Hiking with Kids Open
Daniel Johnson Nature Preserve
4.6(114)4.6 out of 5 stars, 114 reviews Atlanta, GA
About Daniel Johnson Nature Preserve
Daniel Johnson Nature Preserve offers a unique urban nature escape featuring a diverse, short, and generally easy hiking experience. Its main draw is the blend of natural elements like a 'secret' mini bamboo forest, majestic trees, a clear creek with a concrete dam/bridge crossing, and a sandy 'beach' area along South Fork Peachtree Creek, providing an adventurous yet accessible outing.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking a quick, accessible nature escape within an urban setting.Short family hikes or walks to explore unique natural features.Engaging younger children (3-10) with discoveries like bamboo forests and creek play.Dog walks, provided pets are leashed and waste is cleaned up.Anyone looking for a relaxed outdoor activity that doesn't require extensive time or strenuous effort.
Why families love it
- Discovery of a mini bamboo forest.
- Exciting creek crossing via a concrete dam/bridge.
- A fantastic sandy 'beach' at South Fork Peachtree Creek.
- Beautiful, clear creek ideal for observation.
- Majestic trees providing a serene atmosphere.
- The hike is short and mostly easy, suitable for a quick visit.
Insider tips
- Be vigilant for snakes, specifically copperheads, and educate children about not touching wildlife.
- Consider wearing appropriate footwear for potentially wet or 'treacherous' (uneven) spots near the creek.
- Keep dogs on a leash and always clean up after them, as per recommendations from reviewers.
- It's an excellent choice for a quick nature outing, perhaps 'after work' or when time is limited.
- Manage expectations regarding the 'wild' and 'overgrown' feel of some areas.
Good to know before you go
- If you are highly uncomfortable with the presence of venomous snakes like copperheads.
- If seeking a meticulously maintained park with paved, fully accessible paths (due to 'skinny/treacherous spots' and overgrown areas).
- If concerned about encountering homeless individuals or a sense of 'abandoned & wild' surroundings.
- If you are looking for a long, challenging, or multi-hour hiking experience (it's 'very short and easy').
- Some spots are described as 'skinny' and 'treacherous', potentially challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
- Crowds
- Not specifically mentioned as crowded, with one reviewer noting a 'homeless guy hanging out' which could imply it's not always bustling. The 'after work walk' suggestion implies it's generally accessible.
- Value
- The preserve appears to be free to enter, offering significant value for a unique urban nature experience with diverse features like a bamboo forest and creek access.
- Food
- Not explicitly mentioned in reviews, but as a nature preserve, standard 'pack it in, pack it out' rules for food and drinks are implied.
- Accessibility
- Likely not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs due to descriptions of 'skinny/treacherous spots' and uneven terrain.
- Safety
- No explicit safety features implemented by the preserve were mentioned.
What parents say
"This was a great urban trek, my favorite parts were finding the mini bamboo forest and crossing the creek via the concrete dam/bridge. Felt like I was a kid again playing in the woods! 😊 The parking was street parking and plentiful. Enjoy!"
4 years ago
"It's a beautiful park! The trees are truly majestic! It's a small park, but the creek is just amazing! Please clean up after your pup! And a leash is recommended! I'm not a leash guy. But the reptiles are present! The lizards are chill, copperhead, less so!"
6 months ago
"A lot of fun! A few skinny/treacherous spots, but overall an easy hike. And the "beach" at South Fork Peachtree Creek is fantastic!"
3 years ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More hiking with kids in Atlanta
Hiking with Kids Piedmont Park
4.8(16,792)4.8 out of 5 stars, 16792 reviewsAtlanta
Hiking with Kids Sweetwater Creek State Park
4.8(7,076)4.8 out of 5 stars, 7076 reviews1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs
Hiking with Kids Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
4.5(2,123)4.5 out of 5 stars, 2123 reviews2852 Cascade Rd, Atlanta
Hiking with Kids Morningside Nature Preserve
4.5(836)4.5 out of 5 stars, 836 reviewsParking lot, 2020 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta