Exploring the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail: What Locals and Visitors Need to Know

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is one of the city’s most popular places to walk, bike, run, and explore neighborhoods. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want to experience a core part of intown life, this is usually where people start.

Below is a practical guide to the Eastside Trail—what it is, where it runs, how to access it, and how to make the most of your time on it.

What Is the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail?

The Eastside Trail is a paved, multi-use path built on former railroad corridors that runs through several of Atlanta’s most active intown neighborhoods. It is part of the larger Atlanta BeltLine, a planned loop of trails, transit, and parks circling the core of the city.

Key things to know:

• It’s open to walkers, runners, cyclists, scooters, and strollers.
• The path is paved and relatively flat, making it accessible for a wide range of abilities.
• It connects several major districts, including Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, and Midtown (near Piedmont Park).
• You’ll find public art, restaurants, bars, apartments, offices, and parks directly along the trail.

Where the Eastside Trail Runs

The Eastside Trail has grown in phases and now covers a substantial north–south route.

General alignment (south to north):

• Krog Street area / Inman Park
• Historic Fourth Ward (near Ponce City Market)
• Ponce de Leon Avenue crossing
• North Avenue / Midtown connection
• Virginia-Highland area
• Ansley / Piedmont Park connection zone

Because exact endpoints can change as construction continues, most people think of the Eastside Trail by its major access points and landmarks rather than a strict start-and-end.

Main Access Points and Landmarks

Here are some of the most commonly used spots to get onto the Eastside Trail:

1. Krog Street & Inman Park Area

• Krog Street Market vicinity
  • General area: Krog St NE & Irwin St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  • Popular for: Food hall, coffee, access to Inman Park and the Krog Street Tunnel.
• Trail access: Ramps and stairs connect nearby streets to the BeltLine.

2. Historic Fourth Ward & Ponce City Market

• Ponce City Market
  • General address: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • The BeltLine runs directly behind the building on the east side.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park
  • General address: 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Short walk from the Eastside Trail; popular for picnics and views of the pond.

3. North Avenue & Midtown Connection

• Near the North Avenue bridge, you can enter from nearby neighborhood streets.
• This section is often used by commuters moving between Midtown offices and intown neighborhoods.

4. Virginia-Highland / Monroe Drive Area

• Access points along Monroe Dr NE and side streets feed onto the trail.
• This stretch is close to Virginia-Highland shops and restaurants just a few blocks away.

5. Piedmont Park Connection Zone

• The Eastside Trail is part of a growing network connecting towards Piedmont Park and Ansley.
• Entrances may shift slightly as construction and extensions progress, so signage on-site is important to follow.

How to Get to the Eastside Trail Without a Car

You don’t have to drive to use the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

By MARTA Rail

You can reach parts of the Eastside Trail from several MARTA stations with a short walk or bike/scooter ride:

• Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station (Blue/Green line)
  • Walk or bike west toward Krog Street and Irwin Street.
• King Memorial Station (Blue/Green line)
  • Head northeast through Old Fourth Ward to reach the trail.
• Midtown Station or North Avenue Station (Red/Gold line)
  • From either station, you can walk or rideshare east toward Ponce City Market or North Avenue/BeltLine access.

By Bus

MARTA bus routes that travel along or near Moreland Ave, Ponce de Leon Ave, and Monroe Dr can place you within walking distance of the BeltLine. Routes and stops can change, so it’s best to check current bus information before you go.

What You Can Do on the Eastside Trail

The Eastside Trail is more than a walkway—many Atlantans treat it as a linear public space that connects daily life.

Walking, Running, and Biking

• The paved surface works well for jogging, power walking, and casual strolls.
• Cyclists and scooter riders use the trail to commute or explore the city.
• It’s common to see strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices on the trail, especially on weekends.

Tip: 🚲 Stay to the right, pass on the left, and announce when passing to keep things safe and comfortable for everyone.

Eating and Drinking Along the Trail

You’ll find a high concentration of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars directly on or just off the Eastside Trail, especially:

• Around Krog Street Market
• At and around Ponce City Market
• Scattered in the Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward sections

This makes the trail a popular “food crawl” route, particularly in the evenings and on weekends.

Parks and Green Spaces

Several parks are connected or very close to the Eastside Trail:

• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Pond, walking paths, and open lawns.
• Neighborhood pocket parks and plazas – Small green spaces and seating areas directly along the trail.

These are good spots if you want to step off the main path and sit, read, or let kids play.

Public Art and Murals

The Eastside Trail is known for murals, sculptures, and rotating art installations. The nearby Krog Street Tunnel also features ever-changing street art and graffiti, which many people walk or bike over to see.

When to Go: Crowd Levels and Weather Considerations

Best Times of Day

• Early morning: Quieter, cooler, and popular with runners and dog walkers.
• Midday on weekdays: Often less crowded than evenings and weekends.
• Weekends and evenings: The busiest, especially near Ponce City Market and Krog Street.

If you prefer a calmer atmosphere or are new to biking in mixed-use spaces, early or late in the day on weekdays is usually easier.

Weather in Atlanta

Atlanta’s climate can affect how you experience the trail:

• Summer: Hot and humid; parts of the trail have limited shade. Hydration and sunscreen are important.
• Spring and Fall: Generally the most comfortable seasons for long walks or bike rides.
• Winter: Usually mild; the trail stays useable year-round, though it can be chilly in the mornings.

Safety, Etiquette, and Practical Tips

The Eastside Trail is a shared public space. A few simple habits help it work well for everyone.

Trail Etiquette Basics

• Keep right; pass on the left.
• Announce when passing (voice or bell).
• Walk or ride no more than two abreast when it’s crowded.
• Keep pets leashed and close to your side.
• Avoid blocking the path when stopping—step to the side instead.

Personal Safety

• The trail is used from early morning into late evening, especially near major hubs.
• Lighting is present in many sections, but visibility varies; some people prefer to avoid isolated stretches late at night.
• For emergencies, you can dial 911 anywhere in Atlanta.
• For non-emergency public safety issues in the City of Atlanta, you can contact:
  • Atlanta Police Department – Non-Emergency: 404-658-6666

If you see maintenance issues or hazards on the BeltLine (like downed branches or damaged pavement), there are usually signs with contact details along the trail, and the project is overseen by the BeltLine’s official organizations and the City of Atlanta.

Parking Near the Eastside Trail

Parking is not provided as a continuous service along the trail, but many people use nearby lots and street parking in adjacent neighborhoods. Be sure to read all posted signs.

Common parking areas people rely on include:

• Lots and decks around Ponce City Market (paid).
• Public and private lots near Krog Street Market (often paid or time-limited).
• Limited on-street parking in Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Virginia-Highland, subject to neighborhood rules.

Because parking demand can be high, many residents prefer to walk, bike, rideshare, or use MARTA to access the trail.

Accessibility Considerations

The Eastside Trail is designed to be widely accessible:

• Paved surface supports wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers.
• Multiple ramps and gradual inclines connect from nearby streets.
• Many adjacent businesses have sidewalk-level entries or ramps from the trail side.

If you rely on specific accessibility features, it can be helpful to start from a major hub like Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market, where access points are generally more visible and well-maintained.

Events and Community Activities

The Eastside Trail often serves as a backdrop for:

• Group runs and fitness meetups
• Community-led bike rides
• Art walks and informal meetups
• Seasonal festivals and outdoor activities in nearby parks

These are typically organized by local groups, neighborhood associations, or businesses along the trail. If you’re local, checking community boards, neighborhood social channels, or citywide event listings can help you find activities happening on or near the BeltLine.

Quick Reference: Eastside Trail at a Glance

How the Eastside Trail Fits Into Life in Atlanta

For many Atlantans, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is a daily part of life: a way to commute without a car, walk the dog, grab dinner, or show out-of-town guests what intown neighborhoods feel like.

If you’re visiting, spending a few hours on the Eastside Trail—from Krog Street up to Ponce City Market and beyond—gives you a direct, on-the-ground sense of how the city is growing and how its neighborhoods connect.

If you live here, the trail can become a regular route for errands, exercise, and socializing. Knowing the key access points, etiquette, and nearby amenities makes it much easier to integrate the Eastside Trail into your routine in Atlanta.