Exploring Atlanta’s Peachtree Creek Greenway: What to Know Before You Go
The Peachtree Creek Greenway is one of metro Atlanta’s newest urban trails, offering a paved, tree-lined path along North Fork Peachtree Creek. If you live in Atlanta, commute through Brookhaven, or are visiting and looking for a walkable alternative to the BeltLine, this greenway is a useful and increasingly important piece of the city’s trail network.
Below is a practical guide to what the Peachtree Creek Greenway is, how to access it, what you can do there, and how it fits into the larger vision for trails in Atlanta.
What Is the Peachtree Creek Greenway?
The Peachtree Creek Greenway is a multi-use, paved trail running along the North Fork Peachtree Creek, primarily in the City of Brookhaven, just northeast of Atlanta and inside the I-285 perimeter.
Key features:
- Paved, wide trail suitable for walking, running, biking, strollers, and wheelchairs
- Built as a linear park with landscaping, benches, creek overlooks, and public art
- Designed to connect neighborhoods, transit, and future trails, including potential links to the Atlanta BeltLine and PATH trails
Right now, most of the open sections are in Brookhaven, but planning and design work is meant to eventually connect the greenway to Chamblee, Doraville, and the City of Atlanta, creating a continuous corridor.
Where Is the Peachtree Creek Greenway?
The currently open segment of the Peachtree Creek Greenway runs roughly parallel to Buford Highway (US 23) and I-85, generally between North Druid Hills Road and Corporate Boulevard in Brookhaven.
You’ll feel like you’re tucked away in a wooded corridor, but you’re only a short distance from:
- Buford Highway restaurants and shopping
- Residential neighborhoods off Briarwood Road and North Druid Hills Road
- Major transportation routes that many Atlantans use daily
If you’re familiar with the area, the greenway effectively runs behind parts of Buford Highway, down along the creek.
Main Trail Access Points and Parking
Trailheads and parking may change as new segments are built, but as of today, the most recognizable access in Brookhaven is:
Brookhaven Peachtree Creek Greenway Access (Typical Reference Point)
- Approximate Access Area: Near 1793 Briarwood Rd NE, Brookhaven, GA 30329
- Typical Amenities: Parking lot, trail access, signage, lighting
You can generally reach the greenway from several points along the current corridor, including:
- Access near Briarwood Road NE
- Access points that connect from nearby apartment communities and side streets (often via small connector paths or spur trails)
If you’re driving from Atlanta, a common approach is to:
- Take I-85 north to the North Druid Hills or Shallowford/Briarwood exits.
- Navigate to Briarwood Road NE or Buford Highway NE.
- Look for Peachtree Creek Greenway signage near the established trailhead and parking area.
Because on-street parking and rules can shift as development occurs, it’s wise to check local signage when you arrive, especially in residential streets near the greenway.
What Can You Do on the Peachtree Creek Greenway?
The trail is designed as a multi-use urban greenway, similar in feel to some stretches of the Atlanta BeltLine or PATH trails, but with a more creek-focused, wooded setting.
Common uses include:
- Walking and casual strolling
- Running and jogging for easy-to-moderate workouts
- Cycling (commuting or leisure)
- Dog walking (typically with leash requirements)
- Skating and scootering, where safe and courteous to others
- Nature watching, especially birds and creek views
Because it’s paved and relatively flat, the greenway is accessible for many users, including families with strollers and people using mobility devices.
Trail Experience: What It’s Like
The Peachtree Creek Greenway offers a mix of urban and natural experiences:
- Scenery: Shaded areas along the creek, small bridges, and sections with public art and landscaping
- Soundscape: You may hear traffic from nearby roads and I-85 mixed with birds, creek sounds, and conversation
- Lighting: Portions of the trail are lit, which can make early morning or early evening use more comfortable
Trail width generally allows for two-way traffic, but it can feel busier during peak times, especially on weekends and after work hours.
When to Visit: Hours and Best Times
The greenway is usually open dawn to dusk, similar to many public parks and multi-use trails in the Atlanta area. Always check posted signs at the trailhead for current hours and rules.
Helpful timing tips:
- 🌅 Early mornings: Quieter, cooler in warm months, good for workouts
- 🌤 Midday: Can be hot in summer; shade helps, but hydration is important
- 🌇 Late afternoon/early evening: Popular after-work window; more people on the trail
If you plan to visit around sunrise or sunset, consider:
- Wearing visible or reflective clothing
- Bringing a small light or headlamp if light conditions are low
- Staying aware of your surroundings, especially in less crowded sections
Trail Rules, Etiquette, and Safety
To keep the Peachtree Creek Greenway comfortable for everyone, you’ll see posted rules along the trail. These commonly include:
- Stay to the right, pass on the left
- Announce when passing (voice or bell) if you’re on a bike or moving faster
- Keep dogs leashed and under control; clean up after pets
- No motorized vehicles beyond permitted mobility devices (check signs for any e-bike/e-scooter rules)
- Respect landscaping and creek banks, avoiding erosion-prone areas
Basic safety suggestions that many Atlantans follow on urban trails:
- Use the buddy system when possible, especially in quieter times
- Keep valuables minimal and secured
- Stay aware of others around you—avoid fully blocking the trail when stopping
- Note any emergency or trail information signs that show who to contact if you see a hazard
In most cases, local police or parks departments handle enforcement and safety on or near the greenway. For urgent safety issues, Atlantans typically call 911; for non-emergencies, they may use the Brookhaven Police Department non-emergency line or the city’s general information lines.
How Peachtree Creek Greenway Connects to Other Atlanta Trails
The Peachtree Creek Greenway is part of a broader vision for connected urban trails in the Atlanta region.
Current Reality vs. Long-Term Vision
Right now:
- The greenway is primarily a Brookhaven corridor along the creek.
- It does not yet fully connect to the BeltLine or every planned segment of PATH trails.
Over time, the goal is:
- To create a continuous greenway that links Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, and the City of Atlanta.
- To connect into other multi-use trail systems, including potential future links with the Atlanta BeltLine and regional “trail of trails” concepts.
This means that if you’re an Atlanta resident planning for the future, the Peachtree Creek Greenway could eventually become:
- A commuter route by bike or foot between multiple northside communities
- A long-distance recreation corridor connecting to other greenways and paths
- A piece of a growing off-road trail network that reduces car dependence for certain trips
For now, you can think of it as a standalone but expanding segment, with multiple future connectors under discussion and in varying stages of planning and development.
Amenities and Nearby Services
The trail’s surroundings are a mix of residential, commercial, and creekside zones. What you’ll find nearby:
Along or Near the Trail
- Benches and rest spots at intervals
- Trash and recycling receptacles at certain trailheads
- Signage and wayfinding, including maps and rules
- Public art or murals in some areas
Off-Trail but Close
Within a short walk or ride from many access points, you can reach:
- Restaurants and markets along Buford Highway, including a wide range of international cuisines
- Convenience stores and gas stations
- Bus stops on surrounding roads that connect back into MARTA’s transit network
If you’re planning a longer outing, you can:
- Start with a ride or walk on the trail
- Exit toward Buford Highway for lunch or coffee
- Then return to the trail for your trip back
Transit and Car-Free Access
For Atlantans who don’t want to drive, there are options to combine the Peachtree Creek Greenway with public transit and short walks.
Typical approaches:
- Ride MARTA Rail to stations such as Brookhaven/Oglethorpe or nearby northside stations, then use bus routes, rideshare, or biking to reach a trail access point.
- Use MARTA Bus routes along Buford Highway or North Druid Hills Road and walk a short distance to trailheads.
Exact routes and schedules can change, so it’s best to:
- Check current MARTA bus and rail maps
- Use a transit app to plan a route to “Peachtree Creek Greenway” or a nearby street address
Who Manages the Peachtree Creek Greenway?
The greenway is primarily within the City of Brookhaven, which plays a lead role in development and maintenance of current segments.
For general information about parks and trails in Brookhaven, including the greenway, residents often look to:
City of Brookhaven – Parks & Recreation Department
4362 Peachtree Road NE
Brookhaven, GA 30319
Main City Hall line (often used as a starting point): (404) 637-0500
From there, staff or phone menus can typically direct you to the team handling trail maintenance, planning, or public input related to the Peachtree Creek Greenway.
How the Greenway Fits Into Life in Atlanta
For many Atlantans, the Peachtree Creek Greenway is:
- A quieter alternative to the most crowded sections of the BeltLine
- A nearby fitness route if you live or work around Brookhaven, Buford Highway, or the I-85 corridor
- A preview of what a more connected trail network across metro Atlanta could feel like
If you’re exploring urban trails and greenways in Atlanta, the Peachtree Creek Greenway is worth adding to your list—especially if you want to combine creekside scenery, easy walking or biking, and quick access to Buford Highway’s food and culture.
Starting at one of the main access points off Briarwood Road or nearby streets will give you a clear sense of what the greenway offers today and how it may grow into a larger part of Atlanta’s outdoor, car-light lifestyle in the years ahead.
