What Is the Atlanta BeltLine? A Local Guide to Atlanta’s Signature Trail

The Atlanta BeltLine is a growing network of multi-use trails, parks, transit corridors, and public art built along a historic 22‑mile railroad loop that circles intown Atlanta. It’s one of the city’s most important projects, reshaping how people walk, bike, commute, and explore neighborhoods from Buckhead to Southwest Atlanta.

If you live in Atlanta, visit regularly, or are planning a trip, understanding the BeltLine helps you make sense of how the city connects—and where to go.

BeltLine Basics: What It Actually Is

At its core, the Atlanta BeltLine is:

• A loop around central Atlanta, following old freight rail corridors
• A series of paved trails for walking, biking, scooters, and strollers
• A network of parks and green spaces connected by these trails
• A planned future transit line (light rail or similar) on parts of the corridor
• A driver of new housing, businesses, and public art

The BeltLine is managed by Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) in coordination with the City of Atlanta.

Is the BeltLine a road or a highway?

No. The BeltLine is not a road for cars. It’s a pedestrian and bike-friendly trail system. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the trail itself, aside from maintenance and emergency access.

The 22-Mile Loop and Major Trail Segments

The “BeltLine” usually refers to the full 22‑mile loop, but most people experience it as individual trail segments.

Here are the major segments most Atlantans talk about:

Not all parts of the 22‑mile loop are fully paved yet, but new pieces open periodically, connecting more neighborhoods over time.

Where the BeltLine Runs in Atlanta

The BeltLine passes through or near many Atlanta neighborhoods, including:

• Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland, Inman Park
• Old Fourth Ward, Reynoldstown, Cabbagetown
• West End, Adair Park, Westview, Washington Park
• Glenwood Park, Grant Park (nearby), Chosewood Park
• Ansley Park, Buckhead area near Peachtree Creek (via Northside connections)

The project area is often described as the “BeltLine corridor”, which includes:

• The trail or future trail itself
• Adjacent neighborhoods where development, parks, and transit improvements are focused

If you’re trying to understand whether your home or destination is “on the BeltLine,” people usually mean:
Is it within a short walk or bike ride from one of the paved trail segments?

What You Can Do on the BeltLine

The BeltLine is designed as a multi-use urban trail, so you’ll see a mix of activities:

• Walk, jog, or run for exercise or commuting
• Bike or scooter between neighborhoods instead of driving
• Visit restaurants, coffee shops, and bars that open directly onto the trail
• Check out public art, murals, and sculptures
• Relax in parks connected to the trail, such as Historic Fourth Ward Park
• Attend occasional festivals, pop-up markets, or fitness classes hosted along the trail

Families commonly use the BeltLine with strollers and kids’ bikes, especially on the Eastside Trail and parts of the Westside Trail.

Popular Access Points and Landmarks

While the BeltLine does not have one central address, there are several key access points that help orient you:

Eastside Trail Landmarks

• Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  Direct ramp access down to the BeltLine; major food hall and shopping.

• Historic Fourth Ward Park – 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  Lakeside park a short walk from the trail; playground and green space.

• Krog Street Market – 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Near the southern portion of the Eastside Trail via DeKalb Ave/Krog area.

Westside Trail Landmarks

• West End MARTA Station – 680 Lee St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
  Short walk to the Westside Trail; convenient if you’re arriving by rail.

• Lee + White District – Along White St SW, just off the Westside Trail
  Cluster of food, beverage, and makerspaces adjoining the trail.

Northside Area Access

• Tanyard Creek Park – 73 28th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Connects to the Northside Trail through wooded areas and open fields.

These locations make good starting points if you’re new to the BeltLine and want to orient yourself.

How the BeltLine Is Organized and Managed

The project involves several official entities:

• Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI)
  Leads planning and implementation.
  Office (as of recent information):
  100 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 2300
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: 404-477-3003 (general main line)

• City of Atlanta Department of City Planning & Department of Parks and Recreation
  Coordinate zoning, land use, and park design.

• Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
  Expected to be a critical partner as BeltLine transit elements expand.

If you have detailed questions about construction timelines, future segments, or official meetings, ABI is usually the primary contact.

Transportation: Getting To and Around the BeltLine

Accessing the BeltLine Without a Car

Many Atlantans use MARTA or other modes to reach the trail:

• Rail + Walk:

  • Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station – Eastside/Southside connections
  • Midtown Station – short bike/scooter ride to Eastside Trail
  • West End Station – close to the Westside Trail

• Bike and Scooter Share
  You may see shared bikes and scooters near major access points. These are commonly used for short trips between neighborhoods and MARTA.

BeltLine and Future Transit

A core goal of the project is to add transit along parts of the corridor, linking to MARTA rail and bus routes. Construction and specific modes can vary by segment, but the long-term vision is a trail-plus-transit loop encircling intown Atlanta.

Parks, Green Space, and Nature Along the BeltLine

The BeltLine connects a series of parks and green spaces, giving Atlanta a more continuous greenscape through the urban core.

Common parks associated with the BeltLine include:

• Historic Fourth Ward Park – near the Eastside Trail
• D.H. Stanton Park – near the Southside corridor
• Adair Park – adjacent to the Westside area
• Westside Park – not directly on the loop but connected through Westside improvements
• Tanyard Creek Park – along the Northside Trail

These spaces typically offer:

• Walking paths
• Playgrounds
• Open lawns for picnics or casual sports
• Water features or ponds in some parks

For someone living near the BeltLine, it often becomes an everyday route to a nearby park.

Safety, Etiquette, and Local Tips

The BeltLine is generally busy, especially on nice-weather weekends, so trail etiquette matters.

Shared trail basics:

• Keep right, pass on the left
• Signal or call out when passing (“On your left”)
• Keep pets on a short leash and clean up after them
• Avoid blocking the path if stopping to talk or take photos
• At night, use lights if biking and stay aware of your surroundings

Many locals treat the BeltLine as a public street without cars: a place where courtesy and awareness help everyone share the space comfortably.

Housing, Business, and Neighborhood Change

The BeltLine has had a noticeable impact on:

• Housing demand and prices in nearby neighborhoods
• New apartment and condo developments along trail segments
• Growth of restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and retail that open directly onto the trail

If you live in Atlanta and are considering moving near the BeltLine, it’s common to:

• Weigh walkability and amenities against higher rents or home prices in some segments
• Consider noise and activity levels, especially on the Eastside Trail, which can be busy and lively late into the evening

For businesses, being near the BeltLine can mean:

• Increased foot traffic from residents and visitors
• The need to understand BeltLine zoning and design guidelines through the City of Atlanta and ABI

Events and Community Programming

Throughout the year, the BeltLine corridor often features:

• Guided walking and bike tours
• Fitness classes in parks or along the trail
• Art installations, performances, and murals
• Occasional markets and community events

Programming can shift seasonally, but the general pattern is that the BeltLine serves as a public stage for community life in intown Atlanta.

If you want to stay involved:

• Many Atlantans join neighborhood associations or NPUs (Neighborhood Planning Units) that cover BeltLine-adjacent areas and provide updates on BeltLine developments.

Is the BeltLine Finished?

No. The BeltLine is a long-term, phased project.

As of recent years, several major trail sections are fully open and paved, while others are:

• Under active construction
• Open as “interim trails” (often gravel or unpaved)
• In design or planning stages

When locals talk about “the BeltLine,” they might mean:

• A specific open segment (e.g., “Let’s meet on the Eastside Trail”)
• The overall vision of a fully connected 22‑mile loop with transit

If you’re planning a trip or new commute route along the BeltLine, it’s wise to check which segments are currently open, paved, and connected, especially on the Southside and more industrial areas.

Key Takeaways for Atlantans and Visitors

• The Atlanta BeltLine is a 22‑mile loop of trails, parks, and future transit built along old rail lines encircling central Atlanta.
• It connects dozens of neighborhoods, making it easier to walk, bike, and explore without a car.
• Popular sections like the Eastside and Westside Trails offer restaurants, parks, public art, and lively streetscape-style activity.
• It’s still under development, with new segments and improvements rolling out over time.
• For many Atlanta residents, the BeltLine is both a daily route and a destination, shaping where people live, work, and spend their free time.

Understanding the BeltLine means understanding a major part of how modern Atlanta is growing, connecting, and redefining its intown neighborhoods.