Bellwood Quarry in Atlanta, GA: What It Is Now, How to Visit, and What’s Coming Next

If you’ve searched for “Bellwood Quarry Atlanta GA”, you’re likely curious about the huge rock quarry you’ve seen in TV shows, heard mentioned in city plans, or spotted from the Westside. In Atlanta, this former industrial site has transformed into one of the city’s most important pieces of infrastructure and public green space: Westside Park.

Below is a clear guide to what Bellwood Quarry is today, what you can actually see and do there, how it fits into Atlanta’s water system, and how it connects to nearby neighborhoods and attractions.

What Is Bellwood Quarry?

Bellwood Quarry is a former granite quarry located on Atlanta’s Westside, near the neighborhoods of Grove Park, Bankhead, and West Highlands. For much of the 20th century, it was an active quarry used for mining granite, supplying stone for construction projects in the region.

Today, the quarry is:

• The centerpiece of Westside Park, Atlanta’s largest park by acreage.
• A major drinking water reservoir for the City of Atlanta.
• A scenic backdrop that has appeared in multiple film and TV productions.

Locals still call it "Bellwood Quarry," but if you’re trying to visit, you’ll want to look for Westside Park rather than “Bellwood Quarry” in your GPS.

Location and Basic Info

Primary public access point (Westside Park):

• Address: 1660 Johnson Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Area: Northwest Atlanta, just west of the Proctor Creek Greenway and roughly north of Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW

The quarry itself is inside the secured area of Westside Park, which is fenced off for safety and water protection. You can’t go down into the quarry, but you can enjoy elevated overlooks, walking paths, and views of the water.

From Quarry to Park and Reservoir: Why It Matters to Atlanta

A New Backbone for Atlanta’s Water Supply

One of the biggest changes to Bellwood Quarry is invisible at first glance: it’s now a massive water storage reservoir.

Key points locals often want to know:

• The quarry was converted into a drinking water reservoir connected to the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant and the city’s water system.
• It dramatically increases Atlanta’s backup water supply, giving the city many more days of stored water in case of emergencies like droughts or system disruptions.
• For public health and safety, direct contact with the reservoir water is not allowed, which is why there’s no swimming, boating, or shoreline access.

So while it looks like a stunning blue lake in a canyon, it’s functioning infrastructure, not a recreational lake.

A Key Part of Atlanta’s Westside Revitalization

Bellwood Quarry’s transformation is tied closely to major projects like:

• Westside Park – turning a restricted industrial site into a public amenity.
• Atlanta BeltLine (future) – the Westside Park area is expected to connect to the BeltLine Westside Trail and other paths over time.
• Neighborhood investments – improvements to green space, transportation, and flood management in Grove Park, Bankhead, Mozley Park, and nearby communities.

For many Atlantans, the quarry shift symbolizes the city’s efforts to bring more parks, better water security, and long-term planning to the Westside.

Visiting Bellwood Quarry via Westside Park

How to Get There

Most visitors enter through Westside Park, which surrounds the quarry. Common routes:

• From Midtown / Downtown Atlanta:
  • Take Northside Dr NW or Marietta St NW heading west/northwest, then connect to Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW and up toward Johnson Rd NW.
• From Buckhead / Upper Westside:
  • Use Marietta Blvd NW or Moore’s Mill Rd NW, then local streets to reach Johnson Rd NW.

Check your navigation app for the best route based on traffic.

Parking and Access

• There is on-site parking at Westside Park, with designated lots.
• Parking is typically free, but always check posted signs for time limits or updated rules.
• Accessible parking spaces are available near key entrances and trailheads.

Because hours and parking details can change, it’s wise to confirm current park hours and gate closing times through the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation or posted signage at the entrance.

What You Can and Cannot Do at Bellwood Quarry / Westside Park

Allowed Activities in the Park

At Westside Park (the public side of the quarry area), you can usually:

• Walk, jog, or run on paved paths and trails
• Enjoy quarry overlooks with impressive views
• Picnic in designated areas
• Take photos from approved viewpoints 📷
• Walk dogs on a leash (follow posted pet rules and clean-up requirements)
• Relax on lawns and open spaces

The park is more about scenic views and open space than playgrounds or sports fields, though exact features may vary.

Restricted and Prohibited Activities

For safety and water protection, there are important limits:

• No swimming in the quarry reservoir
• No boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding
• No direct access to the quarry water – barriers and fencing are in place
• No climbing fences, walls, or unapproved areas
• No off-trail exploration into closed zones
• Usual city park rules apply: restrictions on alcohol, open flames, fireworks, and unpermitted large events

Key takeaway: You can see Bellwood Quarry, but you cannot enter the quarry or use the water for recreation.

What the Quarry Looks Like Today

Visitors sometimes expect a traditional lake or a typical urban park. Bellwood Quarry is different:

• The old stone quarry forms a steep, bowl-shaped basin now filled with deep water.
• You’ll see sheer rock walls, giving the area a dramatic, canyon-like feel.
• Elevated overlooks and railings provide designated viewing areas.
• Modern park design features, such as wide walkways, landscaping, and seating, frame the quarry views.

Depending on the time of day and weather, the water can appear a striking deep blue or green, which makes it a popular spot for photography and skyline shots.

Bellwood Quarry in Movies and TV

Many people first hear about Bellwood Quarry from its role in film and TV production. Over the years, the location has been used as a dramatic backdrop thanks to its:

• Rugged, rocky cliffs
• Isolated, industrial feel
• Proximity to central Atlanta film studios

While you may recognize it from scenes in popular shows or movies, filming activities do not replace its primary role as a park and reservoir. During certain productions, limited sections of the park may be temporarily off-limits, but general recreation access usually remains.

Nearby Neighborhoods and Connections

Bellwood Quarry sits within a cluster of Westside neighborhoods that are changing quickly. If you’re visiting the area, you may also want to explore:

• Grove Park – Residential neighborhood to the east, with a mix of long-time residents and new development.
• Bankhead / Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy – Historic corridor with MARTA access and new projects arriving over time.
• West Highlands / West Midtown area – Restaurants, breweries, and mixed-use developments a short drive away.
• Proctor Creek Greenway (nearby) – A multi-use trail and greenway that runs roughly north–south, connecting different parts of the Westside with more outdoor access.

Many Atlantans pair a visit to Westside Park with stops in West Midtown or the Upper Westside for food and drinks afterward.

Safety, Accessibility, and Practical Tips

Safety Considerations

• Stay behind railings and fences near the quarry edge. The drop is steep and dangerous.
• Obey all posted signage, especially around the reservoir infrastructure.
• If visiting near dusk, make sure your route back to your car is clear and well-lit.
• For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency concerns within Atlanta city limits, you can reach the Atlanta Police non-emergency line at 404-658-6666.

Accessibility

Westside Park includes features designed to be accessible:

• Paved paths that accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices
• Parking areas that typically include accessible spaces near main entrances
• Gradual grades on many of the main walkways

Terrain can still be hilly in sections, so if mobility is a concern, you may want to plan your route around the flattest paths and closest parking lots to the overlooks.

How Bellwood Quarry Fits into Atlanta’s Bigger Park and Trail Network

Atlanta has been steadily expanding its network of parks and trails, and Westside Park / Bellwood Quarry is a major piece of that puzzle:

• It adds a large green space on the Westside to balance popular spots like Piedmont Park and the BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Planned and future connections are expected to link Westside Park more directly to:
  • The Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail
  • Other bike and pedestrian routes across northwest Atlanta
• The park also plays a role in stormwater management and creek health in the area, complementing efforts along Proctor Creek.

For Atlanta residents thinking long term, Bellwood Quarry is part of how the city is trying to manage growth, water, and green space all at once.

Who Manages Bellwood Quarry and Westside Park?

The area is operated as a city facility:

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation – Oversees Westside Park as a public space.
• Department of Watershed Management – Manages the reservoir and water infrastructure that the quarry now supports.

If you need official information (hours, rules, event permits), you can contact:

City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation

• General City Hall Address: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Main City Switchboard: 404-330-6000 (you can request Parks and Recreation)

For water-related questions:

Department of Watershed Management (City of Atlanta)

• Office Address: 72 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Customer Service: 404-546-0311

These offices can provide the most up-to-date information on park operations, regulations, and infrastructure work related to Bellwood Quarry.

Quick Reference: Bellwood Quarry / Westside Park at a Glance

If you’re in Atlanta and search for “Bellwood Quarry Atlanta GA”, you’re really looking for Westside Park—a place where you can take in dramatic quarry views, enjoy Atlanta’s largest park, and see up close how a former industrial site has been turned into a critical part of the city’s future.