I discovered the Doll’s Head Trail while browsing through Atlas Obscura a few months ago. As an Atlanta native, I vaguely remember hearing something about it awhile ago, but the trail left my mind until a rainy, cold day in December. I love visiting Atlas Obscura’s site- if you haven’t had a chance to check it out, be sure to search nearby destinations using their “Places Near Me” search function. The site is full of unique and curious places and if you are looking for something new to try, this is a great way to find it! This is how I rediscovered the Doll’s Head Trail.
Constitution Lakes, which contains the Doll’s Head Trail, is not very close to my house. Probably about an hour’s drive as I live outside the city. So I stopped by – alone – on my way home from a photography shoot.
When I pulled into the parking lot, I was surprised there was a nature preserve hidden in such an industrial part of the city. I wasn’t expecting much, but when I walked through the preserve, the trail opened up into a spectacular view of water, sky and birds of all kinds flying through. I took a few moments to sit on one of the benches facing the pond, and experienced an incredible sense of peacefulness. This sanctuary was a breath of fresh air hidden within the city limits.
A few other people were walking the trails, but most were leaving as I arrived right around sunset. I had the entire sanctuary to myself.
After enjoying the peaceful, serene view, I ventured on to look for the beloved Doll’s Head Trail. It was pretty easy to find, but once the sun starts to set and you’re alone in the woods with a bunch of creepy dolls and toy parts, your imagination starts to run wild.
The trail loops around and is marked by signage along the way. Keep your eye out for this sign, for the start of the Doll’s Head Trail.
And then the fun begins….
Other toys can be found along the trail, it’s not exclusively dolls. However, the Doll Heads are the really striking part about the installment created by Joel Slaton. Visit the trail and you can contribute to the art too. But all contributions must be made by objects/trash found within the park. When you’re done, hopefully you can find your way back to the real world….
