Which Parts of the Atlanta BeltLine Are Open to the Public Right Now?
The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the city’s biggest quality-of-life projects, and a common question from both residents and visitors is: Which sections are actually complete and open today?
Below is a clear, up-to-date style overview of the major open trail segments, plus how they connect, what you can do on them, and how to find current status information before you head out.
Quick Overview: Open Atlanta BeltLine Trail Segments
Use this as a fast reference for what’s open and generally accessible to the public.
| BeltLine Segment | General Area | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastside Trail | Midtown ↔ Inman Park ↔ Reynoldstown | Open & heavily used | Fully paved, high foot/bike traffic, connects to parks & restaurants |
| Westside Trail | Adair Park ↔ West End ↔ Westview | Open | Paved, links to MARTA West End, several parks and neighborhoods |
| Southside Trail (West portion) | West End ↔ Pittsburgh / Capitol View | Partially open, improving | Some sections paved and open; others may be under construction |
| Northside Trail | Peachtree Hills / Collier Hills (Buckhead-adjacent) | Open | Paved, winds through Tanyard Creek and residential areas |
| Westside Connector / spur segments | Around Bankhead / Northwest | Select segments open | Conditions can change; good to verify route before a long ride |
| Interim hiking/biking corridors | Various | Unpaved or mixed | Often open but not fully developed or paved; more “adventure” feel |
Always keep in mind: the BeltLine is a work in progress. Segments may close temporarily for construction or repairs, so checking latest updates is wise before planning a long walk or bike ride.
The Eastside Trail: The Most Popular Open BeltLine Segment
The Eastside Trail is the best-known and most consistently busy part of the BeltLine. If someone in Atlanta says they’re “on the BeltLine,” they often mean this stretch.
Where it runs
The Eastside Trail generally runs:
- From the Old Fourth Ward / Ponce City Market area
- South through Inman Park
- Down into Reynoldstown
Along the way it passes close to:
- Historic Fourth Ward Park
- Ponce City Market area
- Retail, restaurants, and apartments in Inman Park
- The Krog Street Market area (via connections)
- Single-family neighborhoods in Reynoldstown
What’s open and what to expect
This section is:
- Fully paved and landscaped
- Open to the public for walking, running, biking, strollers, and wheelchairs
- Lined with lights, signage, and access points at major cross streets
Because it’s so popular:
- Expect heavy crowds, especially:
- Evenings after work
- Weekends
- Good-weather days
- Cyclists often need to slow down near busy restaurant clusters and crossings
If you’re new to the BeltLine, the Eastside Trail is the easiest way to understand what a “finished” BeltLine corridor looks and feels like.
The Westside Trail: Open and Expanding
The Westside Trail is another major section that is open and actively used, especially by residents on Atlanta’s Westside.
Where it runs
The main Westside Trail currently connects neighborhoods such as:
- Adair Park
- West End
- Westview
A common way people access it is near:
- West End MARTA Station
- Parks and community spaces along White Street SW and surrounding areas
What’s open
The core Westside Trail:
- Is paved and open, similar in feel to the Eastside, though often less crowded
- Connects several Westside parks and residential streets
- Offers good bike and scooter routes with fewer restaurant clusters than the Eastside
Further north and west, there are additional segments and connectors in the larger Westside corridor. Some pieces are:
- Completed and open as paved trail
- Open in a more interim, gravel, or natural-surface form
- Under active construction
Because of this mix, locals often use mapping apps plus BeltLine updates to plan longer Westside rides or runs.
The Southside Trail: Partially Complete and Opening in Phases
The Southside Trail is the missing link between the Eastside and Westside corridors, and it’s being built in phased sections.
What’s currently open
As of the current development phase, you’ll generally find:
- Some paved, fully open sections (particularly closer to the West End / Adair Park side)
- Other segments under construction, fenced off, or signed as closed
- Portions that may function as interim, unpaved paths when work isn’t active
Neighborhoods affected include:
- West End
- Pittsburgh
- Capitol View / Capitol View Manor
- Areas trending toward Grant Park / Boulevard on the eastern side of the loop
Because the Southside is very much in transition, it’s common for:
- Locals to use a mix of BeltLine segments plus neighborhood streets
- Routes to change seasonally as construction finishes or starts
If your goal is a continuous paved loop, the Southside still has gaps. If you’re comfortable with detours and want to see the BeltLine as it develops, this area can be interesting to explore.
The Northside Trail: A Shorter, Scenic Open Segment
The Northside Trail is a shorter, scenic beltline segment on the north side of the city.
Where it runs
The Northside Trail winds through:
- The Tanyard Creek area
- Adjacent neighborhoods such as Collier Hills and near Peachtree Hills
It’s not yet connected as a continuous loop to the Eastside via fully built BeltLine trails, but it’s complete in its own right and feels like a neighborhood greenway.
What’s open and what it’s like
- Paved and open to the public
- Passes through tree-lined areas and near historic sites related to Civil War earthworks
- Used by:
- Local residents walking dogs
- Runners and cyclists
- Families with strollers
It’s a good option if you live or are staying on the north side of I-75/85 and want a taste of the BeltLine without heading all the way to the Eastside or Westside.
Other Open and Interim Segments Around the Loop
Beyond the major Eastside, Westside, Southside, and Northside sections, the Atlanta BeltLine includes additional open pieces and planned corridors.
Westside / Northwest connectors
In the Bankhead / Northwest part of Atlanta, you may find:
- Paved trail segments that are open but not yet fully connected
- Access points near regional trails and roads that will eventually link into the BeltLine loop
These sections are used by:
- Commuter cyclists
- Neighborhood residents
- People linking the BeltLine with other regional trails
Conditions can vary. Some segments feel like a polished multi-use trail; others still have a “work in progress” character.
Interim hiking and biking corridors
In some parts of the city, the official BeltLine corridor is:
- Cleared and open as a path, but not yet fully paved
- Used for walking, running, and casual biking by residents who don’t mind gravel, dirt, and more rustic conditions
These interim sections:
- May not have lighting or full landscaping
- Can be muddy or uneven, especially after rain
- Sometimes close temporarily for construction or utility work
For families with small children or people who need smooth, accessible surfaces, the fully paved segments (Eastside, Westside core, Northside) are usually safer choices.
How to Tell If a Specific BeltLine Segment Is Open
Because the BeltLine is constantly evolving, people in Atlanta often want a simple way to check if:
- A segment is open, closed, or detoured
- Construction is active in a specific area
- A continuous route is available for running or biking
Here are practical ways to stay informed:
1. Look for on-site signage
When you arrive at a trail access point, watch for:
- Trail status signs indicating closure or detour
- Construction fencing or barricades
- Painted or posted messages marking temporary routes
If an area is under major construction, it is usually clearly blocked off for safety.
2. Use common mapping and navigation apps
Many Atlanta residents:
- Check map apps that label the BeltLine as a trail or greenway
- Scan satellite or street-level views to see whether:
- A segment appears paved and continuous
- There are bridge gaps or visible construction zones
This isn’t perfect, but it helps you estimate whether you’ll need street detours between BeltLine pieces.
3. Contact or visit local public agencies
To get official, up-to-date information, you can reach out to local government partners that often coordinate around the BeltLine project:
City of Atlanta – Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main City information line: (404) 330-6000City of Atlanta – Department of Parks and Recreation
233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main office line often available via City Hall’s central number: (404) 330-6000
These offices can help direct you to current trail status information or connect you with staff familiar with active BeltLine construction and open park segments.
4. Ask locally
If you’re already on or near the BeltLine:
- Many local businesses, bike shops, and neighborhood groups keep close track of which sections are open
- Regular users—runners, cyclists, and dog walkers—often know:
- Which underpasses are closed
- Where temporary detours are
- Which segments feel safest at different times of day
This informal, word-of-mouth knowledge is especially helpful in transition zones, like parts of the Southside Trail.
Practical Tips for Using the Open BeltLine Sections
A few Atlanta-specific pointers can help you make the most of the open segments:
Plan for crowds on the Eastside Trail
If you prefer a quieter experience, go earlier in the morning or on weekday afternoons, or try the Westside or Northside segments.Be ready for mixed surfaces on interim segments
Wear shoes with good traction and expect occasional gravel, dirt, or uneven ground where the BeltLine isn’t fully paved.Use transit where it’s convenient
Several open BeltLine sections are close to MARTA stations, especially near West End and midtown’s bus and rail lines, making one-way walks or rides easier.Share the trail
Open BeltLine segments are multi-use:- Keep to the right when walking
- Call out or ring a bell when passing on a bike or scooter
- Watch for kids, dogs, and sudden stops near busy restaurant clusters
Bottom Line: What’s Open on the Atlanta BeltLine Today?
For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, the main fully open, paved BeltLine trails you can reliably enjoy are:
- The Eastside Trail (Old Fourth Ward ↔ Inman Park ↔ Reynoldstown)
- The Westside Trail (Adair Park ↔ West End ↔ Westview)
- The Northside Trail (Tanyard Creek / Collier Hills area)
In addition, you’ll find:
- Partially complete and phased sections on the Southside
- Additional open pieces and connectors on the Westside and Northwest
- Interim, unpaved corridors that are generally open but not yet developed into full urban trails
If you’re planning a specific route, especially across the Southside or Northwest, it’s wise to double-check current conditions, be flexible with detours, and use the fully developed segments as your “anchors” for exploring the rest of the Atlanta BeltLine.
