Peachtree Creek Greenway Bike Rides: How to Enjoy Atlanta’s New Urban Trail on Two Wheels
The Peachtree Creek Greenway is quickly becoming one of metro Atlanta’s favorite spots for easy, scenic bike rides. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want a relaxed place to ride without dealing with busy streets, this multi-use trail in Brookhaven (just northeast of Atlanta) is worth knowing well.
Below is a practical guide to biking the Peachtree Creek Greenway—where to start, what to expect, how it connects to other trails, and how local riders and clubs are using it.
Where the Peachtree Creek Greenway Is and How It Fits into Atlanta Riding
The Peachtree Creek Greenway currently runs through Brookhaven, roughly parallel to I‑85, following the North Fork Peachtree Creek. It’s only a short drive or ride from many intown neighborhoods like Buckhead, Druid Hills, and North Druid Hills.
Key points:
- City / Area: Brookhaven (part of metro Atlanta)
- Trail type: Paved, multi-use path for bikes, runners, walkers, and scooters
- Difficulty: Easy; almost entirely flat and suitable for most ages
- Best for: Short bike rides, casual fitness, family outings, and connecting to nearby neighborhoods without using major roads
The Greenway is designed to eventually link into the wider Atlanta trail network, including connections toward the Atlanta BeltLine, Chamblee, and Doraville, creating more continuous routes for commuting and longer recreational rides.
Main Access Points and Parking for Bike Rides
You can enter the Peachtree Creek Greenway at several official access points. These are especially useful if you’re driving in with bikes or meeting a group.
Commonly Used Trailheads
1. Corporate Boulevard Trailhead (Brookhaven)
- General area: Near the intersection of Corporate Boulevard NE and Buford Highway NE
- Good for: Riders coming from Buford Highway, Brookhaven neighborhoods, or I‑85
- Features: Parking area, direct access to the paved trail
2. Briarwood Road / North Druid Hills Area Access
- General area: Near Briarwood Road NE and apartment communities close to the creek
- Good for: Riders coming from North Druid Hills, Lenox Park, or southern Brookhaven
3. Dresden Drive / Brookhaven Village Area (via neighborhood connections)
- General area: Neighborhood streets off Dresden Drive can connect to the Greenway via local access points and sidewalks
- Good for: Riders already in Brookhaven who want to avoid driving and ride in on local streets
Because parking locations and access points can change or expand as the Greenway grows, it’s a good idea to:
- Check the City of Brookhaven website or parks and recreation pages for current access points.
- Look for “Peachtree Creek Greenway” signage once you are near I‑85 and Buford Highway.
What the Greenway Is Like for Cyclists
Riding the Peachtree Creek Greenway feels different from riding on city streets. Knowing what to expect will help you enjoy it more and ride safely.
Trail Surface and Width
- Pavement: Smooth, wide concrete or asphalt multi-use path
- Width: Typically wide enough for two-way traffic and safe passing
- Suitable bikes: Road bikes, hybrids, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and many e‑bikes
Because the surface is smooth and relatively flat, the Greenway works well for:
- New riders getting comfortable on a bike
- Children learning to ride or using smaller bikes
- Riders coming back from a break who want a no-stress route
Traffic and Typical Use
The trail is shared by:
- Bicyclists
- Runners and walkers
- Dog walkers
- People on scooters, strollers, and skates
It can be busier on weekends and pleasant-weather evenings, especially near major access points. Cyclists generally find early mornings and weekday mid-mornings to be quieter.
Sample Bike Ride Ideas on the Peachtree Creek Greenway
The Greenway is not yet a very long-distance trail, but you can still get a good ride by doing out-and-back routes or combining it with surrounding streets and paths.
Easy Family Ride
- Distance: 2–5 miles total, out and back
- Who it’s for: Kids, new riders, social rides
- How to do it:
- Park at a main trailhead (such as near Corporate Boulevard).
- Ride out in one direction at an easy pace.
- Turn around before anyone gets tired.
- Stop at benches or creek overlooks for breaks.
Fitness Laps
- Distance: 6–12+ miles, using repeats
- Who it’s for: Recreational riders and fitness-focused cyclists
- How to do it:
- Use the Greenway as a “loopless circuit”: ride from one end to the other, turn around, and repeat.
- Focus on steady cadence rather than speed, especially when it’s busy.
Connector Route to Explore Brookhaven
- Distance: Flexible, depending on side streets
- Who it’s for: Riders comfortable with some street riding
- How to do it:
- Start on the Peachtree Creek Greenway.
- Exit via access points toward nearby neighborhoods along Buford Highway, Briarwood Road, or Dresden Drive.
- Combine the trail with bike-friendly side streets to make a loop back to your start.
Quick Snapshot: Is the Peachtree Creek Greenway Right for Your Ride?
| Question | What to Expect on the Greenway |
|---|---|
| Is it beginner-friendly? | Yes. Mostly flat, paved, and separated from car traffic. |
| Good for road training intervals? | Limited. Short overall length and mixed use may make hard intervals tricky. |
| Family/kid-friendly? | Yes, with supervision and lower speeds; watch for other users. |
| Commuting potential? | Growing; can help avoid parts of Buford Highway and I‑85 frontage roads. |
| Scenic? | Urban creek views, bridges, and greenery alongside busy corridors. |
How Local Cycling and Running Groups Use the Greenway
The Peachtree Creek Greenway is increasingly used by Atlanta-area running and cycling clubs as part of group workouts and social rides.
Running and Multi-Sport Clubs
You may see:
- Local running groups using the Greenway for tempo runs, long runs, or walk/jog meetups.
- Triathlon and multi-sport clubs incorporating the Greenway as a safe spot for brick workouts (bike + run), especially for beginners.
These groups value the predictable surface and reduced car interaction, especially for coaching sessions and new athletes.
Cycling Clubs and Social Ride Groups
Road-focused cycling clubs usually prefer longer routes on open roads or the Silver Comet Trail, but the Greenway can be used for:
- Introductory rides for new members.
- Short skills sessions, such as working on balance, clipping in and out, or group riding basics at low speed.
- Urban connection rides, stringing the Greenway together with neighborhood routes and, eventually, other trail segments.
If you’re new to Atlanta and interested in joining a club, many groups list their schedules online under sections like “Atlanta group rides,” “Brookhaven running groups,” or “Atlanta multi-use trail meetups.” The Peachtree Creek Greenway may appear as a meeting spot or featured route, especially for easy and beginner-friendly events.
Safety Tips for Riding the Peachtree Creek Greenway 🚲
Because the Greenway is shared and can be busy, a few habits help keep rides smooth and enjoyable.
Riding Etiquette
- Stay right, pass left. Treat it like a two-lane path.
- Use a bell or voice. Say “On your left” when passing walkers or slower riders.
- Control your speed. Serious training speeds are better saved for longer, less crowded routes.
- Watch for dogs and kids. Leashes, sudden stops, and quick direction changes are common.
Gear and Visibility
- Helmet: Strongly recommended for riders of all ages.
- Lights: Front and rear lights help, even in the daytime, especially in shaded or overcast conditions.
- Bright clothing: Increases visibility to other users and at street crossings.
Time of Day and Awareness
- Many riders prefer daytime hours for better visibility and more people on the path.
- If you ride at dawn, dusk, or after dark, use strong lights and ride conservatively.
- As with any urban trail, stay aware of your surroundings and consider riding with a buddy, especially at quieter times.
Connecting the Greenway to Other Atlanta Rides
The Peachtree Creek Greenway is part of a larger vision to connect Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, and Atlanta through a continuous trail system along Peachtree Creek.
While full connectivity is still a work in progress, riders already use the Greenway as a piece of longer routes by:
- Linking neighborhood streets from Brookhaven down toward Morningside, Virginia‑Highland, or Druid Hills.
- Combining the Greenway with other multi-use paths, parks, and quiet residential roads to create loops back to Buckhead or North Druid Hills.
As more segments are built, the Greenway is expected to become a stronger north–northeast connector to the broader Atlanta BeltLine and regional trail network, making it more useful for both commuting and long social rides.
Practical Info: Hours, Rules, and Local Contacts
Trail guidelines can evolve as construction continues, but several basics are consistent across metro Atlanta multi-use paths:
- Hours: Typically open from dawn to dusk; check posted signs at each trailhead.
- Allowed uses: Walking, running, and bicycling, with rules against motorized vehicles other than certain mobility devices and permitted e‑bikes or scooters.
- Pets: Generally allowed on leash, with owners expected to clean up after them.
- Alcohol and glass: Often not allowed on public trails; check trailhead signage.
For official updates on Peachtree Creek Greenway rules, expansion plans, and facilities, you can look to:
City of Brookhaven
- Main government offices are located in Brookhaven and oversee the Greenway through parks and recreation and public works departments.
- The city’s main administrative contact line can direct you to the appropriate Greenway or parks staff for current trail details, planned closures, or expansion projects.
If you want to report maintenance issues such as downed branches, damaged pavement, or lighting concerns, the City of Brookhaven is typically the responsible public agency.
How Locals Make the Most of Peachtree Creek Greenway Bike Rides
People in and around Atlanta use the Greenway in several practical ways:
- Daily exercise loop: Quick morning or after-work rides without worrying about traffic.
- Car-free family time: Kids can ride, scoot, or roll while adults walk or bike alongside.
- Intro to urban cycling: New riders can build confidence before venturing onto city streets or longer trails like the Silver Comet.
- Part of a bigger training plan: Some cyclists and runners use the Greenway for warm‑ups or cool‑downs, then continue workouts on nearby roads or parks.
If you’re in Atlanta and want a low-stress, paved space to ride, the Peachtree Creek Greenway is one of the most approachable options on the northeast side of the city. Start with a short out‑and‑back ride, learn the access points that work best for you, and then expand from there as the trail – and your comfort level – grows.
