Learn all about Atlanta’s Forests at the DeKalb History Center with Author’s Jonah McDonald and Zana Pouncey.
This Hops at the History Center will cover both books written by the authors, Hiking Intown Atlanta’s Forests and Metro Atlanta’s Hidden Forests.
Atlanta’s hidden forests are among the city’s best-kept secrets. In these guidebooks, outdoor leaders Jonah McDonald and Zana Pouncey recommend 122 hikes inside and outside Atlanta’s I-285 perimeter. From well-known forests along Atlanta’s Beltline and Chattahoochee River to memorable Constitution Lakes and verdant Cascade Springs, Atlanta hiking is your opportunity to experience historical ruins, urban art, original-growth forests, and peaceful nature trails in the city. Ranging from one to six miles, these hikes are suitable for experienced and beginning hikers of all ages. Each route includes maps, complete hiking directions, trailhead location, and even public transit access information. There’s no need to drive to the mountains to get out on the trail.
JONAH MCDONALD arrived in Atlanta on foot over two decades ago after completing a 2,172-mile southbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail and today serves as the DeKalb County Park Naturalist at Mason Mill Park. He published the first edition of Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests: Intown and Out in 2014 and is the author of Secret Atlanta: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.
ZANA POUNCEY is a native southerner and has lived in Atlanta for more than ten years. She has a degree in Environmental Science from Emory University and has worked in environmental advocacy and education for Trees Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. She’s been awarded a Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship by the National Geographic Society, is on the board of the Atlanta Green Theater Alliance, has presented at environmental conferences and teacher workshops, and has written for National Geographic’s Education Blog.
Details:
Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
6:30 – 7:30 pm
DeKalb History Center
Second Floor
101 E. Court Square
Decatur, GA 30030
Parking Information:
Plenty of parking is available in Downtown Decatur. Options include, street parking and parking garages. The closest is One West Court Square, located next door. Garage has two entrances, Swanton Way and West Ponce De Leon.
DHC Members receive $5 Parking Voucher, good for all day at One West Court Square.
Handicap:
We don’t have any specified handicap spots, but a few handicap spots are available close by on East Court Square.
