Westside Park in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Westside Park is one of Atlanta’s newest and largest green spaces, transforming the city’s old Bellwood Quarry into a major destination for walking, relaxing, and skyline views. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and searching for a big, open park beyond Piedmont Park, Westside Park is worth knowing well.

Where Westside Park Is and How to Get There

Location:
Westside Park is in northwest Atlanta, near the West Midtown and Grove Park neighborhoods.

Main entrances commonly used by visitors include:

• Johnson Road NW entrance (near 1600 Johnson Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318)
• Bankhead Highway / West Marietta Street area on the south side of the park

Parking lots and entrances can shift as the park is expanded, so many visitors check current maps or city information before heading out, especially for the first visit.

Getting There by Car

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta:

• Take Northside Drive NW or Northside Drive / US-41 north
• Connect to Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW or Bankhead Hwy and then follow signs and navigation to the park entrances

From West Midtown:

• Use Marietta Blvd NW, West Marietta St NW, or Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW
• Head toward the quarry area and follow directions to Westside Park parking lots

Parking is generally in designated lots near the entrances. Street parking in nearby neighborhoods may be restricted, so it is safer to use official park lots when possible.

Using MARTA and Other Options

Westside Park is not directly on a rail line, but you can usually get close by:

• Taking MARTA Rail to Bankhead Station (Green Line), then using:
  • A ride-share service
  • A local bus line that runs along Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW or nearby roads

Cyclists sometimes access the park from West Midtown or nearby neighborhoods via local streets. As segments of the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail and other greenways expand over time, park connectivity is expected to improve.

What Makes Westside Park Special in Atlanta

Westside Park stands out among Atlanta parks for a few reasons:

• It’s built around the former Bellwood Quarry, with dramatic cliffs and blue water views.
• It supports a major drinking water reservoir beneath the park, part of a long-term city infrastructure project.
• It’s one of the largest parks in Atlanta, offering long walking paths and a more expansive feel than many intown parks.
• It offers excellent skyline views of Atlanta from certain overlooks.

While Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s classic “central park” for festivals and events, Westside Park feels more like a scenic, modern, and spacious escape, especially popular for walking, jogging, and photography.

Main Features and Amenities at Westside Park

Trails and Walking Paths

Westside Park has a growing network of:

• Paved multi-use paths for walking, jogging, and biking
• Loop-style walks that let you explore overlooks, forested sections, and open lawns
• Gradual hills and slopes, so some sections feel more like a hike than a flat city stroll

These paths are wide enough for families and groups, and they’re generally stroller-friendly, though steeper areas may be more challenging.

Overlooks and Quarry Views

One of the signature experiences at Westside Park is stepping out onto the quarry overlook areas:

• Elevated decks or platforms that look down into the deep quarry
• Striking views of the emerald-blue quarry water
• Distant views of the Downtown and Midtown Atlanta skyline

For safety reasons, access to the water itself is restricted; visitors enjoy the views from fenced or designated viewpoints.

Green Spaces, Lawns, and Seating

The park includes:

• Open lawns for picnics, lounging, and informal play
• Benches and seating areas along trails and near the overlooks
• Small plaza-style areas where paths meet

This combination makes it comfortable whether you’re there for exercise, reading, or meeting friends.

Play and Recreation Areas

As Westside Park continues to develop, facilities commonly found or expected in the park include:

• Play spaces for children or nearby family-friendly areas
• Paths suitable for strollers, scooters, and bikes
• Open spaces where people may toss a frisbee, practice yoga, or do bodyweight workouts

Unlike some sports-focused parks, Westside Park is more about trails, scenery, and open lawns than large sets of courts or fields.

Quick Reference: Westside Park at a Glance

Hours, Rules, and Safety Considerations

Park Hours

Westside Park typically follows standard Atlanta park hours, which are generally:

• Open from early morning to late evening
• Closed overnight

Signs at the entrances will list current hours and any seasonal changes. Always check posted rules when you arrive, as they are the most up-to-date.

General Rules to Know

Many of the rules at Westside Park mirror other Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation locations:

• Stay out of the quarry and reservoir areas. The water is not for public recreation.
• Leash dogs and clean up after them.
• Use trails and lawns respectfully, avoiding fenced or restricted restoration areas.
• No open fires except where explicitly allowed by the city.
• Alcohol and amplified sound may be restricted or require special permits.

Following these guidelines helps keep the park safe and comfortable for everyone.

Staying Safe During Your Visit

Some common-sense safety tips for Westside Park:

• ☀️ Heat and sun: Atlanta summers can be intense. Bring water, wear sun protection, and plan longer walks in the morning or evening.
• 🥾 Footwear: Wear supportive shoes, especially if you plan to explore longer or hillier sections.
• 🌧️ Weather: Trails can be slippery after rain; use caution on slopes.
• 🌙 Low light: If you’re visiting around dusk, stick to well-lit areas and know your route back to the parking lot.

As with any large urban park, many visitors prefer to walk with friends or stay on well-traveled paths, especially at quieter times.

Dogs and Families at Westside Park

Visiting with Kids

Westside Park can be a good outing for families in Atlanta:

• Wide, paved paths are friendly for strollers.
• The scenic overlooks are popular with older kids and teens who enjoy dramatic views and photo opportunities.
• Open lawns provide space for picnics and casual play.

Families should keep close watch around steep areas and overlook edges, and follow all railings and safety signs.

Bringing Your Dog

Dogs are common at Westside Park, especially with residents of nearby neighborhoods and West Midtown apartments.

Most visitors will want to:

• Keep dogs on a leash, in line with typical city park rules
• Bring waste bags and use designated trash cans
• Be mindful of children and other dogs when trails are crowded

If you’re used to visiting off-leash dog parks (like some within the Atlanta park system), note that Westside Park is focused on trails and views, so off-leash space may not be available.

Parking, Restrooms, and On-Site Facilities

Parking

The park offers official parking lots near major entrances, often accessible from:

• Johnson Rd NW
• Other designated access roads around the southern and western edges of the park

These lots can fill up more quickly on weekends and pleasant-weather days, so locals sometimes plan:

• Earlier morning visits
• Weekday walks
• Carpooling or ride-sharing for popular times

Always park in designated areas and respect any neighborhood parking restrictions to avoid tickets or towing.

Restrooms and Water

Westside Park generally includes:

• Restroom facilities near main entrances or gathering points
• Water fountains or refill stations in some high-traffic areas

By design, these may be clustered rather than evenly spaced, so it’s smart to:

• Use restrooms near the start of your visit
• Bring a refillable water bottle, especially for longer walks in summer

Events, Photography, and Special Uses

Casual Photography and Sightseeing

The quarry overlook and skyline views make Westside Park a favorite spot for:

• Casual phone photos
• Portraits and engagement shoots
• Sunrise or sunset skyline shots

Visitors taking everyday photos typically do not need a permit. For more formal or commercial photography, the city may require advance permission or permits, especially if:

• You have a large shoot with equipment and props
• You’re blocking paths or public areas
• You’re using drones or specialized gear

Checking current rules with the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation before a big shoot can prevent problems later.

Organized Activities and Gatherings

For larger events, such as:

• Group fitness classes
• Community gatherings
• Commercial or sponsored events

Organizers may need:

• A park use permit
• Proof of insurance
• Compliance with city noise and crowd rules

Permit information is generally handled through City of Atlanta offices and official channels for parks.

How Westside Park Fits into Atlanta’s Park System

Westside Park is part of a larger pattern of investment in green space in Atlanta, alongside:

• Piedmont Park in Midtown
• Freedom Park connecting neighborhoods east of Downtown
• The Atlanta BeltLine, which is slowly tying many parks together with multi-use trails
• Westside Reservoir and related infrastructure projects

For residents around Grove Park, West Midtown, and the Westside, Westside Park adds a major new destination park that can anchor weekend routines, daily walks, and meetups.

Visitors staying in Downtown, Midtown, or West Midtown hotels often add Westside Park to their list if they’re looking for a different kind of Atlanta view than a rooftop bar or traditional tourist stop.

Practical Tips for Visiting Westside Park in Atlanta

To make the most of your trip:

• Plan your route in advance. Pick your entrance and parking area before you drive.
• Check the weather. Summer heat and pop-up storms are common in Atlanta.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll likely walk more than you expect.
• Bring water and a small bag. Especially if you’re exploring multiple trails.
• Verify hours and rules at the entrance. These posted signs override older information.

If you live in Atlanta, Westside Park can quickly become a regular part of your routine. If you’re visiting, it offers a uniquely local way to see the city’s skyline, neighborhoods, and changing landscape—all from one of the most striking parks on the Westside.