The Untold Story Behind Atlantas Dolls Head Trail

From contemporary art galleries to boundary-pushing street art, the art scene in Atlanta is not only rich and diverse but also multifaceted. Perhaps one wouldn’t expect to see art lining an old hiking trail, but locals and visitors alike are checking out the Doll’s Head Trail at Constitution Lakes.

Just over five miles (eight kilometers) from downtown Atlanta sits a 125-acre unique, nature preserve. Originally the digging site of the South River Brick Company, Constitution Lakes Park was officially established in 2003 by Dekalb County. The brick company is long gone, but over the years, rainfall and flooding from the South River filled the deep pits made by the brick company and created a system of beautiful lakes and ponds. The preserve also has attracted many wildlife species not usually seen in urban dwellings. The county began constructing paved trails and boardwalks around the ponds to allow exploration of the grounds.

Noticing that trash was building up around the site, Joel Slaton, a local carpenter, started Doll’s Head Trail from discarded doll parts and various junk scattered around the preserve. After seeing the art, it prompted others to contribute their own found art. Re-purposed materials have been collecting there ever since. The artistic trail features many doll heads, but you can also see other decorative elements along the path, including sheet metal, old televisions, and abandoned bricks. Visitors to the trail can contribute to the exhibit with one caveat: the art must be found within the preserve.

The preserve has become a favorite spot for hikers, bird-watchers, fishermen, and nature lovers alike. Constitution Lakes lies at the intersection of South River Industrial Boulevard and Moreland Avenue. Doll’s Head Trail is not so easily seen, but you can access it behind the two lakes on Rail Ridge Trail.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.