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07/11/2026 08:30:00 AM07/11/2026 12:00:00 PMAmerica/New_YorkTogether We Walk – July, 11 2026Walk Through an Ancient Forest
This month we venture into one of Georgia's most remarkable natural treasures — Marshall Forest Preserve, a 311-acre old-growth pine-hardwood forest tucked along Horseleg Creek Road, just five miles outside Rome. Once part of the Cherokee Nation's ancestral lands, this forest was purchased by the Marshall family in 1880 and passed down through generations until naturalist and philanthropist Maclean Marshall dedicated it as Georgia's first National Natural Landmark on October 12, 1966.
In 1976, Maclean Marshall gifted 100 acres of the forest and 120 acres of surrounding fields to The Nature Conservancy, ensuring this irreplaceable ecosystem would be protected forever. Today, 75 to 100 acres of the original forest remain completely uncut — making Marshall Forest one of the rarest old-growth stands in the entire Southeast. The forest is often cited as the only virgin forest within the city limits of any city in the United States.
The preserve supports more than 300 plant species and 55 tree species — including pine-oak, chestnut oak, and mixed hardwoods — ranging in elevation from 600 to 900 feet. Among its most celebrated residents is the endangered large-flowered skullcap, which has its largest Georgia population and one of the largest in the United States right here. Five self-guided walking trails wind through the forest, with plant identification tags and 20 stop-and-observe stations in both Braille and English.
Our Meeting Spot: The Forest Parking Lot
We'll meet in the small parking lot at Marshall Forest Preserve on Horseleg Creek Road — look for the large wooden "Welcome to Marshall Forest Preserve" sign at the entrance. Please note the lot holds approximately six cars, so carpooling is encouraged. Additional parking may be found along the road.
From Rome, take Horseleg Creek Road approximately 1.5 to 2 miles from the stoplight at the intersection near Five Guys / Moe's. The preserve entrance and parking lot will be on your right, marked by the large wooden sign.
📍 Address: Marshall Forest Preserve, Horseleg Creek Road, Rome, GA 30165. Managed by The Nature Conservancy.
Ready to Walk With Us?
No registration fee — just show up, bring your walking shoes and a walking stick, and experience one of Georgia's most extraordinary old-growth forests. Dogs on leash welcome!
Marshall Forest Preserve, Horseleg Creek Road, Rome, GA 30165 Horseleg Creek Road Rome, Georgia 30165
This month we venture into one of Georgia's most remarkable natural treasures — Marshall Forest Preserve, a 311-acre old-growth pine-hardwood forest tucked along Horseleg Creek Road, just five miles outside Rome. Once part of the Cherokee Nation's ancestral lands, this forest was purchased by the Marshall family in 1880 and passed down through generations until naturalist and philanthropist Maclean Marshall dedicated it as Georgia's first National Natural Landmark on October 12, 1966.
In 1976, Maclean Marshall gifted 100 acres of the forest and 120 acres of surrounding fields to The Nature Conservancy, ensuring this irreplaceable ecosystem would be protected forever. Today, 75 to 100 acres of the original forest remain completely uncut — making Marshall Forest one of the rarest old-growth stands in the entire Southeast. The forest is often cited as the only virgin forest within the city limits of any city in the United States.
The preserve supports more than 300 plant species and 55 tree species — including pine-oak, chestnut oak, and mixed hardwoods — ranging in elevation from 600 to 900 feet. Among its most celebrated residents is the endangered large-flowered skullcap, which has its largest Georgia population and one of the largest in the United States right here. Five self-guided walking trails wind through the forest, with plant identification tags and 20 stop-and-observe stations in both Braille and English.
Our Meeting Spot: The Forest Parking Lot
We'll meet in the small parking lot at Marshall Forest Preserve on Horseleg Creek Road — look for the large wooden "Welcome to Marshall Forest Preserve" sign at the entrance. Please note the lot holds approximately six cars, so carpooling is encouraged. Additional parking may be found along the road.
From Rome, take Horseleg Creek Road approximately 1.5 to 2 miles from the stoplight at the intersection near Five Guys / Moe's. The preserve entrance and parking lot will be on your right, marked by the large wooden sign.
📍 Address: Marshall Forest Preserve, Horseleg Creek Road, Rome, GA 30165. Managed by The Nature Conservancy.
Ready to Walk With Us?
No registration fee — just show up, bring your walking shoes and a walking stick, and experience one of Georgia's most extraordinary old-growth forests. Dogs on leash welcome!
About This Event
Walk Through an Ancient Forest
This month we venture into one of Georgia's most remarkable natural treasures — Marshall Forest Preserve, a 311-acre old-growth pine-hardwood forest tucked along Horseleg Creek Road, just five miles outside Rome. Once part of the Cherokee Nation's ancestral lands, this forest was purchased by the Marshall family in 1880 and passed down through generations until naturalist and philanthropist Maclean Marshall dedicated it as Georgia's first National Natural Landmark on October 12, 1966.
In 1976, Maclean Marshall gifted 100 acres of the forest and 120 acres of surrounding fields to The Nature Conservancy, ensuring this irreplaceable ecosystem would be protected forever. Today, 75 to 100 acres of the original forest remain completely uncut — making Marshall Forest one of the rarest old-growth stands in the entire Southeast. The forest is often cited as the only virgin forest within the city limits of any city in the United States.
The preserve supports more than 300 plant species and 55 tree species — including pine-oak, chestnut oak, and mixed hardwoods — ranging in elevation from 600 to 900 feet. Among its most celebrated residents is the endangered large-flowered skullcap, which has its largest Georgia population and one of the largest in the United States right here. Five self-guided walking trails wind through the forest, with plant identification tags and 20 stop-and-observe stations in both Braille and English.
Our Meeting Spot: The Forest Parking Lot
We'll meet in the small parking lot at Marshall Forest Preserve on Horseleg Creek Road — look for the large wooden "Welcome to Marshall Forest Preserve" sign at the entrance. Please note the lot holds approximately six cars, so carpooling is encouraged. Additional parking may be found along the road.
From Rome, take Horseleg Creek Road approximately 1.5 to 2 miles from the stoplight at the intersection near Five Guys / Moe's. The preserve entrance and parking lot will be on your right, marked by the large wooden sign.
📍 Address: Marshall Forest Preserve, Horseleg Creek Road, Rome, GA 30165. Managed by The Nature Conservancy.
Ready to Walk With Us?
No registration fee — just show up, bring your walking shoes and a walking stick, and experience one of Georgia's most extraordinary old-growth forests. Dogs on leash welcome!
Ancient fallen logs — nature's own story of centuries past
Add to Calendar
07/11/2026 08:30:00 AM07/11/2026 12:00:00 PMAmerica/New_YorkTogether We Walk – July, 11 2026Walk Through an Ancient Forest
This month we venture into one of Georgia's most remarkable natural treasures — Marshall Forest Preserve, a 311-acre old-growth pine-hardwood forest tucked along Horseleg Creek Road, just five miles outside Rome. Once part of the Cherokee Nation's ancestral lands, this forest was purchased by the Marshall family in 1880 and passed down through generations until naturalist and philanthropist Maclean Marshall dedicated it as Georgia's first National Natural Landmark on October 12, 1966.
In 1976, Maclean Marshall gifted 100 acres of the forest and 120 acres of surrounding fields to The Nature Conservancy, ensuring this irreplaceable ecosystem would be protected forever. Today, 75 to 100 acres of the original forest remain completely uncut — making Marshall Forest one of the rarest old-growth stands in the entire Southeast. The forest is often cited as the only virgin forest within the city limits of any city in the United States.
The preserve supports more than 300 plant species and 55 tree species — including pine-oak, chestnut oak, and mixed hardwoods — ranging in elevation from 600 to 900 feet. Among its most celebrated residents is the endangered large-flowered skullcap, which has its largest Georgia population and one of the largest in the United States right here. Five self-guided walking trails wind through the forest, with plant identification tags and 20 stop-and-observe stations in both Braille and English.
Our Meeting Spot: The Forest Parking Lot
We'll meet in the small parking lot at Marshall Forest Preserve on Horseleg Creek Road — look for the large wooden "Welcome to Marshall Forest Preserve" sign at the entrance. Please note the lot holds approximately six cars, so carpooling is encouraged. Additional parking may be found along the road.
From Rome, take Horseleg Creek Road approximately 1.5 to 2 miles from the stoplight at the intersection near Five Guys / Moe's. The preserve entrance and parking lot will be on your right, marked by the large wooden sign.
📍 Address: Marshall Forest Preserve, Horseleg Creek Road, Rome, GA 30165. Managed by The Nature Conservancy.
Ready to Walk With Us?
No registration fee — just show up, bring your walking shoes and a walking stick, and experience one of Georgia's most extraordinary old-growth forests. Dogs on leash welcome!
Marshall Forest Preserve, Horseleg Creek Road, Rome, GA 30165 Horseleg Creek Road Rome, Georgia 30165
1.6-mile loop starting and ending at the Horseleg Creek Road parking lot · Moderate difficulty · Narrow and steep in places — bring a walking stick!
The trail winds through the heart of the old-growth forest, passing beneath towering pines and hardwoods, over rocky ridges, and through lush undergrowth. Blue blazes on the trees mark the route. The forest floor is largely natural — the trails are not paved or groomed, which is part of what makes this walk so special and so rare.
