Exploring the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail in Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is one of the city’s most popular spots for walking, biking, and people-watching—especially through the Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want to experience the city’s in-town energy, this is one of the first places to go.

Below is a practical guide to what the Eastside Trail is, where it goes, how to use it, and what to expect in the neighborhoods it connects.

What Is the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail?

The Eastside Trail is a paved, multi-use path built along a former railway corridor on the east side of Atlanta. It’s part of the larger Atlanta BeltLine, a planned loop of trails, transit, and green space circling intown neighborhoods.

Through Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park, the trail feels like:

• An outdoor living room for intown residents
• A safe, mostly flat route for walking, jogging, biking, and skating
• A direct connection between popular dining, parks, apartments, and historic streets

You’ll see a mix of families with strollers, cyclists commuting, runners training, and groups heading to brunch or local bars.

Where the Eastside Trail Runs in This Area

While the Eastside Trail continues beyond these neighborhoods, the Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park stretch is one of the busiest and easiest to access.

Key Segments Around Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

Notable access areas include:

• Ponce City Market area (Old Fourth Ward)

  • Access from Ponce de Leon Ave NE, near 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
  • One of the most crowded portions, especially on weekends

• Historic Fourth Ward Park area

  • Access near Ralph McGill Blvd NE and North Avenue NE
  • Close to residential streets, apartments, and the park’s lake and playground

• Inman Park / Krog Street area

  • Access points near Krog Street and Lake Avenue NE
  • Short walk to Krog Street Market, Inman Park restaurants, and the Krog Street Tunnel

In this section, the trail mostly runs north–south, linking Old Fourth Ward (to the north and center) and Inman Park (to the south and east).

What It’s Like to Walk or Bike the Eastside Trail

Trail Surface & Width

• Paved, concrete surface suitable for walking, strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes
• Generally wide, but it can feel tight at peak times due to heavy foot and bike traffic

Typical Crowd Patterns

• Early mornings: More runners and cyclists, fewer crowds
• Weekday afternoons: Moderate traffic, mix of locals and visitors
• Evenings & weekends: Very busy, especially near Ponce City Market and Krog Street

If you prefer a quieter experience, consider early morning or weekday visits.

Access Points and Navigation Tips

You don’t need a ticket, pass, or reservation—the Eastside Trail is public and free to use.

Common Access Points in Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

You can enter the trail from many cross streets. A few commonly used spots:

• Ponce City Market / North Avenue area (Old Fourth Ward)
  • Stairs, ramps, and elevators connect directly from the market’s parking and shops to the trail.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park
  • Trails and sidewalks from the park’s lake, amphitheater, and playground lead up to the BeltLine.
• North Highland Ave NE (near Inman Park)
  • Short walks from Highland to trail entrances via neighborhood streets.
• Krog Street & Lake Avenue NE (Inman Park / Krog District)
  • Access near Krog Street Market and underpasses toward the Krog Street Tunnel.

📝 Tip: Street parking can be tight in Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park. Many locals use rideshare, MARTA bus routes, or bike/scooter to avoid parking issues.

Transportation, Parking, and Transit Options

Driving & Parking

Parking varies by segment:

• Ponce City Market area:

  • Large paid parking decks and surface lots
  • Expect higher demand and event pricing at busy times

• Around Historic Fourth Ward Park:

  • Some lots and street parking, often limited on evenings and weekends

• Inman Park / Krog area:

  • Street parking on neighboring residential streets, often time-limited or heavily used

Always check posted signs for time limits, permit requirements, and towing zones.

Transit Options

• MARTA Rail:
  • Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station (Blue/Green Line) is roughly a 10–20 minute walk from parts of the Eastside Trail.
• MARTA Bus:
  • Bus routes frequently run along major streets like Ponce de Leon Ave, North Avenue, and Moreland Ave, connecting to the trail via short walks.

Using MARTA can be a good way to avoid parking stress near the busiest access points.

What You’ll See and Do Along the Trail

The Eastside Trail through Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park blends historic neighborhoods, new development, and green space.

Sights and Experiences

• Street art and murals
  • Colorful art along walls, underpasses, and near the Krog Street Tunnel
• Skyline views
  • Clear views of Midtown and Downtown Atlanta from some stretches
• Historic industrial buildings
  • Old warehouses and factories converted into food halls, offices, and lofts
• Public art installations
  • Sculptures and rotating pieces are common along the trail

Old Fourth Ward Highlights Along/Near the Trail

• Easy access to Historic Fourth Ward Park, a major in-town green space
• Connections to Ponce City Market shops, food hall, and rooftop attractions
• Residential streets filled with lofts, apartments, and renovated homes

Inman Park Highlights Along/Near the Trail

• Short walks to Victorian homes and tree-lined residential streets
• Close to Inman Park’s commercial nodes (Edgewood Ave, Highland Ave)
• Easy access to Krog Street Market and nearby restaurants and bars

Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park: Neighborhood Character

Although they’re side by side, Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park have distinct identities connected by the Eastside Trail.

Old Fourth Ward (O4W)

• Known for its civil rights history and proximity to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (a bit east of the trail).
• Mix of older homes, new construction townhomes, and large apartment buildings.
• Strong nightlife and dining scene near the BeltLine, especially around Edgewood Avenue, Highland Avenue, and Ponce City Market.

Inman Park

• Often described as Atlanta’s first planned suburb, with historic Victorian and Craftsman homes.
• More residential feel away from the trail, with quieter side streets and small parks.
• Features neighborhood restaurants, patios, and coffee shops within walking distance of the BeltLine.

The Eastside Trail ties these neighborhoods together, making it easy to live in one and frequent the other without a car.

Using the Eastside Trail Safely and Comfortably

Shared Trail Etiquette

The Eastside Trail is a multi-use path, so being aware of others helps everyone enjoy it:

• Keep right, pass on the left
• Walk in single file or tight groups when it’s crowded
• Cyclists and scooter riders should slow down and signal when passing (“On your left”)
• Keep pets on a short leash and close to your side
• Avoid blocking the trail when stopping; step to the side

Personal Safety

• The trail is typically well-used and visible, especially in daylight.
• At night, use well-lit sections, stay aware of your surroundings, and consider walking with others.
• If you have an emergency, you can contact Atlanta Police Department via 911. For non-emergency concerns, residents often contact the City of Atlanta Police non-emergency line at 404-658-6666.

When to Visit: Weather and Timing

Atlanta’s climate makes the trail usable most of the year.

• Spring and fall: Comfortable temperatures, popular for walking and running
• Summer: Hot and humid—early morning or evening is usually more comfortable
• Winter: Often mild; cold snaps happen but the trail generally stays accessible

☀️ Hot weather tip: Bring water, especially if you’re doing a long walk or run between Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park. Shade varies depending on the segment.

Amenities and Services Near the Trail

The areas around the Eastside Trail have grown quickly, so basic needs are usually close at hand.

Food, Restrooms, and Shops

While exact offerings change over time, you can usually find:

• Food halls and markets near the trail (such as large mixed-use developments)
• Restaurants, coffee shops, and bars within a short walk from most access points
• Public or semi-public restrooms inside major commercial centers adjacent to the trail

In practice, many people using the trail in Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park plan stops at nearby dining spots to use restrooms, refill water, and grab a bite.

Bike and Scooter Access

• The trail is frequently used by bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters.
• Many Atlantans bring their own bikes; some use shared scooters or bikes from nearby streets where allowed.
• If you’re biking, keep your speed in check—this section of the Eastside Trail is not a racing route.

Accessibility Considerations

The Eastside Trail is designed as a paved, relatively flat path, which can be helpful for people with mobility aids, strollers, or wheelchairs.

• Most major trailheads have ramps or gradual slopes.
• Some access points include stairs, so check your route if you need step-free entry.
• Surfaces can be crowded and noisy, which may matter for people who prefer lower-sensory environments.

If you’re planning a visit and have specific accessibility needs, it can help to:

• Enter from larger mixed-use areas (like near Ponce de Leon Ave) where ramps and elevators are more common
• Visit during off-peak hours for more space to maneuver

Quick Reference: Eastside Trail Through Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

Who the Eastside Trail Best Serves

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail in Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park works well if you:

• Live nearby and want a daily walking or jogging route
• Are visiting Atlanta and want to see multiple intown neighborhoods on foot
• Prefer car-light or car-free ways to get between parks, restaurants, and shops
• Enjoy street art, city views, and lively public spaces

If you’re planning time in Atlanta’s eastside neighborhoods, building a walk or ride along the Eastside Trail into your day is one of the simplest ways to understand how Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park connect—and to experience a major part of the city’s current in-town life.