Visiting Atlanta’s Jackson Street Bridge: Iconic Walking Dead View of the City

If you’ve seen the first season of The Walking Dead, you’ve seen one of Atlanta’s most famous skyline shots: a lone rider on horseback heading into downtown on an empty highway. That scene was filmed from the Jackson Street Bridge, which has since become a must-visit spot for locals, tourists, and film-location hunters.

This guide walks you through exactly how to see the “Walking Dead shot” in Atlanta, what to expect when you get there, and how to visit safely and respectfully.

Where Is the Jackson Street Bridge in Atlanta?

The Jackson Street Bridge is just east of downtown Atlanta, spanning Freedom Parkway and looking back toward the city’s skyline.

• General area: Old Fourth Ward / Sweet Auburn
• Nearby landmarks: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Edgewood Avenue, Freedom Parkway

While maps sometimes show multiple “Jackson” streets around Atlanta, the bridge people mean when they talk about the Walking Dead Jackson Street Bridge is the one overlooking Freedom Parkway with a clear view of the downtown skyline.

Why the Jackson Street Bridge Is Famous

The Walking Dead connection

The bridge became iconic after appearing in the pilot episode (“Days Gone Bye”) of The Walking Dead. The scene shows:

• The downtown Atlanta skyline in the distance
• Traffic lanes totally empty going into the city
• Abandoned cars leaving the city, symbolizing mass evacuation

From the Jackson Street Bridge, you can stand almost exactly where that camera was placed and get a near-identical angle of the city — minus the zombies and empty highway.

More than just a TV location

Even if you’re not a Walking Dead fan, locals know this as:

• One of the best free skyline views in Atlanta
• A popular spot for sunrise and sunset photos
• A frequent backdrop for engagement shoots, travel photos, and social media

So whether you’re interested in film history, photography, or just checking out a classic Atlanta view, it’s worth a stop.

How to Get to the Jackson Street Bridge

Driving and parking

You can drive close to the bridge, but you’ll need to park on nearby streets and walk a short distance.

Common options (always check posted signs when you arrive):

• Residential streets off Highland Avenue NE
• Side streets near Auburn Avenue NE and Jackson Street NE
• Areas near the MLK Jr. National Historical Park and then walking over

🚗 Tips for drivers:

• Parking is mostly on-street and limited; it can fill up quickly at sunset.
• Pay attention to permit-only, no parking zones, or time limits.
• Do not stop or park on Freedom Parkway itself; it’s a major roadway, not a pedestrian parking area.

Arriving by MARTA and on foot

If you’re using MARTA, you’ll likely walk the last stretch.

• From King Memorial Station (Blue/Green Line):

  • Walk north toward the Old Fourth Ward / Auburn Avenue area.
  • Head toward Jackson Street NE, then continue until you reach the bridge over Freedom Parkway.

• From Peachtree Center or Five Points Stations (Red/Gold Line):

  • Walk or use a rideshare to the Old Fourth Ward / Auburn Avenue area, then continue on foot.

For many visitors, a combination of MARTA plus a short rideshare is the easiest option.

What You’ll See: Recreating the Walking Dead Shot

Once you’re on the bridge, you’ll see:

• Downtown Atlanta straight ahead
• Freedom Parkway running under the bridge and curving toward the skyline
• Lanes of traffic moving into and out of the city

To get the classic Walking Dead angle:

1. Stand roughly in the center of the bridge on the south side (the side facing downtown).
2. Look toward Freedom Parkway as it leads into the city.
3. Frame your photo so the road curves from the bottom of the shot into the skyline.

You’ll notice the main differences from the show:

• There’s real traffic, especially during rush hours.
• The skyline has evolved, with some new buildings compared to the original shoot.

Best Time to Visit the Jackson Street Bridge

You can visit the bridge any time of day, but some times are more photogenic and comfortable.

Popular times

• Sunset / early evening:

  • The most popular time for visits and photos.
  • You’ll see the skyline lit with golden-hour light, then transition to city lights.

• Sunrise:

  • Much quieter and less crowded.
  • Soft light makes for dramatic photos, especially on clear mornings.

• Night:

  • Downtown’s lights and buildings stand out beautifully.
  • Long-exposure shots of car headlights and taillights on Freedom Parkway are common.

Weather and visibility

Atlanta’s weather changes quickly:

• After rain, the air can be clearer, giving sharper skyline views.
• Hazy or humid days can soften the skyline, which some photographers like for moodier shots.

Safety, Comfort, and Etiquette on the Bridge

The Jackson Street Bridge is a public roadway bridge, not a park or overlook platform, so it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings.

Pedestrian safety

• Stay on the sidewalk, not in the roadway.
• Watch for cyclists and other pedestrians.
• If you’re taking photos, step back from the edge when you’re not shooting so others can pass.

Respect for residents and traffic

This bridge runs through a residential and historic area:

• Keep noise down, especially early morning or late at night.
• Don’t block the whole sidewalk for extended photo sessions.
• Avoid standing in vehicle lanes or trying to recreate dangerous stunts.

Photography gear

You can generally take:

• Phones and small cameras
• Tripods and small stabilizers (as long as they don’t block the path)

If you’re planning a commercial shoot (for a production, brand, or large crew), you may need:

• A film permit through the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment
• Coordination about any lane closures or large setups

Quick Visit Checklist

Combining the Bridge With Other Atlanta Film and History Stops

If you’re already visiting the Jackson Street Bridge, you’re close to several other Atlanta highlights. Many people make it part of a half-day walking or driving route.

MLK Jr. and historic sites nearby

Within a short walk or drive:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
• The King Center
• Historic Sweet Auburn Avenue

These sites give a strong sense of Atlanta’s civil rights history and pair well with a film-location visit for a richer, more grounded experience in the city.

Other film and TV locations in Atlanta

Atlanta has become a major filming hub, so you may also be near:

• Downtown locations seen in The Walking Dead and other series
• Neighborhoods and streets that appear in Marvel films, streaming series, and commercials

Many visitors use the Jackson Street Bridge as a starting point and then explore more film sites through guided tours or self-guided routes around downtown, Midtown, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Whether you live here or you’re just in town for a few days, these pointers help make your visit smooth:

• Locals:

  • Try visiting on weeknights or early mornings for lighter crowds.
  • If you’re into photography, experiment with different seasons and weather conditions to capture changing skyline moods.

• Visitors:

  • Build the bridge into a day that includes downtown Atlanta, Old Fourth Ward, and Sweet Auburn.
  • Use MARTA plus rideshare to avoid parking worries, especially during events or rush hour.

• Families:

  • The bridge itself is short, but there’s no protective rail between the sidewalk and traffic lanes, so keep an eye on children.
  • Consider pairing it with a stop at a nearby park or museum to round out the outing.

The Jackson Street Bridge may be best known for its Walking Dead shot, but for many Atlantans it’s simply one of the city’s most recognizable views. If you want a free, easy way to see downtown from a cinematic angle, this is one of the most straightforward and rewarding spots to add to your Atlanta plans.