Reynolds Nature Preserve: Clayton County's 146-Acre Wildlife Sanctuary

Reynolds Memorial Nature Preserve in Morrow offers 146 acres of Piedmont forest, three ponds, seven miles of trail, and a boardwalk through wetland habitat — making it one of the south Atlanta metro's most complete urban nature preserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Reynolds Nature Preserve and how do I get there?

Reynolds Memorial Nature Preserve is located at 5665 Reynolds Road in Morrow, Clayton County, roughly 14 miles south of downtown Atlanta. From I-75 South, take Exit 233 (Jonesboro Road / GA-54) and follow signs toward Morrow. The preserve entrance is clearly marked on Reynolds Road. Ample free parking is available at the main lot near the nature center building. The site is also accessible from the Morrow MARTA station — the station is about 1.5 miles from the preserve entrance, walkable on sidewalked roads for those without a car.

Who manages the preserve and is there an admission fee?

Reynolds Nature Preserve is operated by Clayton County Parks and Recreation. Admission is free and the preserve is open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours. The nature center building has its own posted hours and may be closed on some weekdays — check the Clayton County Parks website before visiting if you specifically want to access the exhibits inside. Parking is free throughout the property.

What are the trails like?

The preserve holds approximately seven miles of trail across varying terrain, most of which is packed dirt and natural surface. Difficulty ranges from easy to moderate — the main loop trails around the three ponds are flat and accessible, while some trails on the upland sections of the property involve moderate elevation change through mature Piedmont hardwood forest. A particularly popular feature is the boardwalk through the wetland section adjacent to the largest pond, which crosses open water and marsh vegetation on a raised wooden deck. The boardwalk is stroller-accessible and provides excellent wildlife viewing angles across the pond surface. Trail signs at major junctions are adequate, and the trail network is not so large that navigation becomes difficult without a map.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

The three ponds are the primary wildlife-watching focus at Reynolds. Great blue herons are permanent residents and virtually guaranteed on any visit. Wood ducks are present in spring and fall, using the ponds as staging habitat. Belted kingfishers patrol the pond edges and the wooded creek corridor connecting the water bodies. Turtles bask on logs at the pond margins from late spring through early fall — painted turtles and yellow-bellied sliders are the most common species. Birders visiting in spring will find the upland forest productive for warblers and thrushes during migration. River otters have been spotted in the preserve on multiple occasions, most commonly at the wetland boardwalk section in early morning; sightings are not predictable but they do occur. Woodpecker diversity is particularly good, with pileated, red-bellied, downy, hairy, and red-headed woodpeckers all recorded in the preserve.

Are there educational programs for kids and school groups?

Yes, and this is one of Reynolds Nature Preserve's real strengths. Clayton County Parks runs a structured program calendar that includes guided nature walks for families, seasonal programs tied to local wildlife activity, and formal curriculum-aligned field trips for school groups. The nature center building contains wildlife exhibits, aquarium displays of local aquatic species, and educational materials that frame what visitors will find on the trails. Summer programs fill quickly, particularly those aimed at elementary-age children. School group reservations should be made well in advance through the Clayton County Parks reservation system. Adult-oriented guided walks are also offered seasonally.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Reynolds is worth visiting in every season, but two windows stand out. February through March brings the spring peeper chorus — these small tree frogs breed in the ponds and wetlands and produce an extraordinary level of sound for their size, audible from the parking lot on warm evenings after winter rain. Visiting at dusk on a mild late-February evening with spring peepers calling from multiple ponds simultaneously is one of the more memorable natural experiences available close to Atlanta. October is the second highlight period: fall color peaks in the upland hardwood sections, typically in the third and fourth weeks of October, and the ponds see increased wood duck and migrant waterfowl activity.

Is Reynolds Nature Preserve suitable for casual visitors who are not experienced hikers?

Absolutely. The preserve's trail system, pond loops, and boardwalk are designed for visitors of all experience levels. The flat pond trails and the boardwalk are accessible for families with young children and for visitors with limited mobility. The nature center building provides context before or after the walk. Unlike more remote natural areas, Reynolds has restrooms, a staffed facility, and a managed trail system — it is a genuine urban nature preserve in the fullest sense, designed for public engagement rather than pure wilderness experience. That accessibility is precisely what makes it valuable for south Atlanta residents who may not have other high-quality natural areas within easy reach.

Practical Information

Address: 5665 Reynolds Road, Morrow, GA 30260. Parking: free. Admission: free. Hours: daylight hours daily; nature center hours vary. Trails: approximately 7 miles, easy to moderate. Dogs: permitted on leash. Restrooms: available at the nature center. Contact: Clayton County Parks and Recreation.