Exploring the Atlanta BeltLine Northside Trail: A Local’s Guide

The Atlanta BeltLine Northside Trail is one of the city’s most scenic intown greenways, tucked into the trees between Buckhead and Midtown. If you’re looking for a place to walk, run, bike, or just unplug for a bit without leaving the city, this short but beautiful stretch of trail is worth knowing well.

Where the Northside Trail Is and How It Fits into the BeltLine

The Northside Trail is part of the larger Atlanta BeltLine network of multi-use paths built along former railroad corridors.

• General area: Northside Drive / Peachtree Creek area, between Buckhead and the west side of Midtown
• Neighborhoods nearby: Collier Hills, Ardmore Park, Peachtree Hills, and the Memorial Park area
• Typical access points:
  • Near Tanyard Creek Park (often the most popular starting point)
  • Near Ardmore Park
  • Around Collier Road NW and nearby neighborhood entrances

The Northside segment is relatively short compared with some other BeltLine sections, but it connects a series of parks and green spaces that feel surprisingly wooded for being so close to Peachtree Road and I-75.

What to Expect on the Trail

Trail Surface and Layout

The Northside Trail is a paved, multi-use path designed for:

• Walking and jogging
• Biking
• Strollers and wheelchairs (most sections are relatively smooth, with some slopes)

You can expect:

• Paved concrete or asphalt path
• Gentle hills and curves, not completely flat but manageable for most users
• Some boardwalk-style sections and bridges near creeks and low-lying areas

It’s not a long-distance training route by itself, but it works well for:

• Short loops
• Easy family walks
• Adding mileage by combining with neighborhood streets and nearby parks

Parks and Green Spaces Along the Northside Trail

One of the best parts of the Northside Trail is how it weaves several intown parks together. You can treat it as a “park-hopping” route.

Tanyard Creek Park

Tanyard Creek Park is often considered the heart of the Northside Trail experience.

• Open fields and shady areas
• Creek views and a mix of open and wooded space
• Popular for picnics, casual sports, and dog walking (leashed)

The trail here passes under a historic rail bridge and follows Tanyard Creek, giving a surprisingly natural feel despite being just minutes from busy arterials like Collier Road and Peachtree Road.

Ardmore Park

Ardmore Park, closer to the southern side of the trail:

• Smaller, neighborhood-style park
• Benches and grassy areas
• Feels quieter and more residential

The Northside Trail runs right by the park, making it a comfortable spot to rest if you’re walking with kids, older family members, or just want a short break.

Connection Toward Atlanta Memorial Park

The Northside Trail is not the same as the Atlanta Memorial Park or Bitsy Grant Tennis Center area, but it runs in the same general corridor along Peachtree Creek. Many locals use neighborhood streets and sidewalks to link:

• Northside Trail
• Atlanta Memorial Park (around Woodward Way NW and Northside Drive NW)
• The Peachtree Creek corridor

If you’re comfortable exploring side streets, you can build a longer loop that includes both formal trail and neighborhood walking.

Who the Northside Trail Is Good For

The Atlanta BeltLine Northside Trail is especially appealing if you:

• Live in Buckhead, Collier Hills, Ardmore Park, or Peachtree Hills and want a nearby daily walking route
• Are staying in a hotel or short-term rental off Peachtree Road or near Northside Drive and want a quick nature break
• Prefer a quieter alternative to the busier Eastside Trail
• Have kids or a dog and want a combination of paved path + park space

Because the trail is shorter and less commercial than other BeltLine segments, it’s more about greenery and calm than restaurants and murals.

Parking and Access Tips

Parking around the Northside Trail is mostly street and neighborhood parking. It’s important to follow posted signs and be respectful of nearby residents.

Common approaches people use:

• Tanyard Creek Park area
  • Street parking on nearby neighborhood roads (where allowed)
  • Look around Collier Road NW and adjacent streets
• Ardmore Park area
  • Neighborhood parking near the park, typically accessed from Ardmore Road NW or nearby streets

Because these are residential areas:

• Avoid blocking driveways or mailboxes
• Pay attention to any permit-only, time-limited, or no parking signage
• On busy weekends, consider arriving earlier in the morning or later in the day to find parking more easily

If you’d rather skip the car entirely, you can also use MARTA buses that run along major roads like Peachtree Road or Northside Drive and then walk a short distance into the neighborhood toward the trail.

When to Go: Crowds, Weather, and Daylight

Typical Crowds

The Northside Trail is usually less crowded than some Eastside or Westside BeltLine segments, but timing still matters:

• Weekday mornings: Often the calmest, with joggers, dog walkers, and nearby residents
• Weekday evenings & weekends: More people out, especially when the weather is nice
• Nice spring/fall days: Expect more families, bikes, and casual walkers

If you prefer a quieter experience, early mornings or cooler, overcast days can make the trail feel especially peaceful.

Weather and Season

Atlanta’s weather shapes the experience:

• Spring: Wildflowers, fresh leaves, and pleasant temps; can be muddy near creekside areas after heavy rain
• Summer: Shadier than some other BeltLine sections, but still hot and humid—bring water and plan for heat
• Fall: Colorful foliage and some of the best walking weather of the year
• Winter: Trees are bare, but you get more creek and skyline views through the branches

The trail is open-air and not covered, so you’ll feel whatever Atlanta’s weather is doing that day.

Safety and Etiquette on the Northside Trail

The Northside Trail follows the same general norms as other BeltLine segments.

Shared-Use Etiquette

To keep the path comfortable for everyone:

• Stay to the right, pass on the left
• Announce when passing (a simple “On your left” helps)
• Keep dogs leashed and close to your side
• Avoid blocking the path if you stop; step off to the side
• Bicyclists should keep speeds reasonable and be mindful on curves

Because the trail curves and dips through trees, visibility can be limited in places—slower speeds and attention to others go a long way.

Personal Awareness

Locals generally treat the Northside Trail as safe, everyday public space, but basic urban awareness is still reasonable:

• Use the trail more during daylight hours, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area
• Keep valuables discreet and avoid leaving items visible in your car
• If you’re walking alone, let someone know your general route and timeframe if that makes you more comfortable

The Atlanta BeltLine organization and the City of Atlanta periodically have security or park staff in some segments, but you should not rely on always seeing an officer or staff member on this particular trail at all times.

Amenities: What You Will (and Won’t) Find

Unlike some commercial BeltLine segments, the Northside Trail is more residential and park-like.

You’ll typically find:

• Benches and sitting areas in nearby parks
• Open lawns suitable for informal play or picnics
• Shade in many sections thanks to mature trees

You typically will NOT find directly on this segment:

• BeltLine-branded public restrooms
• Large, trail-front retail or restaurant clusters
• Dedicated water fountains at frequent intervals

Most people plan ahead by:

• Using restrooms before arriving (at home, work, or a nearby business)
• Bringing their own water bottle
• Packing snacks if walking with kids

Simple Overview: Is the Northside Trail Right for You?

Here’s a quick snapshot to help you decide:

How the Northside Trail Connects to the Bigger Atlanta Picture

If you’re trying to understand Atlanta’s outdoor options, the Northside Trail is part of a larger intown greenway network:

• It’s one piece of the Atlanta BeltLine system, which also includes Eastside, Westside, and Southside sections, plus connector trails.
• It runs through some of the older intown neighborhoods, offering a look at how Atlanta’s railroad corridors are being re-used as public space.
• It complements other nearby trails and greenways, like PATH Foundation trails in Atlanta Memorial Park and along other creek corridors.

For city residents, it works well as a “everyday” trail: close to home, easy for quick walks, and connected to parks where kids and dogs can burn energy. For visitors, it offers a quieter, more neighborhood-focused slice of the BeltLine that feels different from the busier, mural-heavy Eastside segment.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Here are a few quick pointers to make your visit smoother:

• 🕒 Check your timing: Aim for daylight, especially if it’s your first visit.
• 🚗 Plan parking: Head toward Tanyard Creek Park or Ardmore Park and look for legal street parking only.
• 💧 Bring basics: Water, sunscreen in warmer months, and comfortable walking shoes.
• 🐕 If bringing a dog: Keep them leashed and bring waste bags; trash cans are usually located in or near the parks.
• 🧭 New to the area? Use a map app to route to Tanyard Creek Park or Ardmore Park, then follow the paved path to join the BeltLine Northside Trail.

With a little planning, the Atlanta BeltLine Northside Trail can become one of your go-to spots for a quick nature break, a shaded run, or a peaceful walk just a few minutes from some of Atlanta’s busiest streets.