Freedom Park in Atlanta: Trails, Art, and Green Space in the Heart of the City

Freedom Park is one of Atlanta’s largest intown parks, stretching across several neighborhoods from Downtown and the Old Fourth Ward over toward Druid Hills and Candler Park. If you’ve ever driven along Freedom Parkway (John Lewis Freedom Parkway) or biked between the BeltLine and the east side neighborhoods, you’ve probably passed right through it.

This guide walks you through what Freedom Park is, where it is, what you can do there, and how Atlanta residents and visitors typically use it day to day.

Where Freedom Park Is and How It’s Laid Out

Freedom Park isn’t a single compact square of green like some other city parks. It’s a linking corridor of green space and trails that connects several intown neighborhoods.

General location:
Freedom Park runs roughly along Freedom Parkway NE between:

  • The area near Downtown / Sweet Auburn / Old Fourth Ward
  • Through parts of Poncey-Highland and Inman Park
  • Out toward Candler Park and Druid Hills

A commonly used reference point is near the Carter Center:

  • The Carter Center & Freedom Park area
    453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE
    Atlanta, GA 30307

You’ll find park lawns, paths, and art installations around this corridor, with Freedom Parkway functioning as the main road running through it.

What Freedom Park Is Known For

Freedom Park is best known in Atlanta for:

  • Multi-use paved trails popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists
  • Connecting paths that link to the Eastside BeltLine Trail, neighborhoods, and nearby parks
  • Large open fields for informal recreation
  • Public art, including major sculptures and rotating exhibits
  • Proximity to major sites like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and The Carter Center

It’s a park people often use as a thoroughfare and a recreational space at the same time—a green connector across the city.

Getting to Freedom Park

By Car

Because the park is linear, there isn’t just one parking lot. Instead, you’ll find parking in and around nearby streets and attractions:

  • Street parking along residential streets near the trails (check posted signs)
  • Visitor parking at The Carter Center for those visiting that site, with trails nearby
  • Access points off Freedom Parkway NE, North Avenue NE, Moreland Avenue NE, and Boulevard NE

Be prepared to park in a neighborhood and walk a short distance to a trail or open field.

By MARTA

You can reach Freedom Park via several MARTA stations and bus connections:

  • Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station (Blue/Green Line):
    Walk northwest along Hurt Street NE or Edgewood Avenue toward Inman Park and you can enter areas connecting to Freedom Park and its trail network.
  • King Memorial Station (Blue/Green Line):
    From the station, you can walk or bike east through the Old Fourth Ward and Sweet Auburn area toward the MLK Historic District and park edge.
  • Bus routes often travel along Ponce de Leon Avenue, Moreland Avenue, and Boulevard, placing you within walking distance of Freedom Park trails.

If you’re planning a multi-modal trip, many Atlantans bring a bike on MARTA and then ride out of the station straight onto nearby paths.

Trails and Biking in Freedom Park

Multi-Use Paths

Freedom Park features paved, multi-use trails that are:

  • Suitable for walking, jogging, biking, and strollers
  • Generally wide and relatively flat compared to some other parts of the city
  • Used both for recreation and for bike commuting between east Atlanta neighborhoods and Downtown/Midtown

Cyclists often use Freedom Park trails to:

  • Connect from Inman Park / Candler Park to Downtown and Midtown
  • Link between the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and neighborhoods like Druid Hills, Virginia-Highland, and Poncey-Highland

Connection to the BeltLine

One of the biggest appeals of Freedom Park is its direct connection to the BeltLine:

  • The trail from Freedom Park ties into the Eastside BeltLine Trail near the Poncey-Highland / Inman Park area.
  • This means you can ride or walk from Candler Park or Druid Hills all the way down the BeltLine toward Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Ponce City Market, and beyond without being on major car-heavy roads for much of the trip.

For many Atlanta residents, this is a key car-free route through the city.

Walking, Running, and Everyday Use

Walking and Jogging

Freedom Park is popular for:

  • Daily walks with or without dogs
  • Short or long runs, thanks to the continuous paved paths
  • Stretching your legs during a workday if you’re nearby in Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, or Inman Park

Since it’s so linear, many people pick a trailhead near their home and simply walk out-and-back as far as they feel like going.

Dog-Friendly Space

You’ll see a lot of dogs on leashes throughout Freedom Park:

  • There isn’t a designated dog park with fences here, but open fields are often used for casual fetch where it’s safe and appropriate.
  • Leash laws apply in Atlanta parks, so dogs should be on a leash unless you’re in a designated off-leash area (which Freedom Park does not formally provide).

Art and Landmarks in Freedom Park

Freedom Park is not just open space; it also has a notable public art presence.

Public Art

You can expect to find:

  • Large-scale outdoor sculptures spread across the green spaces
  • Occasional temporary or rotating installations
  • Art that reflects themes of freedom, civil rights, and Atlanta’s history

Because the park stretches across neighborhoods closely tied to Atlanta’s civil rights legacy, the art often feels connected to the city’s broader story.

Nearby Historic and Cultural Sites

While not technically all “inside” the park, these landmarks border or sit closely along the Freedom Park corridor:

  • The Carter Center – A major attraction and policy center with museum spaces and landscaped grounds.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – East of Downtown, including King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and historic exhibits.
  • Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum – Located near the Freedom Park trails.

You can combine a walk or bike ride in Freedom Park with visits to these sites for a full day of exploring Atlanta’s history and green spaces.

Picnics, Fields, and Casual Recreation

Open Fields

Scattered across Freedom Park you’ll find large grassy areas suitable for:

  • Picnics and blankets
  • Casual games (frisbee, catch, small pickup soccer, etc.)
  • Relaxing with a book or just enjoying the trees and skyline views

These are not formal sports fields with lines and bleachers, but rather open lawns used by neighbors and visitors.

Amenities

Because Freedom Park is more of a green corridor than a fully built-out park complex, amenities are relatively simple and spread out. You may find:

  • Benches and seating areas
  • Trash cans at certain entrances and along trails
  • Some lighting in more central segments, though not necessarily everywhere

If you’re planning a longer visit, many Atlantans pair Freedom Park time with nearby neighborhood spots (cafés, restaurants along North Highland Avenue, Moreland Avenue, or in Inman Park and Candler Park) for food and bathrooms.

Safety and Practical Tips

While specific conditions can change, here are general patterns and tips people in Atlanta often consider when using Freedom Park:

  • Daytime visits: Most walkers, runners, and families prefer to use the park during daylight hours, when trails are most active.
  • Awareness: Like any urban park, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid isolated areas at very quiet times.
  • Bikes and pedestrians: Trails are shared-use, so:
    • Walkers and runners typically keep to one side.
    • Cyclists often call out “on your left” when passing.
    • Headphones should be kept at a volume where you can still hear others approaching.
  • Weather: Atlanta can be hot and humid in summer, with quick thunderstorms.
    • Bring water, especially for runs or rides.
    • Check the forecast for lightning and heavy rain.

Events and Community Use

Freedom Park is sometimes used for:

  • Community runs and charity walks
  • Art festivals or installations that make use of its large open spaces
  • Occasional neighborhood gatherings or informal meet-ups

Events may be permitted through the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation, which manages park spaces citywide.

Who Manages Freedom Park and Where to Ask Questions

Freedom Park is a City of Atlanta park space. For general park-related questions, maintenance concerns, or permit information, residents often start with:

City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
72 Marietta St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main information line (through the City of Atlanta): 404-330-6000

You can also reach out to the department for:

  • Questions about park hours and general rules
  • Information on event permits if you’re planning a larger gathering
  • Reporting maintenance issues like downed trees on trails

There is also an active community of local advocates who focus on preservation, art, and improvements in and around Freedom Park, which helps keep the area vibrant and well-used.

When Freedom Park Is a Good Choice for You

Freedom Park is especially useful in Atlanta if you:

  • Want a scenic walking or running route without driving far from intown neighborhoods
  • Need a bikeable connection between east-side neighborhoods and Downtown, Midtown, or the BeltLine
  • Enjoy public art and open lawns more than structured facilities
  • Are planning to visit The Carter Center or the MLK Jr. Historic District and want nearby green space

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta and you’re looking for an intown, connected, and art-filled greenway, Freedom Park is one of the city’s most practical and frequently used options.