The Atlanta BeltLine map can be a little overwhelming at first glance—loops, spur trails, “segments,” and planned vs. complete sections. Once you understand how it’s laid out, though, it becomes one of the easiest ways to navigate the city on foot, bike, scooter, or skates.
This guide walks through how the BeltLine is organized, how to read a typical Atlanta BeltLine map, and what each section of the loop offers, with a focus on what’s most useful if you live in or are visiting Atlanta.
On most official and printed maps, the Atlanta BeltLine is shown as a loop around central Atlanta, broken into four main “sides,” with several side paths and connector trails:
You’ll also usually see:
Most maps are oriented with Downtown and Midtown in the center, and the BeltLine circling them.
Here’s a high-level way to “read” the BeltLine on a map, traveling clockwise from the popular Eastside.
This is the busiest and most recognizable part of the BeltLine.
You’ll typically see the Eastside Trail running from roughly:
On the map, this section is usually shown as a solid line, clearly marked as open and paved.
What people use this section for:
The Westside Trail appears on the opposite side of the loop from the Eastside Trail and generally connects:
On maps, you’ll often see it:
Typical uses:
The Southside Trail is meant to close the loop between the Eastside and Westside Trails, running generally through neighborhoods like:
On most maps you’ll notice:
People often use the Southside Trail to:
The north side of the BeltLine—especially the northwest—tends to be more fragmented on maps:
This part of the map is most useful for:
While every printed or digital BeltLine map looks a bit different, they usually share some basic conventions.
Common map elements:
When you look at a BeltLine map, it helps to:
Here’s a simplified way to visualize what each segment connects to when you’re reading a map:
| BeltLine Segment | General Area of City | Common Landmarks / Connections | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastside Trail | Midtown / Eastside | Piedmont Park, Ponce City Market, Historic Fourth Ward Park, Inman Park | High-activity walking, biking, dining access |
| Southside Trail | Southeast / South | Grant Park area, Chosewood Park, Peoplestown, Pittsburgh | Looping runs/rides, connecting east to west |
| Westside Trail | Southwest / West | West End, Adair Park, access to West End MARTA | Neighborhood trail use, commuting |
| North / Northwest Sections | North / Northwest | Future links toward northwest neighborhoods and parks | Planning long-term routes, local walks |
If you’re coming from another part of Atlanta, you might:
Use MARTA rail to reach:
If driving, look at the map for:
On a detailed Atlanta BeltLine map, make sure your planned path is:
Look for icons or labels showing:
If you prefer an in-person or printed map of the Atlanta BeltLine, you can often find them or get directions at:
Atlanta BeltLine Center (Visitor / Info Type Space)
Frequently located along or near the Eastside Trail, this type of center (or similar information spaces when operating) can offer brochures, maps, and updates on trail status.
City of Atlanta offices or local government buildings
Main municipal offices, such as Atlanta City Hall (55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303), may be able to direct you to current trail information or city-produced maps.
MARTA rail stations
Major stations like Five Points, Midtown, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, and West End sometimes display area maps that show the BeltLine’s proximity to transit.
Visitor information desks in major areas of the city
These locations, especially in Downtown and Midtown, often carry city walking and biking maps that include BeltLine segments.
If you’re unsure exactly where an access point is, many Atlanta residents rely on:
Think of it as a ring road for walking and biking.
The BeltLine map is essentially a non-motorized loop around central Atlanta, with spokes into different neighborhoods.
Use landmarks as anchors.
When you’re looking at the map, first find Piedmont Park, Downtown, and West End—then trace the BeltLine around them to understand your orientation.
Check for elevation changes.
The BeltLine itself is generally manageable, but some access points from neighborhood streets are on hills, especially near park areas. The map won’t always show elevation, so allow a little extra time.
Expect ongoing changes.
Because it’s a long-term project, some areas on the map will be labeled as planned, interim, or under construction. These change over time, so once you know the layout, it’s easier to adjust when a new segment opens.
Combine the BeltLine with nearby streets.
Many local walkers, runners, and cyclists use the BeltLine as a backbone, then hop off on side streets to reach destinations like Grant Park, Westview, Old Fourth Ward, or downtown attractions.
With a clear map of the Atlanta BeltLine, you can treat it as a connected system rather than a set of isolated trails. Once you know which sections are open and how they loop around Midtown and Downtown, it becomes one of the most flexible ways to move around Atlanta without a car.
