Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects in the United States, transforming 22 miles of former rail corridors into a thriving loop of parks, trails, public art, and community life. Stretching across 45 neighborhoods, this dynamic space weaves together recreation, culture, and city living in a way that feels both energetic and welcoming.

Once a symbol of Atlanta’s industrial past, the BeltLine now pulses with modern vitality. Locals and visitors alike lace up their sneakers or hop on bikes to experience this open-air network that brings the city to life. It’s a place where art meets movement, where green space links with innovation, and where every step forward connects you more deeply to Atlanta’s heart.

A Trail that Connects Communities

The BeltLine is more than a simple path through the city. It is a full loop that links dozens of neighborhoods with multi-use trails, lush parks, and planned transit routes. Each segment offers a distinct experience shaped by the surrounding community, from residential charm and industrial grit to bursts of color and sound from murals and installations.

Whether you’re jogging past old rail lines reclaimed with wildflowers, cruising on a scooter toward the latest food hotspot, or walking your dog beside a sprawling mural, the BeltLine feels alive with purpose and connection.

Parks, Playgrounds, and Purposeful Green Space

The BeltLine’s collection of parks offers a welcome escape from the city’s hum without ever feeling far from it. These aren’t passive lawns or manicured gardens—they are spaces designed to be used.

• Historic Fourth Ward Park provides a multi-use green oasis with trails, open lawns, and views of Midtown skyscrapers.
  
• Piedmont Park and Grant Park connect nearby through pathways that blend active spaces with places to pause and reflect.
  
• The Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park, Atlanta’s first public skate park, invites riders of all ages and abilities to roll through its banks and ramps, just steps away from the Eastside Trail.

Eastside Energy and Westside Charm

Each leg of the BeltLine reveals a different side of the city. The Eastside Trail buzzes with activity from early morning to well past dusk. Restaurants, breweries, and cafes line the trail, drawing walkers and cyclists to grab a meal or drink with skyline views. Some favorites include brunch at TWO Urban Licks or a coffee from Ponce City Market, where open patios welcome trailgoers and four-legged companions alike.

Further west, the Westside Trail offers a slightly more laid-back pace with quiet neighborhoods, shaded paths, and emerging businesses. It’s a great place to explore Atlanta’s historical roots while seeing the momentum of change and renewal.

Art that Moves with You

Art is not confined to galleries on the BeltLine. Sculptures, installations, murals, and performance pieces unfold organically along the trail as part of Art on the BeltLine, the Southeast’s largest temporary public art exhibition. These works are not simply placed—they feel part of the environment, interacting with people as they walk, run, or ride by.

The BeltLine is also known for its Lantern Parade, a yearly event that draws thousands to march with handmade lanterns, lighting up the trail with creativity and community spirit. Held in September, it is a celebration of imagination, rhythm, and collective joy.

Move, Stretch, and Explore

The BeltLine isn’t just for casual strolling. It’s a city-sized fitness studio. Dozens of wellness programs take place each month, from Zumba in Grant Park to Core + More at Pittsburgh Yards. You’ll also find tennis classes in Washington Park and group jump rope sessions in the amphitheater of Historic Fourth Ward Park.

For those seeking a guided experience, the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership offers walking, biking, and bus tours that highlight the project’s evolution, future plans, and its impact on local communities.

Getting Around and Making It Easy

If you didn’t bring your own wheels, there’s no reason to miss out. Bike rentals are available through the Atlanta Bicycle Barn on the Eastside Trail or through the city’s public bikeshare program. Trail maps help visitors pick the best route for their needs, whether they want to cover lots of ground or focus on one neighborhood.

The BeltLine is also a pet-friendly destination, welcoming dogs across all trails and parks. On any given afternoon, you’ll see locals walking their pups or stopping for water breaks under shaded canopies.

Fueling the Day with Local Flavor

Food is never far when you’re on the BeltLine. Some of Atlanta’s most talked-about dining spots back directly onto the trail. Outdoor patios let diners enjoy their meals with the pulse of the city as their soundtrack. From brunch spots to grab-and-go coffee counters, every craving can be answered within a few steps.

It’s this seamless blend of city energy and thoughtful planning that sets the BeltLine apart. One minute you’re sipping a cocktail with views of the Midtown skyline, the next you’re pedaling past a blooming park or a local art piece that makes you pause.

A Living Vision for Atlanta

The BeltLine represents more than revitalization. It is a movement toward a more accessible, inclusive, and creatively charged city. With ongoing development including future transit lines and housing initiatives, the BeltLine is growing, evolving, and expanding its role as a connector for people, neighborhoods, and opportunities.

To experience Atlanta is to walk the BeltLine. It’s where the city’s energy meets nature, where conversations start between strangers, and where every mile opens new possibilities. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or looking to discover the rhythm of Atlanta’s neighborhoods, the BeltLine is your path forward.