Welcome to Atlanta! Whether you’re new to the city or still have more to explore, the Atlanta Beltline should be at the top of your must-experience list. The Beltline is a planned 22-mile loop of trails, parks and transit that connects more than 45 neighborhoods along former railroad corridors, creating a vibrant ribbon of activity that’s transforming how Atlantans live, work and play. As of June 2025, 12.6 miles of the mainline trail have been completed, along with 10.3 miles of connector trails that link directly to current and future segments. With more construction underway since its founding in 2005, the Beltline continues to grow. Whether you’re walking your dog, catching a race or discovering local art, the Beltline offers something for everyone.
The Beltline hosts a race series with the Atlanta Track Club featuring three annual runs: the Northside Beltline 3K-5K (March), the Westside Beltline 5K-8K (August), and the Eastside Beltline 5K-10K (November). Over 27,000 racers have participated in this beloved tradition that welcomes runners, walkers, strollers and dogs of all fitness levels. Runners who compete in all three get a Beltline-branded medal. They also can meet new people at the Track Club and Beltline’s weekly Thursday Run Club; the two- and four-mile fun runs start at different brewery locations, including Sweetwater, BrewDog and Wild Heaven Beer West End, with post-run refreshments and socializing with the community.
Want to move your body without a gym membership and make new friends? The Beltline offers Atlanta’s largest free fitness program with classes ranging from yoga and Zumba to tennis and skating. These outdoor sessions for all fitness levels give people recreational options along the trail while also fostering a social network. Exercise naturally boosts mood and reduces stress, and physically active people have up to 50 percent lower risk of heart attack. No excuses needed: everyone is welcome to join this supportive fitness community along the trail.
The Beltline connects some of Atlanta’s most beloved green spaces, creating an “emerald necklace” of parks. Piedmont Park anchors the Eastside with its iconic skyline views, swimming pool and gravel running track, while Shirley Clarke Franklin Park offers 280 acres of recreation space, including views over Atlanta’s water reservoir, the former quarry. Washington Park has a pool, pavilions and more, while Adair Park adds historic charm to the Southwest Trail. These connected parks create a continuous green space for recreation, relaxation and community gathering throughout the urban core.
Cool off during Atlanta’s hot summers at pools along the Beltline route. Most City of Atlanta pools are free and open from 12:30 pm to 7:30 pm, including the Washington Park Natatorium near the Westside Trail. The Piedmont Park Pool on the Northeast Trail (fee required) offers a fun aquatic experience with a lazy river, swim lanes and a kid-friendly pool. There’s a splash pad at Historic Fourth Ward Park on the Eastside Trail that’s free. Splash pads operate seasonally from May to October. These aquatic amenities make the Beltline a year-round destination for families and fitness enthusiasts seeking relief from the Georgia heat.
As the Beltline continues to grow, so does its Arboretum, an 85-acre living collection of over 9,000 plants and 369 tree and shrub species. Designed and maintained by Trees Atlanta, this free, linear green museum enhances trail connectivity, restores native habitats and invites all Atlantans to explore the city’s unique ecology season after season.
The Beltline offers diverse experiences, from urban excitement to natural tranquility. The Eastside Trail provides an incredible city experience with skyline views, bustling markets and dense development. In contrast, sections of the Northside Trail near Bobby Jones Golf Course offer peaceful, tree-lined paths perfect for quiet reflection. This variety means you can choose your adventure, whether you’re seeking the energy of Ponce City Market or the serenity of wooded stretches that feel worlds away from downtown.
Explore the Beltline on two wheels through organized bike tours that showcase neighborhood history, art installations and local culture. The paved trail system is perfect for cycling, with bike rental stations and repair facilities along the route. Tours often highlight the Beltline’s transformation from abandoned railway to a thriving community destination, offering insights into Atlanta’s urban development and future vision. Biking provides an efficient way to cover more ground and experience multiple neighborhoods in one outing.
The Beltline pulses with cultural events that celebrate Atlanta’s creative spirit. The annual Lantern Parade transforms the trail into a magical procession of light and community participation. Beyond special events, the Beltline serves as one of the largest temporary linear galleries and exhibitions in the U.S., offering visitors an ever-evolving outdoor art experience. Public art flourishes throughout the corridor, with vibrant murals and sculptures providing discovery opportunities around every corner. These artistic elements showcase how the Beltline serves as both transportation infrastructure and cultural venue.
The Beltline has become a catalyst for small business development, with local entrepreneurs opening shops, cafes and services along the trail. The Atlanta Beltline Marketplace offers affordable commercial spaces for small, local businesses specializing in food and locally made products. These small businesses create the authentic neighborhood character that makes each Beltline section unique. Supporting these local enterprises helps sustain the community-driven development that makes the Beltline more than just a trail, but also an economic engine for local neighborhoods.
The Beltline connects you to Atlanta’s premier food hall destinations. Krog Street Market (recently voted the third best food hall in the U.S.) offers artisanal vendors in a historic setting, while Ponce City Market provides diverse dining options in a converted Sears building with rooftop attractions. Lee + White brings culinary excellence to the Southwest Trail with local chef concepts and community gathering spaces. These food destinations represent the Beltline’s role in urban revitalization, turning former industrial sites into vibrant community anchors.
For more info, visit Atlanta Beltline's website.
Did you know?
The Atlanta Beltline is located within the limits of the City of Atlanta, bounded to the east by Virginia-Highland/Old Fourth Ward and Piedmont Park, the southeast by Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta, the southside near Pittsburgh Yards, the southwest by Adair Park and Washington Park, the west by Franklin Park, the northwest by Bobby Jones Golf Course and the northeast by Armour Drive.
