PATH400 Greenway Trail: Your In-Town Guide to One of Atlanta’s Most Walkable Corridors
The PATH400 Greenway Trail is a multi-use path that runs alongside Georgia 400 through Buckhead, giving Atlanta residents and visitors a safe, scenic way to walk, run, and bike through one of the city’s busiest districts. Designed as part of a larger regional trail network, it connects neighborhoods, MARTA stations, parks, and commercial areas without needing to drive.
If you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta that combine outdoor time, exercise, and urban exploring, PATH400 belongs near the top of the list.
What Is PATH400?
PATH400 is an urban greenway trail built mostly in the right-of-way of GA-400 in Buckhead, just north of Midtown Atlanta. It’s paved, relatively wide, and designed for shared use:
- Walkers and joggers
- Cyclists and scooter riders
- Families with strollers
- Commuters heading to MARTA or nearby offices
The long-term vision is for PATH400 to become a key spine of Atlanta’s trail system, linking to:
- The Atlanta BeltLine
- The PATH Foundation trail network
- Neighborhood streets and parks in Buckhead and North Atlanta
Today, it already functions as both a recreation trail and a transportation corridor for people who prefer not to drive everywhere in Buckhead.
Where PATH400 Is and How to Access It
PATH400 runs roughly north–south along GA-400 through Buckhead, weaving between neighborhoods, office towers, and retail districts.
You don’t need to enter a park gate or pay admission; the trail is free and open to the public.
Main Areas and Access Points
Specific access points can change as new segments are added or upgraded, but common access zones include:
South Buckhead / Lindbergh area
- Near MARTA Lindbergh Center Station (2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324)
- Good for people coming from Midtown, Morningside, or using MARTA
Central Buckhead / Peachtree Road corridor
- Access from streets near Buckhead Loop, Lenox Road, and Peachtree Road
- Handy if you’re staying near Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, or Buckhead hotels
North Buckhead / Residential sections
- Trailheads tucked behind neighborhoods off Wieuca Road, Old Ivy Road, and nearby streets
- Quieter stretches with more of a neighborhood feel
Because PATH400 runs near major roads and intersections, many people walk or bike to it from nearby neighborhoods such as:
- Buckhead Forest
- North Buckhead
- Peachtree Park
- Lindridge-Martin Manor
If you’re visiting and not familiar with the area, it’s often easiest to start near a MARTA station (especially Lindbergh) or a major landmark you recognize in Buckhead, then follow wayfinding signs to the trail.
What to Expect on the Trail
PATH400 is very much an urban trail. Instead of dense woods and lakes, you’ll see:
- City skylines and high-rise buildings
- GA-400 traffic below or beside you
- Sound walls, bridges, and public art
- Pockets of trees, landscaping, and neighborhood cut-throughs
Trail Surface and Design
- Paved concrete or asphalt surface
- Designed for two-way traffic
- Mix of flat stretches, gentle slopes, and a few steeper sections
- Benches and occasional rest spots on or near the trail
Because sections run along hills and overpasses, people pushing strollers or riding bikes should be ready for some grades, especially near bridges or ramps.
Typical Users and Crowd Levels
You’ll encounter a wide mix:
- Weekday mornings and evenings: commuters, joggers, dog walkers
- Weekends: families, casual walkers, recreational cyclists
Parts of the trail can feel busy during nice-weather weekends, but it rarely feels like a festival. Narrower or curvier sections may require a bit more care when passing others, especially on bikes or scooters.
Things to Do on PATH400
PATH400 isn’t just a pass-through corridor; it’s an activity hub that connects several things to do in Atlanta.
1. Walking, Jogging, and Running
For many people in Buckhead, PATH400 is their go-to running route:
- Pavement is consistent and easy to follow
- You can build your own out-and-back distance
- Access to side streets lets you create loops through different neighborhoods
If you live nearby, it’s an easy way to work regular fitness walks or jogs into your day without driving to a gym or park.
2. Biking and Scooters
The trail is bike- and scooter-friendly:
- Suitable for casual to moderate cyclists
- Generally wide enough for two-way bike traffic and pedestrians
- Some steeper inclines mean you’ll want working gears or be comfortable pushing briefly
Because this is a mixed-use trail, it’s not meant for high-speed cycling. Many riders treat it as:
- A connector between Buckhead destinations
- A safer alternative to riding directly in traffic on GA-400-adjacent roads
⚠️ Tip: Use a bell or call out when passing pedestrians, especially on curves or narrower segments.
3. Dog Walking
Leashed dogs are commonly seen on PATH400. It’s a convenient option for Buckhead residents whose streets may be busy or lack sidewalks.
Best practices include:
- Keeping dogs on a short leash around bikes and joggers
- Picking up and properly disposing of pet waste
- Stepping aside when possible in tighter spots to keep traffic flowing
4. Exploring Buckhead on Foot
PATH400 lets you experience Buckhead from a different viewpoint:
- Walk from residential streets to restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping areas without driving
- Use the trail as a spine, then hop off at cross streets to explore nearby blocks
- Enjoy city views and public artworks you’d never notice from a car
For visitors staying in Buckhead hotels, this is a low-effort way to get outside and see more than just the inside of a mall or restaurant.
How PATH400 Connects to Other Atlanta Trails and Transit
One of the biggest advantages of PATH400 is how it ties into Atlanta’s broader transportation and trail network.
Links to MARTA
If you want to leave the car at home:
- Lindbergh Center Station (Red/Gold lines) is the primary MARTA hub near existing PATH400 segments
- From there, you can walk or bike onto PATH400 and continue north through Buckhead
For commuters who work in Buckhead but live elsewhere in Atlanta, a common pattern is:
- Ride MARTA to Lindbergh or Buckhead-area stations
- Use PATH400 to get closer to the office or apartment
- Skip short car trips and parking hassles
Future Connectivity to the BeltLine and Beyond
PATH400 is part of a larger regional trail vision led by groups such as the PATH Foundation, the Buckhead CID, and other partners. The long-term idea is for PATH400 to:
- Tie into the Atlanta BeltLine
- Connect with additional north-south trail spines
- Create a more continuous network from Intown Atlanta into the northern suburbs
Segments and connections change over time, but the overall direction is that PATH400 will become even more useful for people who prefer walking, biking, or rolling to short car trips.
Safety, Hours, and Trail Etiquette
Hours and Lighting
PATH400 is generally treated like other urban multi-use trails in Atlanta:
- Intended for daylight use, though some segments have lighting
- Activity drops off significantly very late at night
Local conditions, lighting, and construction can vary, so many users prefer early morning or daylight hours, especially if they’re new to the area.
Safety Tips
People on PATH400 often follow the same safety habits they use on other in-town trails:
- Go with a friend if walking or running early or late
- Stay aware of your surroundings (keep the volume low if wearing headphones)
- Keep valuables out of sight and carry only what you need
- Obey all crosswalks and traffic signals where the trail intersects public streets
In an emergency, you can contact:
- Atlanta Police Department (APD) – Emergency: 911
- Non-emergency APD line: 404-614-6544
Trail conditions, temporary closures, or construction detours are usually posted via local agencies or on signs near the trail itself.
Trail Etiquette
To keep PATH400 safe and pleasant for everyone:
- Keep right, pass on the left
- Announce passes (“on your left”) or use a bike bell
- Keep dogs leashed and under control
- Don’t block the entire path when walking in groups
- Yield appropriately at driveway and street crossings
Being patient and courteous matters more here because you’re sharing space with a wide variety of users, from kids on scooters to daily bike commuters.
Parking and Getting There Without a Car
Parking Near PATH400
PATH400 runs through a high-demand commercial area, so dedicated trail parking can be limited. People commonly use:
- Street parking in nearby neighborhoods where permitted
- Parking garages and surface lots linked to businesses (with posted rules)
- Parking near MARTA stations and walking a short distance to the trail
Because Buckhead parking rules can be strict, check signs closely and avoid using private lots unless you’re following the posted conditions.
Car-Free Access
If you’re staying or living in-town, PATH400 is especially convenient without a car:
- Ride MARTA to Lindbergh Center or nearby stations and walk/bike from there
- Use bike-share or scooters (where available) to reach trail access points
- Walk in from surrounding Buckhead neighborhoods
For visitors, staying near a MARTA Red Line station or in the central Buckhead area makes using PATH400 much easier without dealing with parking.
Good Times of Day and Year to Visit
Time of Day
- Early mornings: Popular with runners and commuters, generally cooler and quieter
- Late afternoons/evenings: Busier, especially in pleasant weather
- Midday: Can be hot in summer; trail has some shade but also exposed sections along GA-400
On very hot Atlanta days, many locals prefer:
- Early morning walks or runs
- Shorter midday trips with plenty of water
- Bringing a hat and sunscreen, as some sections have limited shade
Seasonality
PATH400 is usable year-round, with a different feel each season:
- Spring: Comfortable temperatures, blooming landscaping, and higher foot traffic
- Summer: Longer daylight but higher heat and humidity
- Fall: One of the best times—milder temperatures and colorful foliage
- Winter: Often still walkable, though mornings can be cold and quieter
Because this is an urban, paved trail, you generally don’t deal with mud or washed-out dirt paths the way you might in more rural parks.
Who PATH400 Is Best For
PATH400 is especially appealing if you:
- Live in or near Buckhead and want a regular walking/running route
- Work in Buckhead and would like a car-free commute option for the last stretch
- Are visiting Atlanta and staying near Buckhead hotels or malls
- Enjoy seeing how urban design, public art, and transportation come together
- Want something active to do that doesn’t require a long drive out of the city
If you’re looking for a quiet, fully wooded nature experience, you might prefer larger parks like Chastain Park or Stone Mountain Park. If you’re curious about Atlanta’s evolving trail network and want a practical way to move through Buckhead on foot or by bike, PATH400 is a strong choice.
Quick Reference: PATH400 at a Glance
| Feature | What to Know in Atlanta (Buckhead) |
|---|---|
| Location | Along GA-400 through Buckhead, north of Midtown |
| Trail Type | Paved urban multi-use greenway |
| Typical Uses | Walking, jogging, biking, scooters, dog walking |
| Cost | Free |
| Access Points | Near Lindbergh Center MARTA, Buckhead Loop, Lenox Rd, neighborhoods |
| Best For | Locals and visitors wanting in-town outdoor activity |
| Car-Free Access | Easy via MARTA Red/Gold lines and neighborhood streets |
| Safety Basics | Use standard urban trail precautions; emergencies call 911 |
PATH400 Greenway Trail gives Atlanta a walkable, bikeable backbone through one of its busiest districts. Whether you live in Buckhead or you’re just visiting, it’s a practical and enjoyable way to see a side of Atlanta you’d otherwise pass by in a car.
