Highland Park in Atlanta: What It Is and How to Explore Nearby Green Spaces

When people search for “Highland Park Atlanta,” they are usually looking for one of two things:

1. A specific park or green space in or near Atlanta with “Highland” in the name, or
2. Information about a neighborhood or area with a similar name.

In Atlanta, there is no major city park officially called “Highland Park” within the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation system. However, there are several well-known neighborhoods and parks connected to the “Highland” name, especially around Virginia-Highland, and there are nearby parks that locals sometimes mix up or refer to informally.

This guide walks you through what “Highland Park” is likely referring to in an Atlanta context and how to find and enjoy the closest, most relevant parks and green spaces.

Is There a “Highland Park” in Atlanta?

As of now, you will not find a large, officially designated “Highland Park” overseen by the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation.

However, the term often gets mixed in with:

• Virginia-Highland – a historic intown neighborhood close to several parks
• Highland Avenue and North Highland Avenue – major intown streets lined with shops and restaurants
• Nearby city parks and BeltLine segments that people sometimes loosely label or search for using “Highland” in the name

So if you typed “Highland Park Atlanta” while planning a visit or a move, you’re almost certainly looking for:

• Parks near Virginia-Highland
• Parks accessible from North Highland Avenue NE
• Green spaces along or near the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Key Parks Near Virginia-Highland and North Highland Avenue

Here are some of the most convenient parks and green spaces associated with the broader “Highland” area in Atlanta.

1. John Howell Park (Virginia-Highland)

Best match for a “Highland-area park.”

• Location: Roughly along Virginia Avenue NE between Barnett St NE and Arcadia St NE, in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood (ZIP 30306)
• Type: Neighborhood park
• Vibe: Relaxed, walkable, loved by locals and families

What to expect:

• Open lawns for sitting, picnicking, or tossing a ball
• Walking paths and shaded areas
• A small playground area
• Benches and casual gathering spots

John Howell Park sits right in the heart of Virginia-Highland, only a short walk from North Highland Avenue NE with its restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. If you searched “Highland Park” and wanted a walkable park in the Highland-area neighborhood, this is probably what you’re looking for.

2. Freedom Park

A major intown green corridor close to Virginia-Highland and the Highlands area.

• General area: Connects neighborhoods including Poncey-Highland, Inman Park, Candler Park, and parts of Virginia-Highland
• Type: Linear park and trail network
• Vibe: Active, sprawling, great for walking, running, and cycling

Key features:

• Multi-use trails that connect to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Large grassy fields for recreation
• Public art installations in some sections
• Easy access by bike, on foot, or by car from intown neighborhoods

If you’re in or near North Highland Avenue (for example in Poncey-Highland or Virginia-Highland), Freedom Park is one of the most practical larger parks to use for longer walks or bike rides.

3. Historic Fourth Ward Park

A short distance from Highland-area neighborhoods via the BeltLine.

• Location: Between North Avenue NE and Ralph McGill Blvd NE, near the Old Fourth Ward and Ponce City Market
• Type: Urban park with a stormwater lake
• Vibe: Scenic, well-landscaped, good for photos and casual strolls

Highlights:

• A central lake and wetland area
• Walking paths and seating
• Playground and open spaces
• Close access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and Ponce City Market

If you’re staying or living near Poncey-Highland or Virginia-Highland, it’s easy to access Historic Fourth Ward Park by walking or biking along nearby streets or the BeltLine.

4. The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Not a traditional park, but a major “green” connector.

• General area: Runs roughly from Piedmont Park south toward Reynoldstown
• Type: Multi-use trail with greenery, art, and access to parks and shops
• Vibe: Very active, especially on weekends

Why it matters for “Highland”:

• The Eastside Trail runs close to Virginia-Highland and Poncey-Highland
• Provides a car-free route to multiple parks including:
  • Piedmont Park
  • Historic Fourth Ward Park
  • Inman Park green spaces

For many Atlanta residents, the BeltLine functions like a long, linear park where you can walk, run, bike, or just people-watch.

5. Piedmont Park

Atlanta’s flagship intown park, easily reachable from the Highland area.

• Location: Main entrances near 10th St NE & Charles Allen Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Type: Large urban park
• Vibe: Busy, diverse, and versatile—suitable for almost any casual outdoor activity

What you’ll find:

• Miles of paved paths
• Large open fields and shaded picnic spots
• Off-leash dog parks
• Playground areas
• Sports courts and fields

From Virginia-Highland or anywhere around North Highland Avenue NE, Piedmont Park is typically just a short drive or bike ride away, especially via the BeltLine Eastside Trail or surface streets like Virginia Avenue NE and Monroe Drive NE.

Quick Comparison: Parks Near the “Highland” Area

How to Get to These Parks from the Highland-Area Neighborhoods

If you’re starting around Virginia-Highland or Poncey-Highland (for example, near North Highland Avenue NE):

Walking

• John Howell Park:
  • Easily walkable from most of Virginia-Highland; it sits right off Virginia Avenue NE.
• Freedom Park:
  • Head toward the eastern side of Virginia-Highland or Poncey-Highland and look for connecting sidewalks and shared-use paths.

Biking or Scooters

• Use North Highland Avenue NE, Virginia Avenue NE, and nearby side streets to reach:
  • The BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Piedmont Park
  • Historic Fourth Ward Park
• The BeltLine provides relatively flat, continuous paths between these destinations.

Driving

If you prefer to drive, you can usually find public parking (though it can be limited at busiest times):

• Piedmont Park: Paid and limited free parking options around Charles Allen Dr NE, 10th St NE, and nearby decks.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park: Street parking around Rankin St NE, Garden Park Dr NE, and the surrounding streets.
• John Howell Park: Street parking along Virginia Ave NE and nearby neighborhood streets (observe all posted signs).

City of Atlanta: Who Manages These Parks?

Most of the parks mentioned here fall under the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation, which is responsible for maintenance, facilities, and programming.

For general park information, hours, and facility questions, you can contact:

City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation

• Main Office (Administrative):
  Often based at City Hall-area offices in downtown Atlanta
• General City Information Line: 3-1-1 (from within city limits) or local city information number
• You can also visit the City of Atlanta’s official website via a search engine and look for the Parks and Recreation section to confirm details like:
  • Park hours
  • Pavilion or field reservations
  • Recreation centers and programming

Because park rules, maintenance, and hours can change, it’s a good idea to verify current conditions before planning a large gathering or event.

Tips for Enjoying Parks Around the “Highland” Area

If you’re living in or visiting the Highland-adjacent neighborhoods:

• Plan around parking and crowds.
  Intown parks like Piedmont Park and the BeltLine can be very busy on weekends and during events. Arriving earlier in the day often helps with parking and crowd levels.

• Use the BeltLine to connect parks.
  Walking or biking the Eastside Trail lets you experience multiple parks in one trip without moving your car.

• Pack light but prepared.
  Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes—Atlanta gets hot and sunny for much of the year.

• Check for events.
  Major parks sometimes host festivals or races that affect traffic and accessibility. Looking up park names plus “events” on the same day can help you avoid surprises.

• Respect neighborhood streets.
  Many of the smaller parks, like John Howell Park, sit in residential areas. Pay attention to parking signs, drive slowly, and keep noise down later in the evening.

If You’re New to Atlanta and Searching “Highland Park”

If you’re relocating or visiting and saw “Highland Park” mentioned informally:

• You are most likely dealing with the Virginia-Highland / Poncey-Highland area and its nearby parks.
• For a small, neighborhood green space, head to John Howell Park.
• For a big, classic city park experience, make time for Piedmont Park.
• For connected trails and multiple park options in one outing, focus on Freedom Park and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Using those landmarks will help you navigate Atlanta’s “Highland” area and enjoy the best parks and outdoor spaces nearby, even if “Highland Park” itself doesn’t appear on an official city map.