Your Guide to the Atlanta BeltLine Map: How to Navigate the Loop Like a Local

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the city’s most popular ways to walk, bike, and explore neighborhoods. If you’re looking for an Atlanta BeltLine map—and how to actually use it in real life—this guide walks you through the main sections, key access points, transit connections, and simple ways to plan your route.

Understanding the Atlanta BeltLine Layout

The BeltLine is designed as a loop around central Atlanta, built mostly on old railroad corridors. It’s made up of:

• Trails – paved paths for walking, running, biking, and scooters
• Transit (future) – planned light rail / streetcar on parts of the corridor
• Parks and access points – greenspaces and neighborhood connections

On a typical Atlanta BeltLine map, you’ll see the loop divided into four main sections:

• Northeast Trail
• Eastside Trail
• Southside Trail
• Southwest & Westside Trails

Some parts are fully open and paved, some are under construction, and others are still in planning. Any up-to-date map should clearly label each part as:

• Open / paved
• Unpaved but accessible
• Closed / construction
• Proposed / future

When you look at a BeltLine map, focus on:

• Which segments are open for use today
• Where the nearest access point is to you
• How to connect with MARTA or parking if you’re not walking from home

Key Sections You’ll See on an Atlanta BeltLine Map

Eastside Trail (Piedmont Park to Reynoldstown)

The Eastside Trail is the most iconic and heavily used segment. On a map, it typically runs:

• From near Piedmont Park and Monroe Drive / 10th Street
• South through Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland, Inman Park, and Old Fourth Ward
• Down toward Reynoldstown

What maps usually show here:

• Major landmarks like Ponce City Market, Historic Fourth Ward Park, and Krog Street Market
• Access ramps and stairways from side streets
• Nearby bike lanes and cross streets

Best for: first-time visitors, casual walks, grabbing food or coffee, people-watching.

Northeast Trail (Midtown / Ansley area toward Lindbergh)

The Northeast Trail connects the Eastside area up toward Ansley Mall and the Lindbergh area, with sections in various stages of completion.

On a current map, expect to see:

• Open paved segments connecting to the northern end of the Eastside Trail
• Interim gravel / unpaved segments where you can still walk or bike
• Future connections tying into the Lindbergh Center area

Best for: extending rides beyond the Eastside Trail, reaching northeast neighborhoods, and quieter walks compared to the Eastside.

Southside Trail (Glenwood Park to Pittsburgh / Adair Park)

The Southside Trail curves along the southern part of the city, linking:

• Glenwood Park / Ormewood Park on the east
• Across near Chosewood Park and South Atlanta
• Toward Pittsburgh and Adair Park on the west

On maps, you’ll see both:

• Finished segments that are paved
• Sections under construction or interim gravel

Maps usually highlight:

• Connections with the Eastside Trail near Glenwood
• Planned linkages to the Westside Trail in Adair Park

Best for: exploring less crowded parts of the BeltLine and seeing how the loop is coming together.

Westside & Southwest Trails (West End, Bankhead, and beyond)

The Westside Trail and related segments serve neighborhoods like:

• West End
• Adair Park
• Mozley Park
• Areas near Bankhead and the Westside Reservoir Park corridor

On a map, look for:

• The Westside Trail connecting the West End / Adair Park area northward
• Future or open routes reaching toward Westside Park and the Proctor Creek area
• Access points near MARTA West End Station and major roads like Lee Street and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard

Best for: quieter rides, access to the Westside’s growing parks, and connecting from MARTA without going through busier Eastside segments.

How to Read and Use an Atlanta BeltLine Map

1. Identify Your Section of the City

Start by finding your current neighborhood or destination:

• Midtown / Virginia-Highland / Inman Park → look at Eastside & Northeast
• Grant Park / Ormewood / Chosewood → focus on Eastside & Southside
• West End / Adair Park / Westview → zoom in on the Westside Trail
• Bankhead / Grove Park / Westside Park → check the Westside / Northwest areas

2. Check Trail Status

💡 Always confirm if a segment is open, unpaved, or closed. Atlanta BeltLine maps typically use:

• Solid lines for open, paved trails
• Dashed or different colors for interim or future segments
• Construction symbols or notes where access is restricted

If you’re planning a long bike ride or run, this matters—some unpaved sections may be uneven or muddy after rain.

3. Look for Access Points and Cross Streets

Maps usually mark:

• Trailheads and ramps
• Major intersections and cross streets
• Nearby parking areas and parks

If you’re driving in, pick an access point close to public parking or a MARTA station. For neighborhood access, look for side streets you can walk in from.

Major Access Points Commonly Shown on BeltLine Maps

Here are some of the most useful access areas to look for when reading a map. These are general area descriptions you’ll often see noted:

Eastside Trail Access Areas

• Monroe Dr / 10th St area (near Piedmont Park)
• Ponce City Market / North Avenue bridge
• Historic Fourth Ward Park area
• Freedom Parkway / Highland Avenue connections
• Krog Street Market / Irwin Street area
• Memorial Drive / Reynoldstown area

Westside Trail Access Areas

• MARTA West End Station area
• Lee Street SW & White Street SW corridor
• Adair Park access near Catherine Street and surrounding side streets

Southside Trail Access Areas

• Bill Kennedy Way SE / Glenwood Park area
• Pryor Street / South Atlanta area
• McDaniel Street / Pittsburgh neighborhood area

Northeast Trail Access Areas

• North end of the Eastside Trail near Monroe Drive
• Ansley Mall / Monroe Drive area
• Lindbergh area connections (future expansion on many maps)

Use these landmarks when reading a map to pinpoint where to start and end your trip.

BeltLine Map vs. Real-World Wayfinding

Even with a map, it helps to know what to expect on the ground.

What You’ll See on Signs and Markers

Along open segments, you’ll typically find:

• Directional signs pointing to neighborhoods and major streets
• Distance markers or wayfinding panels at some access points
• Trail rules and etiquette signs (speed limits for scooters/bikes, hours, etc.)

Many people use a paper or digital map to plan, then rely on signage once they’re on the trail.

Using Transit + BeltLine Together

An Atlanta BeltLine map often shows how to connect to MARTA:

• Rail stations near the BeltLine
  • Examples often shown on maps include stations in the Inman Park / Reynoldstown, Midtown, and West End areas.
• Bus routes that stop near trail access points

Typical pattern:

1. Take MARTA rail or bus to a nearby stop.
2. Walk a few blocks to a signed BeltLine access point.
3. Use the BeltLine to reach parks, markets, or another neighborhood, then loop back.

This is especially useful during busy weekends or events when parking near the Eastside Trail can be tight.

Simple Route Ideas You Can Plan from the Map

Here are a few common loops and routes people use the BeltLine map to plan. These aren’t official routes, but they line up with what many locals do:

1. Eastside “Food & Views” Walk

• Start near Piedmont Park / Monroe Drive
• Walk south on the Eastside Trail past Ponce City Market
• Continue through Old Fourth Ward toward Krog Street Market
• Turn around and head back, or exit to nearby streets for restaurants and cafés

Best for: first-time visitors and relaxed weekend strolls.

2. West End BeltLine + MARTA Combo

• Take MARTA rail to the West End area
• Walk a short distance to a Westside Trail access point
• Follow the Westside Trail through historic neighborhoods and parks
• Return to the station by the same route or via neighborhood streets

Best for: people interested in architecture, murals, and quieter stretches of trail.

3. East-to-South Connector Ride (As Open Segments Allow)

• Use the map to follow the Eastside Trail south
• Transition onto open Southside Trail segments near areas like Glenwood Park
• Ride as far along the Southside as current open segments allow
• Turn around or exit into nearby neighborhoods

Because the Southside is still evolving, a map is essential here to avoid blocked or closed segments.

Safety and Etiquette Notes You’ll See Reflected in Maps and Signs

BeltLine maps and on-trail signs often reinforce a few common rules:

• Stay to the right, pass on the left, and signal when passing
• Keep pets leashed and close
• Use lights at night if biking or scootering
• Observe posted hours and construction closures

Most maps don’t just show paths; they help you plan a route that feels safe and comfortable for how you’re traveling—whether that’s walking with kids, running, or biking.

Where to Get Reliable Atlanta BeltLine Map Information

For current, official trail status and maps, look for:

• Printed maps sometimes available at community events and certain city or neighborhood information centers
• On-site kiosks and wayfinding boards at major access points
• Official Atlanta BeltLine offices or information desks if you’re nearby central city civic facilities

If you’re unsure whether a section on your map is still accurate—especially on the Southside, Westside, or Northeast—use the most recent information you can find or check posted signs at the access point before committing to a long ride or run.

Quick Reference: What an Atlanta BeltLine Map Typically Shows

Use this table as a mental checklist anytime you’re looking at an Atlanta BeltLine map—if your map includes these details and is clearly labeled, it’s likely to be practical for planning real-world trips around the city.