Exploring the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail: What to Know Before You Go

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is one of the city’s most popular urban trails, connecting intown neighborhoods with a wide, paved path that’s ideal for walking, running, biking, and people‑watching. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are just trying to understand how the BeltLine works here, the Eastside Trail is often the best place to start.

What Is the Eastside Trail?

The Eastside Trail is a multi-use section of the Atlanta BeltLine, built along a former rail corridor on the east side of the city. It:

• Runs roughly from Piedmont Park (near 10th St & Monroe Dr NE) down to Reynoldstown (near Memorial Dr SE).
• Passes through or alongside neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Reynoldstown.
• Is paved, mostly flat, and fully separated from car traffic, making it accessible for many ages and abilities.

You’ll find:

• Walkers, runners, and cyclists using it for daily exercise.
• Parents with strollers and kids on scooters.
• Locals commuting between home, work, and nearby shops.
• Visitors exploring Atlanta’s street art, parks, and food along the route.

Key Access Points and How to Get There

You can hop on the Eastside Trail from many cross streets. These are some of the most commonly used access points:

Northern Access (Near Piedmont Park)

• Monroe Dr & 10th St NE area
  Close to Piedmont Park and Midtown. You can access the BeltLine near the southeast corner of Piedmont Park and follow signs to the Eastside Trail.

Central Access (Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park)

• North Avenue NE / Ponce de Leon Ave NE
  This stretch is one of the busiest, with easy access to shops, offices, and dining.

• Ralph McGill Blvd NE
  A good mid-trail access point near Old Fourth Ward.

• Freedom Parkway / Highland Ave NE area
  Convenient for Inman Park and Poncey-Highland residents.

Southern Access (Reynoldstown / Memorial Drive)

• Dekalb Ave NE & Krog St NE
  Near Krog Street Tunnel and Inman Park/Reynoldstown MARTA Station.

• Memorial Dr SE
  The southern end of the Eastside Trail connects near Memorial Drive, close to Reynoldstown.

Getting There by MARTA

Public transit is a practical way to reach the trail:

• MARTA Rail Stations near the Eastside Trail:
  • Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station (Blue/Green Line) – about a 10–15 minute walk to the trail.
  • Midtown Station (Red/Gold Line) – walk or bike to Piedmont Park, then connect to the trail.
  • North Avenue Station (Red/Gold Line) – walk or take a short bike/scooter ride east toward Ponce de Leon Ave NE and the trail.

For up-to-date transit routes and schedules, you can contact MARTA Customer Service at 404-848-5000 or visit their main offices at 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324.

What You’ll See Along the Eastside Trail

The Eastside Trail packs a lot into just a few miles. Some highlights include:

• City skyline views from several overpasses and open stretches.
• Murals and street art, especially near underpasses and the Krog Street area.
• Historic industrial buildings converted into lofts, offices, and markets.
• Green spaces and pocket parks that give you a break from concrete.

Parks Connected to the Trail

Several major parks connect directly to or sit very close to the Eastside Trail:

• Historic Fourth Ward Park
  Features a lake, green lawns, walkways, and a playground. It’s one of the most popular parks directly tied to the trail.

• Piedmont Park (near the northern end)
  Atlanta’s signature urban park, with sports fields, a dog park, and miles of additional paths.

• Smaller plazas and greenspaces
  You’ll notice landscaped areas, benches, and small gathering spots directly off the paved trail.

Using the Trail: Walking, Running, and Biking

The Eastside Trail is designed as a multi-use greenway, so you’ll share space with a lot of different users. That’s part of the appeal—and one of the main things to be prepared for.

Walking and Running

• The paved surface is smooth and comfortable for daily walks or runs.
• The trail can get very crowded on weekends and evenings, especially between Piedmont Park and Old Fourth Ward.
• If you’re running for pace, many locals:
  • Go early in the morning.
  • Use less busy sections closer to Memorial Dr SE.
  • Combine the BeltLine with nearby neighborhood streets.

Biking, Scooters, and Skating

Biking is one of the most popular ways to use the BeltLine:

• The trail is wide, but you must ride at a controlled speed due to heavy pedestrian traffic.
• You’re expected to:
  • Yield to pedestrians.
  • Announce when passing (for example, “On your left”).
  • Slow down near crowded plazas and cross streets.

For bike rentals and repairs, many people look to shops and services located in BeltLine-adjacent neighborhoods like Midtown or Old Fourth Ward.

Typical Experience by Time of Day

Here’s a general sense of what to expect:

If you prefer a calmer visit, aim for weekday mornings or later in the evening, especially in cooler months.

Safety, Etiquette, and Accessibility

Basic Trail Etiquette

To keep the Eastside Trail enjoyable for everyone:

• Stay to the right, pass on the left.
• Keep a steady line when walking or running—avoid sudden stops in the middle of the path.
• If you’re in a group, avoid blocking the entire width; leave room for others to pass.
• Leash your dog and keep leashes short in crowded spots.
• Use headphones at a low volume so you can hear bikes, scooters, and announcements.

Safety Considerations

• The Eastside Trail is heavily used and generally feels active, especially in daylight.
• Lighting is available along most of the trail, but many locals still prefer to:
  • Go with a friend, especially at night.
  • Stay aware of surroundings and avoid using the trail very late alone.
• Weather can change quickly in Atlanta. In summer:
  • Plan around heat and humidity.
  • Use shaded stretches and bring water.
• Watch for intersections and driveways where the trail crosses local streets; bikes and scooters should slow down at all crossings.

For emergencies, always call 911. For non-emergency public safety concerns in the City of Atlanta, the Atlanta Police Department non-emergency number is 404-658-6666.

Accessibility on the Eastside Trail

The Eastside Trail has been developed with accessibility in mind:

• Paved, relatively level surface suitable for most wheelchairs and mobility devices.
• Multiple ramp-style access points from intersecting streets.
• Benches and rest areas placed intermittently.

Because the trail can be crowded, especially near North Avenue and Ponce de Leon Ave NE, it can help to:

• Visit during off-peak hours if you need more room to maneuver.
• Start from less busy access points closer to Memorial Dr SE or Reynoldstown.

For questions about accessibility or amenities along the BeltLine, you can reach out to Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. at:

• Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
  112 Krog St NE, Suite 14
  Atlanta, GA 30307
  Phone: 404-477-3003

Parking Near the Eastside Trail

There is no dedicated, continuous BeltLine parking lot for the Eastside Trail, but there are several common approaches:

• Neighborhood street parking
  Many people park on side streets in Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland, then walk to the trail. Always check local parking signs and restrictions.

• Parking at nearby parks or public facilities
  Some visitors use parking near Piedmont Park or Historic Fourth Ward Park and then access the trail on foot.

• Paid parking at nearby businesses or decks
  Certain commercial areas, especially around Ponce de Leon Ave NE, offer paid parking.

Parking conditions and enforcement can vary, so it’s wise to allow extra time and have a backup option at busier hours.

Amenities Along the Trail

As an urban trail and greenway, the Eastside Trail offers more than just a path.

Restrooms and Water

• Public restrooms may be found in nearby parks (such as Historic Fourth Ward Park or Piedmont Park) and some public facilities adjacent to the trail.
• Many people rely on restrooms inside nearby businesses, especially in the central portion of the trail. Be prepared to make a purchase if you’re using private facilities.
• Water fountains may be present in parks; carrying a refillable water bottle is common, particularly in summer.

Food and Break Spots

The Eastside Trail is known for:

• Easy access to cafés, quick bites, and sit-down restaurants just off the path.
• Outdoor seating and patios where you can lock up a bike or take a break from walking.
• Occasional pop-ups or small events in adjacent plazas.

If you’re planning a longer walk or ride, you can treat the trail as a spine that connects many of Atlanta’s intown food and drink options.

Events, Art, and Community Activities

Throughout the year, the Eastside Trail area often hosts:

• Fitness classes and group runs that start from trail access points or nearby parks.
• Art installations and rotating murals visible from or directly on the trail.
• Seasonal community activities organized by local groups or city partners.

Schedules change frequently, so many Atlantans check event boards, local news, or community calendars to find out what’s happening around the BeltLine on a given weekend.

How the Eastside Trail Fits into the Larger BeltLine

The Eastside Trail is just one segment of the broader Atlanta BeltLine vision:

• It connects to other completed segments and planned corridors that will eventually form a loop around the city.
• For many people, the Eastside Trail serves as:
  • A daily commute route between home and work.
  • A gateway for exploring other segments on the Westside or Southside as they are built out.
  • A starting point to understand what the BeltLine is and how it changes nearby neighborhoods.

If you want updates on construction, expansions, and long-term plans, you can contact:

• Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
  112 Krog St NE, Suite 14
  Atlanta, GA 30307
  Phone: 404-477-3003

Practical Tips for Your First (or Next) Visit

A few simple habits can make your time on the Eastside Trail smoother:

• 🕐 Choose your time wisely: Go early or on weekdays if you want more space.
• 💧 Bring water and sun protection: Atlanta heat and humidity can be intense.
• 🚲 If biking, ride defensively: Expect sudden stops and kids darting across the path.
• 🐕 Plan for pets: Keep dogs leashed and bring bags to clean up after them.
• 📍 Know your access point: Decide whether you want to start near a park, food, or quieter neighborhood streets.

For Atlantans and visitors alike, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is one of the clearest examples of how an urban trail and greenway can reshape everyday life—connecting parks, neighborhoods, and people in a way that’s easy to access and use, day after day.