Dog-Friendly Atlanta BeltLine Trails: Where You Can Walk Your Leashed Pup

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the most popular places in the city to walk a dog on leash. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting with your pup, the BeltLine’s mix of paved trails, green spaces, and access to dog-friendly businesses makes it an easy go-to.

This guide explains which BeltLine trails are good for leashed dogs, what to expect on different segments, and how to keep your pet safe and legal under City of Atlanta leash and pet rules.

Are Dogs Allowed on the Atlanta BeltLine?

Yes. Leashed dogs are welcome on all public Atlanta BeltLine trails.

The Atlanta BeltLine follows general City of Atlanta animal ordinances, which means:

• Leashes are required on all trails and in public spaces (typically 6 feet or shorter is recommended).
• You must clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly.
• Dogs must be under control at all times, even when leashed.
• Aggressive behavior can be grounds for removal from the trail.

The BeltLine is considered a multi-use urban trail, not a dog park, so it’s designed to be shared with:

• Walkers and joggers
• Cyclists and scooters
• Families with children and strollers
• Wheelchairs and mobility devices

If your dog is very reactive to crowds, bikes, or other dogs, some segments are likely to feel more comfortable than others (more on that below).

Quick Overview: Best BeltLine Segments for Leashed Dogs

Here’s a simple summary of popular Atlanta BeltLine trail segments for dog owners:

All of these require leashes and good trail manners.

The Eastside Trail with Your Dog

The Eastside Trail is the most famous—and most crowded—part of the BeltLine. It runs roughly from Piedmont Park/Monroe Drive down to Memorial Drive near Glenwood Park and Reynoldstown.

What to Expect

• High foot traffic, especially evenings and weekends
• Lots of other dogs, joggers, scooters, and bikes
• Access to dog-friendly patios at restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops
• Minimal shade in some sections, which can be tough on hot days

This segment is great if:

• Your dog is social and well-adjusted in crowds
• You like to combine a walk with food or drinks on patios
• You’re okay with stopping often and keeping a short, controlled leash

Dog-Friendly Tips on the Eastside Trail

• Aim for early mornings or later evenings in summer to avoid hot pavement.
• Keep your dog to the right side of the trail and avoid extending leashes across the path.
• Use the many side street crossings and ramps if your dog needs a break from the crowd.
• Watch for cyclists and scooters; keep your dog close when passing or being passed.

Closest large green space:

• Piedmont Park
  1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
  (Leashed dogs allowed throughout the park; there is also a separate off-leash dog park area.)

Westside Trail: A More Relaxed Option

The Westside Trail runs through neighborhoods like Adair Park, Oakland City, and Westview. It has a different feel from the Eastside—still active, but typically less packed.

What You’ll Find

• Paved trail with more open stretches and fewer tight pinch points
• Mix of residential areas, small businesses, and greenery
• Access to parks and green spaces just off the trail
• Ongoing development, so some construction zones may appear over time

This segment can work well if:

• You want a BeltLine experience without the heaviest crowds
• Your dog is comfortable with bikes and joggers but not hundreds of people at once
• You prefer a more neighborhood feel to your walk

Nearby parks worth noting for quick breaks:

• Adair Park I & II
  742 Catherine St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
  (Leashed dogs welcome in park areas.)

Southside Trail: Growing, Quieter, and More Open

The Southside Trail connects the Westside and Eastside Trails through the city’s southern neighborhoods. Parts are paved, and some sections have been under active development.

Dog-Walking Experience

• Generally less crowded than the Eastside, depending on time of day
• A mix of paved trail and evolving surroundings, with a more open, transitional feel
• Fewer businesses than the Eastside and Westside—for now—but that’s changing

This is a good choice if:

• You and your dog want a longer, steadier walk with fewer stops
• You’re comfortable walking in areas that feel more transitional and still building out
• You’re looking to explore new-to-you parts of the BeltLine without heavy foot traffic

Check current status and access points with:

• Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
  100 Peachtree St NW, Suite 2300
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main office phone (commonly listed): (404) 477-3003

Calling or checking posted signage at access points can help you avoid any temporarily closed sections.

Northside Trail: Shady and More Natural

The Northside Trail in Buckhead is one of the most wooded and shaded BeltLine segments. It runs through and around Tanyard Creek Park and nearby neighborhoods.

Why Many Dog Owners Like It

• Tree cover and shade, especially valuable in hot months
• A more park-like, quiet atmosphere than the Eastside Trail
• Paved, multi-use trail with some gentle slopes and curves
• Access to Tanyard Creek Park, which has open lawns and creek views

This trail is ideal if:

• Your dog prefers calmer, greener surroundings
• You’re looking for a cooler option on warm days
• You like walks that feel more like a neighborhood park than a busy corridor

Nearby park:

• Tanyard Creek Park
  73 28th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  (Leashed dogs allowed in general park areas.)

Westside BeltLine Connector: Urban Mix for Confident Pups

The Westside BeltLine Connector links the BeltLine network to Downtown Atlanta and the Vine City / English Avenue area. It has a more urban and industrial feel.

What Dog Owners Should Know

• Mix of streetscape, overpasses, and open trail
• Closer to traffic, city noise, and urban infrastructure
• Great if you’re walking between Downtown, Vine City, and Westside areas

Best for dogs that:

• Are already comfortable with traffic noise, sirens, and crowds
• Walk well on a short leash near streets and crosswalks
• Don’t get spooked easily by echoes under bridges or sudden sounds

General Leash and Pet Rules on the BeltLine

While each BeltLine segment has its own vibe, the basic expectations for dogs are consistent.

Key Rules to Follow

• Leash Required: Dogs must be on a leash in all public trail areas.
• Under Control: Keep your dog close and responsive; avoid letting them block the path.
• Pick Up Waste: Use bags and place them in trash cans, not recycling bins or grass.
• Respect Other Users: Not everyone is comfortable with dogs—keep greetings optional, not automatic.

For local pet and leash laws, the responsible agencies include:

• City of Atlanta – Department of Parks and Recreation
  233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700
  Atlanta, GA 30303
• Fulton County Animal Services (for many city-area enforcement matters)
  1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW
  Atlanta, GA 30336
  Phone (commonly listed): (404) 613-0358

If you have questions about a specific ordinance, it’s best to contact the city or county directly or review posted rules at major trail access points.

When Is the Best Time to Walk Your Dog on the BeltLine?

Because the BeltLine is open daily and heavily used, timing matters, especially if you’re walking a dog.

For Heat and Safety

Atlanta pavement can get extremely hot in summer. For your dog’s paws and overall comfort:

• Prefer early mornings (around sunrise) or later evenings
• Use shadier segments like the Northside Trail on hot days
• Bring water for both you and your dog, especially on longer walks

For Crowd Level

• Most crowded times:
  • Weekend afternoons
  • Weekday evenings after work
• Quieter times:
  • Early mornings most days
  • Midday on weekdays (outside holidays)

If your dog is nervous in crowds, the Eastside Trail at peak time may feel overwhelming. Shifting to Westside, Southside, or Northside segments during off-peak hours can make a big difference.

Practical Etiquette for Dog Owners on the BeltLine

Sharing the BeltLine safely with others comes down to a few practical habits.

Trail Manners That Help Everyone

• Keep the leash short in crowded areas or when bikes are nearby.
• Walk on the right and pass on the left when possible.
• Avoid sudden stops in the middle of the trail; step to the side for sniff breaks.
• If your dog is reactive, create space by:
  • Moving to the edge of the trail
  • Letting others pass ahead
  • Choosing quieter segments or times of day

Dealing with Other Dogs

• Always ask before letting dogs greet, or simply step aside and keep moving.
• If another dog is clearly pulling or barking, give extra space and avoid forced interactions.
• If your dog is uncomfortable, it’s acceptable to cross to the other side of the trail or turn around.

BeltLine Access, Parking, and Starting Points for Dog Walks

Access and parking situations can change, but here are some commonly used starting areas near key segments. Always check local signs for current parking rules.

• Eastside Trail access near Piedmont Park

  • Area around Monroe Dr NE & 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
  • Street parking and nearby lots (pay attention to posted rules)

• Eastside / Reynoldstown–Inman Park area

  • Around Krog St & Irwin St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  • Popular access points with nearby businesses and dog-friendly patios

• Westside Trail – Adair Park area

  • Near 742 Catherine St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
  • Street parking around Adair Park and neighborhood access to the trail

• Northside Trail – Tanyard Creek Park

  • 73 28th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Park-focused access with a more natural feel

Because some areas of the BeltLine are in active development, it helps to:

• Read posted trail maps and construction notices at entrances.
• Plan a short first visit to a new segment before bringing a nervous or older dog for a long walk.

Combining the BeltLine with Other Dog-Friendly Spots

Many Atlanta dog owners use the BeltLine as part of a bigger outing:

• Walk along a BeltLine segment
• Stop at a dog-friendly patio for coffee, brunch, or a drink
• Detour into a nearby park to give your dog more grass and sniff time

Popular general green spaces near BeltLine segments (all leashed-only unless signed otherwise):

• Piedmont Park – 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Adair Park – 742 Catherine St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
• Tanyard Creek Park – 73 28th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

These parks connect naturally with BeltLine walks and can give your dog a break from the constant movement on the trail.

Key Takeaways for Walking Your Dog (Leashed) on the Atlanta BeltLine

• Leashed dogs are allowed on all public BeltLine trails.
• Choose segments based on your dog’s personality:
  • Eastside for social, patio-friendly outings.
  • Westside / Southside for more space and moderate crowds.
  • Northside for shade and a quieter, park-like feel.
• Follow City of Atlanta leash and cleanup rules and standard trail etiquette.
• Plan around heat and crowds to keep your dog comfortable and safe.
• Combine the BeltLine with nearby parks and dog-friendly spots for a fuller outing.

With a bit of planning and the right timing, the Atlanta BeltLine can become one of the easiest and most enjoyable places in the city to walk your leashed dog.