Underwood Hills Park in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to This Hidden Gem

Underwood Hills Park is a neighborhood park in northwest Atlanta that feels tucked away but still close to everything. If you live in or are visiting Atlanta and want a quieter alternative to larger parks like Piedmont Park or Chastain, this small, shady spot is a good option for kids, dog walkers, and anyone needing a quick break outdoors.

Where Underwood Hills Park Is and How to Get There

Location:
Underwood Hills Park
1845 Harper Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

The park sits in the Underwood Hills neighborhood just off Howell Mill Road NW, between I-75 and the Upper Westside area.

Getting There by Car

Underwood Hills Park is easiest to reach by car:

• From Midtown: Take I-75 North, exit at Northside Drive or Howell Mill Road and head northwest into the neighborhood.
• From Buckhead: Use Northside Parkway or Peachtree to cut across to Howell Mill Road, then turn into the neighborhood streets leading to Harper Street.
• From West Midtown / Upper Westside: It’s only a few minutes via Howell Mill Road NW.

Parking is typically street parking along Harper Street NW and nearby residential streets. Because it’s a neighborhood park, spots can fill up a bit on nice weekends, but it’s usually manageable.

Getting There Without a Car

Public transit options are limited but possible:

• Bus: MARTA routes that run along Howell Mill Road NW may get you within walking distance, depending on the schedule and stop locations. From there, you walk into the neighborhood a few blocks.
• Rideshare / Bike: Many Atlanta residents simply use rideshare or bike through the neighborhood streets. The area has hills, so be prepared for some climbs if you’re biking.

What to Expect: Size, Vibe, and Who It’s Best For

Underwood Hills Park is small, shady, and neighborhood-focused. It’s not a destination park on the scale of Piedmont Park, but that’s part of its appeal.

People often use it for:

• Quick playground time with kids
• Short dog walks or breaks during the work-from-home day
• Pick-up games and casual sports on the field
• Relaxing in the shade with a book or picnic

The overall vibe is low-key and family-oriented. On any given afternoon, you’ll likely see parents with strollers, kids on the playground, and neighbors walking their dogs.

Amenities at Underwood Hills Park

Here’s a simple overview of what you’ll likely find at Underwood Hills Park:

Specific details like exact equipment or layout can change over time when the City of Atlanta updates its parks, but the core features—playground, open field, and shaded green space—tend to remain consistent.

Family-Friendly Features: Visiting with Kids

Parents in Atlanta often look for parks that feel safe, manageable, and not overwhelming, especially with younger children. Underwood Hills Park fits that profile.

Playground

The playground is a central feature:

• Designed primarily for younger children and elementary-age kids
• Includes climbing structures and slides
• Often shaded by surrounding trees or nearby canopy, which helps in Atlanta’s summer heat

Because the park is relatively small, it’s easier for adults to keep an eye on kids without feeling spread too thin.

Good for Short Outings

Underwood Hills Park works well when you:

• Don’t have time for a full-day park trip
• Want a spot close to northwest Atlanta neighborhoods
• Need a leg-stretch stop for kids between errands on Howell Mill, Marietta Street, or the Upper Westside

📝 Tip: If you’re planning a longer family outing, some Atlanta residents pair a stop at Underwood Hills Park with a meal or snack at nearby spots along Howell Mill Road NW or in West Midtown, then come back home without dealing with major-city-park crowds.

Dog-Friendly Use and Walking Options

Underwood Hills is popular among dog owners who live nearby. It’s not an off-leash dog park, but it’s a pleasant place for a quick walk.

What Dog Owners Should Know

• Leash required: As with most Atlanta public parks, expect your dog to remain on leash.
• Waste cleanup: Bring your own bags and plan to pack out any trash if bins are full.
• Best times: Many locals prefer early mornings and evenings when it’s cooler and less crowded.

If you’re looking for a larger, dedicated dog park, you may want to combine a visit here with:

• Piedmont Park Dog Parks (Midtown)
• South Bend Dog Park (South Atlanta)
• Other neighborhood dog runs within the city limits

Underwood Hills is better for short, relaxed walks and a quiet change of scenery for both you and your dog.

Activities You Can Enjoy at Underwood Hills Park

You won’t find big event stages or long multi-use trails here, but there are several everyday activities that fit the park’s scale.

Casual Sports and Games

The open field can work for:

• Pickup soccer or kickball
• Frisbee or catch
• Informal fitness circuits (think sprints, bodyweight workouts, stretching)

Because space is limited, this is best suited to small groups and low-impact games, not full-size league activities.

Relaxing and Unplugging

Underwood Hills Park is a good place to:

• Read or work quietly outdoors (if you’ve got a hotspot or offline work)
• Do some light stretching or yoga on a mat
• Enjoy solo time in nature without the scale of bigger destination parks

You’ll hear neighborhood noise and some traffic at times, but it generally feels more retreat-like than most central-city spaces.

Safety, Hours, and Park Etiquette

Underwood Hills Park is managed as part of the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation system.

Typical Hours

Most Atlanta neighborhood parks follow a dawn to dusk pattern:

• Expect the park to be open during daylight hours
• After dark, use caution and follow posted rules or neighborhood expectations

If you’re unsure of specific times, many Atlanta residents check with the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation or posted signs at the park entrance.

General Safety Tips

As with any in-town park:

• Keep phones and valuables secure and out of sight.
• Stay alert, especially if you’re alone or after sunset.
• If something seems unsafe, leave the area and, if needed, contact Atlanta Police Department non-emergency line.

🚨 Emergency: Dial 911 within Atlanta city limits if you need immediate assistance.

How Underwood Hills Park Compares to Other Atlanta Parks

If you’re deciding where to spend your park time, it helps to think about scale and purpose:

• Underwood Hills Park:

  • Best for nearby residents, shorter visits, young kids, dog walks, and low-key outings.
  • Quieter, less crowded, more “neighborhood backyard” feel.

• Piedmont Park (Midtown):

  • Huge, with trails, fields, a dog park, and skyline views.
  • Better for long walks, large gatherings, and full-day visits.

• Chastain Park (Buckhead area):

  • Great for jogging loops, tennis, golf, and structured recreation.
  • More of a recreation complex than a small neighborhood park.

Underwood Hills Park fills the local, everyday niche. If you live in northwest Atlanta or are staying nearby, it’s a convenient choice when you don’t want to battle traffic or crowds.

Local Neighborhood Context: Underwood Hills and Nearby Areas

The park is woven into the Underwood Hills residential neighborhood, which mostly includes:

• Single-family homes and townhomes
• Quiet side streets
• Proximity to Howell Mill Road NW, West Midtown, and Upper Westside shopping and dining

Many people discover Underwood Hills Park because they:

• Move into nearby apartments or houses
• Work at offices or studios in West Midtown and want an outdoor reset
• Stay with friends or at short-term rentals in the area

This means the park tends to be used by locals and nearby workers, rather than tourists or citywide event crowds.

Who Manages and Maintains Underwood Hills Park?

Underwood Hills Park is part of the City of Atlanta’s public park system, overseen by:

City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1600
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main City Switchboard (for general info): 404-330-6000

Community groups and neighborhood associations sometimes support the park with clean-up days and volunteer projects, which is common in many Atlanta neighborhoods.

If you’re an Atlanta resident and want to get involved in park improvements, it can help to:

• Connect with local neighborhood or community groups in Underwood Hills
• Ask about volunteer days or park stewardship events
• Share maintenance concerns with the city through official channels

Practical Tips for Visiting Underwood Hills Park

A few simple pointers can make your visit smoother:

• Plan for shade and bugs: The park’s tree cover is great for cooling off but can also mean mosquitoes in warmer months. Bug spray can be helpful.
• Pack water and snacks: There may not always be convenient concessions nearby, so bring your own drinks, especially on hot days.
• Respect the neighborhood: This is a residential area, so keep noise reasonable, don’t block driveways when parking, and follow posted rules.
• Check before hosting a gathering: For larger group activities, many Atlanta residents check with the city for any permit requirements, even for smaller neighborhood parks.

If you live in northwest Atlanta or are spending time around Howell Mill, West Midtown, or Upper Westside, Underwood Hills Park is a practical, low-stress option for playground time, dog walks, and a quick dose of green space without crossing town.