Freedom Park in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the City’s Linear Green Escape

Freedom Park is one of Atlanta’s largest and most unique urban parks—a long, green corridor that connects several intown neighborhoods, major landmarks, and cultural sites. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are just trying to understand what to do here, Freedom Park is worth knowing well.

Located primarily in intown Atlanta near Poncey-Highland, Inman Park, Candler Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Druid Hills, the park stretches along winding multi-use paths, open meadows, and public art installations rather than a single big rectangle of green space.

Where Freedom Park Is and How It’s Laid Out

Freedom Park is less a single square of land and more a network of trails and greenways.

Key orientation points:

• Approximate central area: Around Moreland Ave NE & Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Western end: Near the Carter Center and Old Fourth Ward
• Eastern connections: Toward Candler Park and Druid Hills
• Nearby major roads: Freedom Parkway, Moreland Avenue, Ponce de Leon Avenue, Boulevard, North Highland Avenue

You’ll see it on many maps labeled simply as Freedom Park or Freedom Park Trail. It’s managed as part of the Atlanta Parks and Recreation system.

What Freedom Park Is Known For

Freedom Park stands out in Atlanta for a few reasons:

• Linear trail system that’s ideal for walking, running, and cycling
• Public art installations and sculptures along the path
• Open fields and meadows used for picnics, casual sports, and events
• Connection to cultural landmarks like the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
• Views of the Atlanta skyline from certain points, especially near the Carter Center

If you’re used to parks like Piedmont Park or Grant Park, Freedom Park feels more like a green transit corridor and neighborhood connector with plenty of spots to linger.

Getting There and Parking

Because Freedom Park is spread out, how you access it depends on what you plan to do.

MARTA and Car Access

By car:

• The park parallels Freedom Parkway (State Route 10).
• Common access points include:
  • Boulevard NE & Freedom Pkwy NE
  • Moreland Ave NE & Freedom Pkwy NE
  • Residential streets near North Highland Ave, North Avenue, or Candler Park Dr NE

Street parking is common around the neighborhoods bordering the park, but always check signs and respect residential parking limits.

By MARTA:

• Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station (Blue/Green Line):
  • About a 10–15 minute walk north to sections of Freedom Park near Moreland Ave and North Ave.
• King Memorial Station:
  • Walk or bike eastward toward Boulevard and Freedom Parkway.

Many Atlanta residents combine MARTA + walking or biking to enjoy the park without parking stress.

Things to Do in Freedom Park

1. Walk, Run, or Bike the Freedom Park Trail

The Freedom Park Trail is the main draw. It’s a paved, multi-use path that:

• Connects multiple neighborhoods
• Links to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail near the Poncey-Highland area
• Offers relatively gentle grades, making it friendly to a wide range of fitness levels

Popular activities:

• Running and jogging: Soft hills, shaded sections, and long stretches make it a favorite training route.
• Cycling: Many people use it for both recreation and commuting between intown neighborhoods.
• Stroller walks and dog walks: Wide paths and open spaces are convenient for families and pet owners.

📝 Tip: Use the park’s trail to create loops with nearby routes like the BeltLine, Candler Park, and adjacent neighborhood streets for longer runs or rides.

2. Visit the Carter Center and Presidential Library Area

On the western side of Freedom Park, you’ll find one of its most well-known neighbors:

The Carter Center & Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Approx. area: 441 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

While the Carter Center grounds and museum are their own attraction, the surrounding green space connects directly into Freedom Park and offers:

• Scenic viewpoints of the Atlanta skyline
• Landscaped grounds and walking areas near the museum
• Easy access to the Freedom Park trails

You can explore the park even if you’re not going into the museum, but many visitors combine both in a single outing.

3. Enjoy Public Art and Sculptures

Freedom Park is known for its public art corridor. Over time, artists and community partners have installed sculptures and pieces that reflect themes such as:

• Civil rights and social justice
• Atlanta’s evolving identity
• Environmental and civic themes

You’ll see sculptures and installations scattered along various trail sections, especially closer to:

• The Carter Center area
• Poncey-Highland and Old Fourth Ward edges of the park

This makes the park feel like a casual outdoor gallery you can enjoy at your own pace.

4. Picnics, Open Play, and Relaxing

The park features large open fields and meadows, especially near:

• Moreland Ave & Freedom Pkwy
• The stretches between Poncey-Highland, Inman Park, and Candler Park

Common uses:

• Laid-back picnics with blankets and simple food
• Casual frisbee, catch, or pickup games
• Reading, relaxing, or working outdoors on a nice day

Unlike some more formal parks, many areas of Freedom Park feel unstructured and wide open, which appeals to people who want space without a lot of built-in equipment.

5. Connecting to Other Intown Atlanta Destinations

Freedom Park is one of the best connectors between major intown spots. You can use it to reach:

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Connect near Ponce de Leon Ave NE and North Ave NE area.
• Candler Park
  • Travel east along the trail network into this neighborhood park.
• Poncey-Highland, Inman Park, and Old Fourth Ward
  • Easy access for dining, coffee shops, and local businesses before or after your park time.
• Downtown-adjacent areas
  • Using Freedom Parkway and connecting streets, you can head toward downtown and Old Fourth Ward.

Many locals use the trails as a car-free route between home, work, or entertainment.

What Freedom Park Is Like by Season

Spring:

• Wildflowers and blooming trees make walks particularly scenic.
• Temperatures are pleasant for longer runs or rides.

Summer:

• Expect heat and humidity typical of Atlanta.
• Mornings and evenings are more comfortable; bring water and sun protection.

Fall:

• Changing leaves and cooler weather make this a favorite time for regular trail users.
• Great for photography and longer bike rides.

Winter:

• Usually mild; trails remain usable most of the year.
• Trees are barer, which can open up more skyline views.

Facilities, Amenities, and Accessibility

Because Freedom Park is spread out, amenities are more scattered and may feel less centralized than a traditional park.

General Amenities

You may find:

• Benches and seating areas along some trail segments
• Open grassy areas suitable for informal play
• Lighting on some adjacent streets and sections, though not everywhere

There are fewer playgrounds and restrooms inside Freedom Park itself than you might expect in a big park. Many people plan short trips or use neighboring businesses and parks for those needs.

Accessibility

• Many trail segments are paved and relatively smooth, which can be helpful for:
  • Wheelchairs
  • Strollers
  • Mobility aids
• Some areas have grade changes and road crossings, so planning your route can be helpful if accessibility is a concern.

For the most current details about amenities and improvements, residents often check with:

City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
Phone: (404) 546-6813
Address: 233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30303

(Information such as amenities and maintenance can change over time, so confirming specifics before a large gathering is wise.)

Safety and Etiquette Tips

Freedom Park is a heavily used public space, and common-sense etiquette helps everyone enjoy it.

Trail Etiquette

• Stay to the right, pass on the left when walking, running, or biking.
• Announce passes when on a bike or scooter (a simple “On your left” helps).
• Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them.
• Keep earbuds volume reasonable so you can hear others around you.

General Safety

• Use crosswalks when trails intersect with busy streets.
• If you’re out early or late, consider reflective gear or lights, especially for runners and cyclists.
• Many locals feel comfortable using the park regularly, but like any urban space, staying aware of your surroundings is sensible, especially after dark or in quieter sections.

For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency issues affecting city parks, residents may use:

City of Atlanta Police Department – Non-Emergency Line:
(404) 658-6666

Events and Community Use

Freedom Park is sometimes used for:

• Community walks and charity runs
• Neighborhood gatherings or small festivals
• Informal fitness or yoga meetups in open fields

Because of its size and neighborhood location, larger organized events may require permits. For questions about hosting an event or obtaining a permit:

City of Atlanta Office of Special Events
Phone: (404) 546-7970
Typical inquiries: Event permits, amplified sound, street closures associated with park events

Check well in advance if you’re thinking about a formal gathering.

Who Freedom Park Is Best For

Freedom Park tends to be especially appealing if you:

• Live intown and want a reliable place to run, walk, or bike
• Prefer open, less structured green space instead of crowded lawns and playgrounds
• Like to connect multiple destinations (BeltLine, Carter Center, neighborhood restaurants) in one outing
• Enjoy public art and skyline views while you’re out moving

Families with small children might combine Freedom Park trails with a stop at a nearby playground in Candler Park, Inman Park, or Old Fourth Ward to round out the day.

Quick Summary: Freedom Park at a Glance

Freedom Park is one of Atlanta’s most useful and versatile green spaces—part transportation corridor, part neighborhood park, and part outdoor art walk. Whether you’re new to the city or have lived here for years, it’s a place that rewards repeat visits and different routes.