Cator Woolford Gardens Atlanta: How to Visit this Hidden Gem

Atlanta locals know that the best places in the city are the ones that people don’t talk about.  One of my favorite “hidden gem” spots is Cator Woolford Gardens, which is tucked away on the eastern-most edge of the historic Druid Hills neighborhood.

A Hidden Garden Oasis in the Heart of Atlanta

Most people know Cator Woolford Gardens as a wedding and event venue.  The columned pavilion and landscaped grounds are an incredible backdrop for events and photographs.  But many Atlantans (and visitors) don’t realize that you can visit the Gardens when private events aren’t scheduled.

As an added plus, Cator Woolford Gardens are connected to the wooded trails of Frazer Forest.  This peaceful patch of old-growth forest can make you forget that you are in the center of the city.

If you are looking for a serene place to walk, take casual photos, read on a bench, take a date, or just to enjoy nature in the center of Atlanta then this hidden garden is the destination for you.  Once you find this garden, you will feel like you discovered a secret.  Here is what you need to know before visiting.

Most Atlantans Don’t Know that you Can Visit the Gardens

On the weekends, Cator Woolford Gardens is frequently booked as an event venue.  However, it is open to the public, when events are not taking place.  Simply visit the gardens’ event calendar to confirm availability.  It a date does not have anything scheduled, then the gardens are available for you to visit!

A Unique Atlanta Date Idea

Visiting the Gardens is a unique and low-cost date idea.  You can easily spend 45 minutes to an hour here.  You could come in the morning and bring coffee and pastries and spend a little more time.  Or you can visit the garden and then grab something to eat in Candler Park, Inman Park, or Little 5 Points.

What are Atlanta’s Cator Woolford Gardens?

The formal Italian gardens are part of a historic 1920s estate in Atlanta’s Druid Hills neighborhood.  The estate that once belonged to Cator Woolford now is home to the Frazer Center which includes the Cator Woolford Gardens which is an event venue, and Frazer Forest. 

History of the Estate

This large parcel of land was the last piece of the Druid Hills neighborhood to be developed.  The land was mostly unbuildable due to 4 creeks, almost 8 acres of flood plain, and steep gullies within areas of old-growth hardwood forest.  Cator Woolford purchased this property to create his estate called “Jacqueland.”  He was a principal founder of the Retail Credit Company – which is known today as Equifax. 

Woolford hired architect Owen Southwell to design the English Regency revival style mansion.  Southwell designed a house with two primary facades.  As you enter the gardens, you initially see the rear of the house, however the principal entrance to the home is on the opposite side. 

Landscape architect Robert B. Cridland worked with Southwell to create the formal Italian-style gardens leading up to the house.  Cridland carefully laid out lawns, tennis courts, a dancing terrace, water features, pathways, and a garden pavilion among specially selected plantings. 

In a prescient manner, Woolford opened his gardens to the public every spring for 2 to 3 weeks when his famous hybrid azaleas bloomed. 

Mission Behind the Cator Woolford Gardens

The nonprofit Frazer Center owns the Gardens and the adjacent Frazier Forest.  The Frazer Center’s mission is to foster inclusive communities where children and adults – with and without disabilities – gather, learn, and flourish.  The Center runs a Child Development Program for children with and without developmental delays aged 6-weeks to 5 years old.  They also run an Adult Program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  This flexible program supports each individual.

Proceeds from photography sessions and events held at Cator Woolford Gardens go to support the Frazer Center and its mission. 

Can You Visit Cator Woolford Gardens without Attending an Event?

You can visit Cator Woolford Gardens and surrounding Frazer Forest without attending a private event, as long as no events are scheduled that day. 

When are the Gardens Open to the Public?

The gardens are open to the public on non-event days from sunup until sundown.  Check the gardens’ event calendar to confirm the daily schedule. 

Is there an Admission Fee?

The gardens are free to visit on non-event days.

Getting There and Parking

It is best to drive to Cator Woolford Gardens and Frazer Forest.  Parking is available on-site for visitors.  When I visited, I parked in an area designated “Extra Parking,” which was near Frazer Forest.  You can also take a ride share to and from the Gardens.  The address is 1815 S. Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta. 

MARTA Bus Route 2 travels down Ponce de Leon Ave between North Avenue Rail Station and East Lake Rail Station.

Exploring the Trails in Frazer Forest

What is Frazer Forest?

This 39-acre urban forest and nature preserve is part of the Frazer Center’s campus.  When I visited Frazer Forest, I could have easily forgotten that I was in the heart of Atlanta, except I could hear road noise in the distance.  The Forest features several short trails that wind through mature trees. 

What You Will See on the Trails?

The natural dirt trails are perfect for walking, jogging, and observing nature.  You may spot a variety of native bird species, squirrels, chipmunks, and native plants such as wildflowers and ferns.  I found some of the trails to be rather steep in spots.  We crossed shallow creeks on stepping stones/rocks in a couple of places. 

Is Frazer Forest Good for Dogs and Families?

You are welcome to bring dogs to Frazer Forest; however, you must keep them on a leash at all times.  Make sure to respect the Frazer Center’s policies and local leash laws and do not allow your dog to run around off leash.

Frazer Forest is good for families with children who want to walk around and explore nature together.  You can mix visiting the formal gardens with the natural old-growth forest.  The natural dirt trails are uneven so they are not good for strollers.  If your kids are not walking yet, then Frazer Forest may not be the best destination for your family. 

What You Will see in Cator Woolford Gardens?

The Italian Gardens are incredibly picturesque.  I enjoyed walking through the Gardens with my husband and daughter on a spring afternoon.  As I explored, each turn presented a new view corridor and gorgeous landscaping.  The creeks running along the gardens provide the lovely background noise of running water. 

The Grand Stone Staircase

A signature feature in the Gardens are the stone steps that lead up to the terrace.  They are often the centerpiece for wedding ceremonies.

Seasonal Blooms and Landscaping

The Gardens are planted so that something is constantly in bloom in the warmer months.  In the spring, expect to see daffodils, azaleas, and rhododendrons.  In the summer look for hydrangea, roses, and colorful perennial flowers.  The garden continues to stun into late summer and early fall before most of the plants go dormant.

The Quiet Corners most Visitors Miss

Ensure that you explore the smaller paths in the Gardens.  The trails near Lullwater Creek are incredibly picturesque.  I was surprised to come across the stone bridges and pathways that spanned the water.  I felt like I discovered a hidden oasis when I came upon the cool shade and the ferns along the creek.

Best Times to Visit Cator Woolford Gardens

The garden is incredible at any time of day.  I visited around 1pm on a Saturday in April.  If you are looking for perfect lighting for photos or cooler temperatures, the garden will be gorgeous right after sunrise and an hour or two before sunset – often called the golden hour. 

Weekdays v. Weekend

The Gardens frequently hold events on the weekends, so weekdays are the best times to visit Cator Woolford Gardens.  Check the gardens’ event calendar for availability.  I work in an office during the week, so I had to wait until there was an available weekend day to visit the Gardens.  Be sure to double check the calendar before you go! 

Spring Flowers

Spring is the most popular season to visit Cator Woolford Gardens.  The warm weather and spring flowers make this season especially attractive.  Expect to see Lenton roses, daffodils, dogwoods, azaleas, rhododendrons, and Japanese iris.  In addition, you will get to enjoy Woodland phlox, homestead verbena and asters plus climbing roses.  Spring colors range pastels to vibrant hues.

Fall Colors in Frazier Forest

This historic forest is home to maples and pecans which turn shades of gold in the fall.  Native dogwoods, sumacs, and understory trees often feature oranges and red tones before they drop their leaves.  Oak trees may turn a warm brown before as they transition for the winter. 

Tips for Visiting Cator Woolford Gardens like a Local

Check the Event Schedule Before You Go!

I cannot stress enough; Cator Woolford Gardens is primarily an event facility.  Be sure to check the gardens’ event calendar to find out if your date is available before you visit.  If an event is taking place, there will be signage and the entrance may be roped off.

Be Respectful in the Space

It is important to preserve the historic and natural environment in the Gardens and the Forest.  In the Gardens, stay on paths and lawns. Avoid walking in flower beds.  Do not pick flowers or leaves.  In the Forest stay on established trails so you don’t damage any native plants or disturb wildlife. 

If you bring a dog, make sure to keep him or her on leash.  Ensure that you clean up after your pet. 

Do not litter.  If you bring food or other items to the garden, be sure that you take everything including garbage and recyclables with you when you leave. 

Photography Guidelines

Casual photography such as phone photos or snapshots is permitted in the gardens when no private event is in progress.  There is no fee for casual photography.  The gardens are closed for public photography during private events. 

Professional photoshoots including engagement, maternity, family, and holidays photos require advanced reservations and a fee. 

Why Cator Woolford Gardens and Frazier Forest are among Atlanta’s Most Underrated Green Spaces

If you are looking for a beautiful and serene place, Cator Woolford Gardens is one of those rare spots in Atlanta that still feels like a secret.  Between the beautiful gardens and the peaceful trails through Frazer Forest, it is the perfect place to take a short walk, sit on a bench to relax, and forget that you are in the middle of a bustling city.  The next time you are looking for a new place to explore, check to see if the gardens are open – you might just discover one of Atlanta’s most underrated green spaces. 

Cator Woolford Gardens & Frazier Forest FAQ

Is Cator Woolford Gardens open to the Public?

The Gardens is primarily an event venue; however, they are open to the public when private events aren’t scheduled.

Do you have to pay to visit Cator Woolford Gardens?

The Gardens (and Frazer Forest) are free to visit – no fee – when a private event is not scheduled.

Can you hike in Frazer Forest?

You can hike the short trails in Frazer Forest for free. 

Are dogs allowed at Cator Woolford Gardens?

Dogs are welcome in the Gardens and Frazer Forest; however, you must keep them on a leash at all times.  Make sure to respect the Frazer Center’s policies and local leash laws.  Do not allow your dog to run around off leash.

Are Bicycles allowed in the Gardens or Frazer Forest?

The paths in the Gardens and the trails in Frazer Forest are for pedestrians only.  No bikes or other vehicles are permitted. 

Are Public Bathrooms Available?

The restrooms are not open to the public at Cator Woolford Gardens.  If an event is not in progress, the restrooms will be locked.  The restrooms are closed for scheduled professional photography sessions also. 

Where is Cator Woolford Gardens?

The Gardens is located at 1815 S. Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta.  It is on the east-most side of the historic Druid Hills neighborhood and just north of the Lake Claire neighborhood.  It is just west of Decatur, GA. 

How Much Time do People Typically Spend Exploring the Gardens and Frazer Forest?

I spent about 30 minutes exploring the garden area.  You could easily spend up to an hour.  The loop in Frazer Forest is just over half a mile.  You can venture off the loop onto connecting trails for a longer or more varied walk.  I only spent about 15-minutes in Frazer Forest, but if I’d had more time, I would have spent closer to 30 minutes hiking in this area.

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