Deepdene Park

Deepdene Park is the eastern most segment of the Olmsted Linear Park system that borders Ponce de Leon Avenue, connecting the Poncey-Highland community to the Druid Hills neighborhood. The parks included in this system are Springdale, Vigilee, Shadyside, Dellwood, and lastly, Deepdene.  While the other parks offer large fields, shady trees, and park benches, Deepdene stands out with over 20 acres of forestry laced with wooded trails and creek systems.  

From the west entrance, the trail starts out fairly flat until reaching a fork.  Here, there is the option to do the creekside trail (note: includes stream crossings, more rocky terrain) or to continue on the main trail (better for trail-runners).  

If you choose the creekside trail, you will veer to the left at the fork and meet the first (very easy) stream crossing. After this first crossing, the trail winds up and down alongside the creek.  There are a total of 3 creek crossings, each with very large stable rocks.  On the last crossing, there is a fallen tree blocking the path, but it is a simple hop and skip and you are good to go. At about 0.5 mi, there is a bridge to cross over into the next section of the park.  Unfortunately, half of the bridge was destroyed by a fallen tree, but the other half was still stable enough to cross. Cross at your own risk. If the bridge crossing seems too daring, you can meander your way through the tangled shrubs and branches onto the other side.  After the bridge, the trail continues on an incline and eventually levels out at another fork.  Here, there is the option to continue to the vale or loop back around to the beginning of the trail system. Just beyond the vale is a grassy field referred to as the mead, perfect for the afternoon picnic or a game of fetch.