Exploring the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail Murals: A Local’s Guide to Street Art

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is one of the city’s most iconic outdoor spaces—and it doubles as an ever-changing gallery of street art and murals. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want to experience the city’s creative side, the Eastside Trail is one of the easiest and most rewarding places to start.

Below is a practical guide to what you’ll see, where to look, and how to make the most of exploring the murals along this part of the BeltLine.

What Is the Eastside Trail—and Why Is It a Street Art Hotspot?

The Eastside Trail is a paved multi-use path that runs roughly from Piedmont Park / 10th Street in Midtown down through Poncey-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and toward Reynoldstown (near Memorial Drive).

Along the way, it passes by:

• Old industrial buildings and warehouses
• Underpasses and bridge supports
• New mixed-use developments, apartments, and parks

Those blank walls and concrete surfaces have become a canvas for murals, graffiti-style pieces, stencil work, and installations by both local and visiting artists. The art is:

• Highly visible – directly along the trail, at eye level, easy to explore on foot or by bike
• Constantly changing – walls are occasionally repainted or added to, so there’s usually something new
• Free and accessible – no tickets, no lines, and you can go at your own pace

The Eastside Trail is part of the larger Atlanta BeltLine project, coordinated by Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (100 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30303), which supports public art through its Art on the Atlanta BeltLine program.

Key Mural Hotspots Along the Eastside Trail

You’ll find artwork scattered the whole way, but certain stretches are especially mural-heavy. Think of the trail in segments as you plan your walk or ride.

1. Midtown / Piedmont Park Area (North End)

General area: Near 10th Street and Monroe Drive, by the Piedmont Park connector.

What to expect:

• Smaller pieces and tags under bridges and near the transitions onto the trail
• Rotating works on utility boxes, fences, and retaining walls
• Occasional temporary installations from the Art on the BeltLine program

This area is more of a lead-in to the denser art zones further south, but it’s still worth a slow look as you enter the trail.

2. Ponce City Market & Poncey-Highland

General area: Around Ponce City Market (PCM), the North Avenue bridge, and the ramps up to the market.

This is one of the most photographed stretches of the Eastside Trail.

Common highlights:

• Large-scale murals on the backs and sides of buildings facing the trail
• Colorful abstract pieces and character-based murals on retaining walls and stairwells leading up to PCM
• Art wrapped around bike racks, railings, and small structures, not just the large walls

Why it’s good for visitors:

• You can combine street art, food, and shopping in a single stop
• Easy access from Ponce de Leon Avenue with paid parking nearby
• Plenty of daylight foot traffic—good for people-watching and casual exploring

If you’re short on time and want a single destination where you’re almost guaranteed to see notable murals, this area is a strong choice.

3. Old Fourth Ward & Historic Fourth Ward Park

General area: South of Ponce City Market, near the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark and Historic Fourth Ward Park.

This section is known for:

• Walls under and around bridges that tend to feature layered graffiti, calligraphy-style lettering, and street tags
• Bold, colorful murals facing the skatepark and park entrances
• Occasional community-oriented or message-driven pieces reflecting Atlanta’s history, social issues, and local culture

The skatepark area, in particular, is a draw:

• Murals often change or get refreshed
• You’ll see a mix of polished, commissioned work and more informal graffiti
• It’s a natural spot to take a break, watch skaters, and explore the artwork up close

4. Inman Park & Krog Street Connector

General area: Between Irwin Street / Lake Avenue and the connection toward Krog Street Market and Krog Street Tunnel.

While Krog Street Tunnel’s graffiti and murals are technically just off the Eastside Trail, this whole zone feels like one big street art corridor.

On and near the Eastside Trail here, you’ll find:

• Murals on the backs of Inman Park buildings facing the BeltLine
• Artwork on fences, construction walls, and side streets leading toward Krog Street Market
• Smaller, detailed pieces—stencils, paste-ups, and sticker art—if you look closely

This is a great area if you want to pair:

• Murals on the Eastside Trail
• The heavily painted Krog Street Tunnel
• Food and drinks at Krog Street Market or nearby Inman Park spots

5. Reynoldstown / Memorial Drive Area (Southern End of the Eastside Trail)

General area: Near Memorial Drive SE, where the Eastside Trail heads toward the Eastside / Southside connection.

Here you tend to find:

• Murals on the sides of newer apartment and mixed-use developments
• Large, colorful walls that sometimes feature nature themes, typography, or portraits
• Trail-facing works that feel more like “gateway” pieces as you enter or leave this stretch

This zone has shifted a lot over the past few years with new construction, so the art mix can change quickly. It’s still very walkable and worth including if you’re doing a longer ride or stroll.

Types of Street Art You’ll See on the Eastside Trail

As you move along the Eastside Trail, you’ll encounter a range of styles:

• Murals: Large, planned works—often commissioned—covering building walls or retaining walls
• Graffiti and letter art: Stylized names, phrases, and intricate lettering, especially under bridges
• Stencils and paste-ups: Smaller pieces, often repeated images or designs, on utility boxes, poles, and lower walls
• Installations and sculptures: Periodic 3D artworks, signs, or sculptural pieces as part of Art on the BeltLine

Some walls are clearly curated and maintained, while others function like open canvases where artists add, layer, and repaint over time. This mix is part of what makes the Eastside Trail feel alive and evolving.

Suggested Routes for Seeing the Murals

You don’t have to walk the entire Eastside Trail to see great art. Here are some reasonable options depending on how much time and energy you have.

Quick 45–60 Minute Walk

Best for: Visitors with limited time or locals on a lunch break.

Route idea:

1. Start near Ponce City Market on the Eastside Trail.
2. Walk south toward Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark and Historic Fourth Ward Park.
3. Explore the murals and graffiti-heavy bridge areas.
4. Turn around and walk back to PCM, taking the opposite side of the trail to catch anything you missed.

You’ll see a dense concentration of large-scale murals and plenty of casual city life.

2–3 Hour Walk or Casual Bike Ride

Best for: Weekend explorers, locals entertaining out-of-town guests.

Route idea (north to south):

1. Hop on near 10th Street / Monroe Drive close to Piedmont Park.
2. Walk or bike south past Ponce City Market and the North Avenue bridge area.
3. Continue to Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark and Historic Fourth Ward Park.
4. Keep going toward Inman Park and the Krog Street connection.
5. Optional: Detour to Krog Street Tunnel for even more murals and graffiti.
6. Return on the same path or exit at a side street and grab a rideshare or MARTA bus, depending on your comfort and timing.

This gives you a solid cross-section of the Eastside Trail mural scene, plus access to parks, food, and restrooms at various stops.

Half-Day “Art + Neighborhoods” Exploration

Best for: People who want to combine street art with deeper neighborhood exploration.

Combine:

• Eastside Trail murals
• Ponce City Market (shops/food)
• Historic Fourth Ward Park (green space + occasional art)
• Inman Park side streets (Victorian homes, small galleries, and local eateries)
• Krog Street Market and Krog Street Tunnel

You can start at any point and loop through. Many people prefer to walk one way and rideshare back to avoid repeating the same stretch.

When to Go and What to Expect

Best Time of Day

• Morning (8–11 a.m.): Cooler temperatures, less crowded, softer light for photos
• Late afternoon to early evening: Lively atmosphere, more people out, still good for photos
• After dark: Some parts of the trail are lit and used in the evening, but murals are harder to see, and visibility is reduced. Many locals prefer daylight for art-focused visits.

Weekday vs. Weekend

• Weekdays: Generally less crowded, easier to take your time photographing and reading mural details
• Weekends: Much busier—dogs, strollers, runners, cyclists—but also more energy and people-watching

Practical Tips for Enjoying the Eastside Trail Murals

Getting There and Access Points

Common access points to the Eastside Trail include:

• 10th Street & Monroe Drive NE (near Piedmont Park)
• Ponce de Leon Avenue NE (via Ponce City Market access)
• Ralph McGill Boulevard NE / Lake Avenue NE (Old Fourth Ward area)
• Irwin Street NE / Lake Avenue NE (Inman Park area)
• Memorial Drive SE (south end of the Eastside Trail)

You can usually find paid parking lots or decks near Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and various mixed-use complexes along the trail.

Walking vs. Biking

• Walking

  • Best for stopping frequently, taking photos, and studying details
  • Easier if you’re in a group that likes to wander or window-shop along the way

• Biking or scootering

  • Good if you want to see more of the trail in less time
  • Be ready to dismount in crowded areas or tight underpasses
  • Stay to the right, and use your voice or bell to pass pedestrians safely

What to Bring

• Water – especially in warmer months, as shade varies along the trail
• Comfortable shoes – you may easily walk several miles without realizing it
• Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen; many walls you’ll want to see are in direct sun
• Phone or camera – for photos of your favorite murals

Optional but helpful:

• Small backpack or crossbody bag for hands-free walking
• Notebook or notes app if you like to jot down artists’ names or mural locations

Respecting the Art, Trail, and Neighborhoods

The Eastside Trail runs through residential and commercial areas, so a few simple courtesies go a long way:

• Stay on the trail or clearly designated paths and sidewalks.
• Avoid climbing on private buildings, fences, or structures to get closer to a mural.
• Don’t tag, scratch, or paint over existing murals or graffiti.
• Keep noise at a reasonable level, especially earlier in the morning or near residential buildings.
• Use trash and recycling bins along the trail or carry your trash with you.

Most murals are either on private property facing the trail or are part of sanctioned public art programs. Treat them like you would artwork in a gallery—photograph and admire, but don’t alter.

How the Art Gets There: Art on the Atlanta BeltLine

Much of the more formal, large-scale work you see on the Eastside Trail is connected to the Art on the Atlanta BeltLine initiative. This program:

• Invites artists to propose murals, sculptures, performances, and temporary installations
• Focuses on works that engage with Atlanta’s communities, history, and environment
• Helps coordinate permissions and logistics with property owners, neighborhoods, and agencies

If you’re an artist or just curious:

• You can look up open calls and general program details through Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
• In some years, informational meetings or artist Q&A sessions occur in person at community or city-run facilities around Atlanta

For general BeltLine information, you can contact:

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
100 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 2300
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-477-3003 (main office line; subject to change)

They can direct you to more specific resources about the public art program, volunteer opportunities, and any current events tied to the murals.

Family-Friendly? Photo-Friendly? Here’s a Quick Snapshot

Below is a simple overview to help you choose which stretch of the Eastside Trail fits your plans.

Tips for Locals vs. Visitors

If You Live in Atlanta

• Use the Eastside Trail murals as an excuse to explore at different times of year. New pieces pop up and older ones change.
• Try doing a “north half” and “south half” walk on different weekends to see more without rushing.
• Consider starting from a different access point than usual; entering from Memorial Drive feels very different from entering from Piedmont Park.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

• Prioritize the Ponce City Market to Historic Fourth Ward stretch if you’re on a tight schedule.
• Pair your mural walk with a meal or coffee stop every mile or so; there are many options just off the trail.
• If you’re unfamiliar with the area, stick to daylight hours for the best artwork visibility and easier navigation.

FAQ: Common Questions About Eastside Trail Murals

Are the murals permanent?
Some are long-term, but many are temporary or semi-temporary. Walls get repainted, tagged, refreshed, or replaced, which is part of the appeal.

Can I book a mural tour?
Various independent tour guides and businesses sometimes offer BeltLine art walks or bike tours. Since offerings change, many people prefer a self-guided walk using obvious visual landmarks like Ponce City Market, Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, and Krog Street.

Is there a map of specific murals?
You can find general BeltLine trail maps and information about Art on the BeltLine pieces through official BeltLine channels. However, because street art changes often, no single map stays fully up to date. It’s often more enjoyable to treat the trail as a scavenger hunt and discover what’s there in the moment.

Is it free to see the murals?
Yes. The Eastside Trail is free to use, and the murals can all be viewed at no cost.

Exploring the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail murals is one of the most accessible ways to experience Atlanta’s creative energy. Whether you walk a single mile around Ponce City Market or spend half a day weaving from Piedmont Park to Reynoldstown, you’ll get a vivid, street-level view of how art, neighborhoods, and everyday life intersect in the city.