Morningside Nature Preserve — Attraction in Atlanta

This is a very nice trail. I was told about it by someone at a dog park. I was also informed that dogs were allowed. They had mentioned that some dogs go and run free on the creek without a leash that was nice to hear. So my pet and I went to the trail and found the creek. As I was told I saw many dogs running in and out of the creek Unleashed I thought it was great for my dog to run along with them it's nice to have a place where your pets can run and cool water in hot weather.i did not look up the rules about leashing of the dogs prior to going I just assumed it was exceptable. Shortly after a small group of people and 6-8 children arrived and they asked if we would All leash our dogs. " Funny" they came in after the fact. Mind you I do not live in this state. So I am an outsider looking in. I then looked up the parks web site and it did mention that it is a nice trail for you and your dog. I looked no more no i did not look at the rules about leashing. So this is my out look. I was told about a park were people unleash the dogs, I witnessed people unleash the dogs, I Unleashed the dog. I pretty much surmised the Public established the Public park rules... had everyone's dog been leashed I would have mine. I find it incomprehensibly that a person comes in after the fact to establish the park rules when clearly the public, meaning the dog owners. I was raised to respect others and not to interfere with the happiness of others. If you are reading this lady who came in with all these kids. I know not to invite you to a pizza party. You just may...

Have loved this trail since discovering it around 2 years ago and visit as often as I can. They just renovated the big wooden staircase and suspension bridge planks, so it feels brand new! It's such a refreshing walk and I track a little over 2 miles traveled if going from the parking lot on Lenox Rd and back.

I also appreciate the dog friendliness on this trail. Many owners are like-minded and have well trained dogs that play well together on the beach, while also being mindful of others on the trail. Owning a hunting breed, the squirrels and chipmunk, and deer keep my dog well pleased and I can get my exercise in too!

The reason i'm only giving 4 stars is due to changes in my recent experiences. I'm very excited that this hidden gem is growing more popular; it's well-deserved. However, I'm now having rather uncomfortable run-ins with other visitors that make me feel less safe. I've found that going too early or too late (apparently even 6/7 pm fits this criteria) increases my chance of uncomfortable encounters with suspicious persons on the less-traveled portions of the trail. I still love this trail, but am hoping it remains a safe space...

Attention: This is NOT a dog park! I've been here numerous times and EVERY time I encounter dogs off leash...often large breeds and often in packs of two, three or more. I've been charged at by dogs, had my ankles bitten at by dogs, and have had to dodge dogs on the narrow trails. Ive seen off-leash dogs attack other dogs (both those on or off-leash themselves). It makes me not want to walk or trail-run here, and I definitely will not be taking my young kids here anymore.

This is a city of Atlanta park with the city's official leash laws. It is ILLEGAL to have a dog off-leash here. Users of this nature preserve need to follow the law, and the city needs to do a better job reminding visitors of the law and also enforcing the law.

This could be an amazing and comfortable city resource, right in the heart of Atlanta, if people weren't so selfish and cavalier with their animals. This is a public resource -- you don't own the place. Please, leash your dogs or take them to an actual dog park. Let the rest of us enjoy this...