store is a perfect place to buy a cold design, Mount Paran Road is rela- beverage or a snack. For more sig- tively safe. The winding nature of nificant post-run sustenance, try any the road and the presence of many of the eateries in the Fountain Oaks cyclists and pedestrians keep most or Chastain Square shopping cen- drivers attentive. The side of the ters, 0.5 mile and 1.0 mile, respec- road has ample room to run (or bail tively, south of the intersection of out if necessary). A brief glimpse of Mount Paran and Roswell Roads. the Buckhead skyline reminds you of the course’s elevation. Many of the houses on this route are spectacular.

10