Atlanta BeltLine Map: How to Navigate the Trail, Neighborhoods, and Access Points
The Atlanta BeltLine can be confusing when you first look at a map: multiple segments, different sides of the city, trails that are open now and others “coming soon.” This guide breaks down the Atlanta BeltLine map in a clear, local-focused way so you can quickly figure out where it goes, how to access it, and what’s near each section.
Understanding the Atlanta BeltLine Layout
The Atlanta BeltLine is essentially a loop-in-progress around the core of the city, built on former railroad corridors. On most maps, you’ll see it divided into four “sides”:
- Northeast Trail
- Southeast Trail
- Southside Trail
- Westside Trail
- Northwest segment (still largely in planning)
Parts of these segments are fully developed, others are under construction or planned. Map legends usually highlight:
- Open / paved trail – often shown as a solid line
- Unpaved or interim trail – dashed or lighter line
- Planned / future segments – outline or different color
Knowing which segments are currently open makes reading any Atlanta BeltLine map much easier.
Key Atlanta BeltLine Segments on the Map
Northeast Trail (Inman Park → Midtown / Ansley area)
This is one of the most popular sections you’ll see highlighted on any Atlanta GA BeltLine map.
What the map usually shows:
- Runs roughly from Krog Street / Inman Park area up through Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, Virginia-Highland, and near Ansley Park / Piedmont Heights.
- Connects to Historic Fourth Ward Park and passes near Ponce City Market.
Major access points often labeled:
- Eastside / Northeast Trail near Krog Street
- Around the intersection of Dekalb Ave NE & Krog St NE, close to the Krog Street Tunnel.
- Ponce City Market entrance
- Commonly accessed from 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
- North Avenue & Monroe Drive area
- Near the Park Tavern / Piedmont Park corner.
What it’s like:
- Typically shown as a heavily used multi-use path.
- Expect lots of walkers, runners, strollers, and cyclists, especially on weekends.
Southeast & Southside Trail (East Atlanta → South Atlanta)
On a map, this stretch curves from the Inman Park / Reynoldstown area down and around to Pittsburgh, South Atlanta, and Adair Park.
Common map markers and neighborhoods:
- Reynoldstown / Memorial Drive area
- Near 905 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, close to the Atlanta Dairies / Madison Yards corridor.
- Glenwood Park / East Atlanta Village access
- Southside Trail running west through:
- Ormewood Park
- Chosewood Park
- Pittsburgh
- Adair Park
On many official or updated maps, you’ll notice mixtures of open and “future” segments in this area, especially along the Southside. Some parts are paved and landscaped; others may appear as “interim hiking trail” or “under construction”.
Westside Trail (Adair Park → West End → Washington Park area)
The Westside Trail is usually shown on the map hugging the western neighborhoods of the city.
You’ll often see these anchors labeled:
- Adair Park / Lee Street area
- West End (near the retail and MARTA station)
- Westview
- Ashby / Washington Park vicinity
Typical access hints from the map:
- Near West End MARTA Station – 680 Lee St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
- Around White St SW and Langhorn St SW for Adair Park
- Near Washington Park north of I-20
This part of the BeltLine map is useful if you’re interested in connecting:
- Downtown / West End by transit, then walking/biking the trail
- To westside parks and historic neighborhoods
Northside / Northwest (Largely Planned or Interim)
When you look toward Northside Drive, Marietta Street, and the Upper Westside, maps often show more “planned trail” than finished segments.
Common references:
- Underwood Hills
- Howell Mill Rd corridor
- Areas trending toward the Chattahoochee River / Upper Westside
On the map, expect:
- Many dashed or outline sections labeled “future corridor” or “planned trail”.
- Fewer continuous paved paths than on the Eastside or Westside.
If you live or stay in northwest Atlanta, the map is still useful for seeing how the BeltLine is expected to connect in the future, even if it’s not fully rideable yet.
How to Read the Atlanta BeltLine Map (Like a Local)
Most Atlanta BeltLine maps follow a similar pattern. Here’s how to quickly decode them.
1. Look for the Legend
The legend usually explains:
- Paved open trail vs interim dirt trail
- Transit plans (future streetcar or rail, if shown)
- Parks, access points, and spur trails
If you’re planning a bike ride or pushing a stroller, focus on paved, open sections.
2. Find Your Nearest Access Point
Once you see where you are in Atlanta (Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur side, West End, etc.):
- Trace to the nearest paved BeltLine segment
- Look for road intersections or parks marked right on the line
Common labeled access locations include:
- Piedmont Park – 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
- Historic Fourth Ward Park – 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
- West End MARTA – 680 Lee St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
- Adair Park – 742 Catherine St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
3. Note Cross-Streets and Landmarks
In Atlanta, cross-streets can be more reliable for navigation than just a neighborhood name.
On a BeltLine map, pay attention to:
- Major streets (e.g., Monroe Dr, Ralph McGill Blvd, Memorial Dr, Lee St, Ralph David Abernathy Blvd)
- Big destinations: Krog Street Market, Ponce City Market, Lee + White in West End
Mark a couple of these in your head or on your phone so you don’t overshoot your exit.
Popular BeltLine Sections and What the Map Tells You
Below is a simplified overview of some of the most used segments you’ll usually see highlighted.
| Segment (Map Name) | Approx. Area / Landmarks | What You’ll See on the Map |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast / Eastside | Krog St → Ponce City Market → Piedmont Park | Solid paved line, multiple access icons and parks |
| Southeast | Reynoldstown → Glenwood / Ormewood | Mix of paved and interim/future trail markings |
| Southside | Glenwood Park → Chosewood → Pittsburgh → Adair | Some open, some under construction, future connectors |
| Westside | Adair Park → West End → Westview → Washington | Continuous paved trail with park and MARTA connections |
| Northside / Northwest | Underwood Hills / Upper Westside (future) | Mostly planned lines, not fully open yet |
Use this as a quick reference when a BeltLine map looks overwhelming.
Getting to the BeltLine Without a Car
Map views often include MARTA stations and major bus routes. For practical use:
MARTA Rail Access (Common on Maps)
- Inman Park / Reynoldstown Station
- Walk or bike a short distance to the Eastside / Northeast Trail.
- North Avenue Station
- Connect via surface streets to Ponce City Market and the trail.
- Midtown Station / Arts Center Station
- Reach Piedmont Park, then access the BeltLine near Monroe Dr.
- West End Station
- One of the most direct rail-to-trail connections for the Westside Trail.
Using Address Info from the Map
Many maps list or imply nearby destinations. A few practical anchors you can plug into a GPS:
- Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
- Krog Street Market / Tunnel area – around 1 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
- West End MARTA / Lee + White – 680 Lee St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
From there, follow posted signs or short local streets to reach the paved trail.
Parking and Trailheads Often Shown on Maps
Even though the BeltLine is urban, many users drive to a starting point. Maps sometimes flag public parking lots or garages close to the trail.
Areas where people commonly look for parking near BeltLine access include:
- Ponce City Market / North Avenue corridor (garages and paid parking)
- Krog Street / Inman Park area (street and limited lot parking)
- Historic Fourth Ward Park (public park parking)
- West End / Lee Street and White St SW (near West End Station and businesses)
- Adair Park (neighborhood street parking near the park)
Check any posted parking rules locally; the map will usually just point you to approximate locations, not specific parking regulations.
How Locals Use the BeltLine Map
1. Planning a Run or Ride
Many Atlanta runners and cyclists use the map to:
- Measure distance between two landmarks (e.g., Krog to Ponce, Ponce to Piedmont Park, West End to Washington Park).
- Avoid construction zones and unpaved segments.
- Combine loops, like:
- Piedmont Park internal trails + BeltLine Northeast Trail
- West End neighborhood streets + Westside Trail
2. Connecting Neighborhoods
Residents frequently use the BeltLine map to understand how to:
- Walk or bike from Old Fourth Ward to Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, or Midtown without driving.
- Get from West End to Adair Park or up toward Washington Park.
- Plan commutes that mix MARTA + BeltLine instead of staying in traffic.
3. Finding Parks and Play Areas
The map usually highlights green spaces and playgrounds along the loop. Key parks you’ll see called out:
- Piedmont Park – central to Midtown and BeltLine connections
- Historic Fourth Ward Park – lake, playground, splash area
- Washington Park – westside recreation
- Adair Park – neighborhood green space
- D.H. Stanton Park – near Southside sections
Families often use these markers to plan short, kid-friendly walks from parking or MARTA.
Safety, Etiquette, and What the Map Won’t Show You
No map can fully capture how busy or crowded a section will feel, but there are some general patterns locals recognize:
- Northeast Trail (Krog ↔ Ponce ↔ Piedmont Park)
- Frequently the busiest, especially evenings and weekends.
- Westside Trail
- Often more relaxed than the Northeast but still active.
- Southside / Southeast segments
- Activity levels vary depending on how much is open or under construction.
Basic etiquette that doesn’t appear on the map but matters in real life:
- Stay to the right, pass on the left.
- Call out or ring a bell when passing (especially on bikes).
- Keep dogs leashed and close; check any signage for pet rules.
- Be aware of construction detours that might temporarily redirect the path.
Where to Get an Official or Updated BeltLine Map
For the most accurate and up-to-date overview, locals commonly refer to:
- Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. main office
- 100 Peachtree St NW, Suite 2300
- Atlanta, GA 30303
- Main phone (commonly listed in public directories): (404) 477-3003
Information centers, city offices, and some neighborhood organizations may have printed maps or posted kiosks near major trailheads, especially around:
- Ponce City Market
- Historic Fourth Ward Park
- West End / Lee + White section
If you’re already on the trail, look for wayfinding signs, distance markers, and neighborhood maps posted at key entrances.
By focusing on which segments are open, where the main access points are, and how the loop lines up with familiar Atlanta streets and neighborhoods, any Atlanta GA BeltLine map becomes far easier to use—whether you’re commuting, exercising, or just exploring the city.