Perkerson Park Disc Golf: A Local Favorite Course in Southwest Atlanta

Perkerson Park’s disc golf course is one of Atlanta’s most loved free outdoor attractions, especially for players who want a course with real variety and challenge. Whether you live nearby in Southwest Atlanta or you’re visiting and looking for a casual round with friends, Perkerson Park Disc Golf is worth a spot on your “things to do in Atlanta” list.

Where Perkerson Park Disc Golf Is and How to Get There

Location:
Perkerson Park
770 Deckner Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30310

The disc golf course is set inside Perkerson Park, a large, wooded city park in the Sylvan Hills / Capitol View area of Southwest Atlanta.

Getting there:

• By car:
  • Easily reached from Langford Parkway (GA-166) and I-75/I-85.
  • Street parking and park lots are typically available near the main park areas.
• By MARTA:
  • Nearby rail stations include Oakland City and West End. From there, riders often use a bus or rideshare to reach the park.
• On foot or bike:
  • The park is accessible from surrounding neighborhoods via local streets; you’ll see park signage for Perkerson Park as you approach.

Look for disc golf tee signs and baskets once you’re in the park; the course is integrated into the natural terrain rather than being set off in a separate fenced area.

What Makes Perkerson Park Disc Golf Stand Out in Atlanta

Perkerson Park is widely seen in the Atlanta disc golf community as:

• Challenging but fair – elevation changes, wooded fairways, and open shots
• Scenic – mature trees, rolling hills, and a mix of shaded and open holes
• Central to the city – a full 18-hole course inside the Atlanta city limits

Compared with some suburban courses around Metro Atlanta, Perkerson offers a more technical, park-style layout. It’s popular with both intermediate and advanced players, but beginners can enjoy it too if they play from shorter tees where available and take their time.

Course Overview: Layout, Difficulty, and Style

The Perkerson Park disc golf course is a full 18-hole course designed to use the park’s natural features: hills, woods, and open fields.

General course characteristics

• Number of holes: 18
• Style: Primarily wooded/park-style with a mix of tight lines and open fairways
• Terrain: Rolling hills, some steep slopes, wooded corridors, and a few more open shots
• Typical round time: About 1.5–2 hours for a group of 3–4 players

Difficulty level

Most local players consider Perkerson:

• Intermediate to advanced friendly, with:
  • Several longer holes
  • Technical drives through trees
  • Elevation that affects disc stability and distance
• Playable for beginners who:
  • Don’t mind higher scores
  • Are comfortable walking hills
  • Are willing to use more stable, controllable discs and throw shorter, safer shots

If you are totally new to disc golf, you may find Perkerson more demanding than some flat, beginner-oriented courses in the suburbs. However, many Atlanta beginners still start here because it’s convenient and scenic.

Quick Course Snapshot

Amenities and Park Facilities Around the Course

One of the advantages of playing disc golf at Perkerson is that it sits inside a larger, multi-use Atlanta park, so you’re not just stuck in a remote field.

On-site and nearby amenities

Within Perkerson Park you may find:

• Restrooms: Usually located near main park facilities (availability can vary by season and maintenance schedules).
• Parking: Park lots and some nearby street parking.
• Playground & fields: Great if you’re combining a round with family time.
• Picnic areas: Useful for groups, casual hangouts, or post-round breaks.
• Walking paths and open green space: For warmups, cool-down walks, or non-playing guests.

Because details like restroom hours and parking rules can change, many Atlanta residents check updates from City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation or posted signs at the park before relying on specific amenities.

When to Play: Weather, Crowds, and Seasonal Considerations

Atlanta’s climate gives you the option to play Perkerson almost all year, but conditions do change with the seasons.

Best times of day

• Early morning:
  • Cooler in summer
  • Less crowded
  • Better if you prefer quieter rounds
• Later afternoon / early evening:
  • Popular time for local players getting off work
  • Can be busier, especially on weekdays in spring and fall

Seasonal notes for Atlanta players

• Spring:
  • Comfortable temperatures, trees leafing out
  • Grass and undergrowth can thicken; discs may be easier to lose off the fairway.
• Summer:
  • Hot and humid; shade from trees helps, but hills make it a real workout.
  • Hydration and sun protection matter.
• Fall:
  • Often considered the best season: cooler, drier, and colorful foliage.
  • Fallen leaves can “hide” discs; bright-colored plastic is helpful.
• Winter:
  • Milder than many regions; you can usually play year-round.
  • Wet ground or mud after rain, especially on hills and low-lying spots.

Because the course includes slopes and wooded areas, watch footing after heavy rain—some hills and tee pads can become slick.

What to Bring for Perkerson Park Disc Golf

Even if you’re just visiting Atlanta and trying disc golf casually, a little preparation goes a long way.

Essentials

• Discs:
  • At least one driver, one midrange, and one putter.
  • For beginners, a slower, more controllable disc can be more helpful than high-speed drivers.
• Water:
  • Especially in summer; there’s walking, hills, and often few chances to refill on the course itself.
• Comfortable shoes:
  • Closed-toe athletic or hiking shoes with grip are ideal for the hills, roots, and uneven ground.
• Towel:
  • For sweat, rain, or wiping off muddy discs.

Nice-to-haves

• Mini marker disc (for formal play or league rounds)
• Bug spray, especially in warm months
• Hat and sunscreen for sunny stretches
• Disc retriever if you tend to push shots into rough or near water hazards (if present)

If you’re traveling to Atlanta and don’t want to bring a big bag of discs, many players get by with 2–3 well-chosen discs for a full round.

Navigating the Course: First-Time Tips

If you’ve never played Perkerson Park before, navigation can feel a little confusing in spots, especially where holes cross paths or share fairways.

🧭 Helpful tips for your first round:

• Start at the main tee area: Look for a clearly marked first tee near central park areas or ask other players already on the course—it’s a social, approachable community.
• Follow tee signs and arrows: Many holes have signs or arrows guiding you to the next tee. When in doubt, watch where groups ahead of you walk.
• Take a picture of the course map (if posted): A quick photo on your phone can save time later.
• Be patient with pace: On busy days, you may need to wait behind other groups; most locals are friendly about letting faster or smaller groups play through.

Safety, Etiquette, and Sharing the Park

Perkerson Park is a public Atlanta city park, so you’ll be sharing space with walkers, families, and other park users.

Disc golf etiquette

• Never throw if people or pets are in your line. Wait until the area is clear.
• Call out “Fore!” loudly if a shot is headed toward someone.
• Respect the course and park:
  • Pack out all trash.
  • Avoid damaging trees and vegetation.
  • Stay on established paths where possible to reduce erosion.
• Play at a steady pace:
  • Let faster groups pass.
  • Be courteous to new players still learning.

General safety

• Keep an eye on roots, rocks, and slopes that could cause slips or trips.
• In hot Atlanta weather, watch for signs of overheating and take breaks in the shade.
• If playing near dusk, be mindful of limited visibility; it’s easier to lose discs and misjudge footing.

Who Manages Perkerson Park Disc Golf?

Perkerson Park itself is a City of Atlanta public park, under the Department of Parks and Recreation. The disc golf course benefits from both city oversight and ongoing care from local volunteers and players who help keep the course playable.

For broad park-related questions (hours, park rules, and general policies), residents typically look to:

City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1600
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone (City of Atlanta information): (404) 330-6000

Local disc golfers often connect with Atlanta-area disc golf groups or clubs for:

• League play and weekly tags
• Tournaments and special events
• Course workdays and cleanups

Checking local disc golf communities is helpful if you’re interested in organized play or want to know about temporary course changes.

Combining Perkerson Disc Golf With Other Atlanta Activities

Because Perkerson Park is fairly close to Downtown, Midtown, and the Westside, it’s easy to add a round of disc golf to a broader Atlanta outing.

Ideas for locals and visitors:

• Morning round, afternoon in the city:
  • Play 18 holes, then head toward downtown attractions like Centennial Olympic Park or a museum.
• Family park day:
  • One part of the group plays disc golf while others use the playground, walk paths, or relax in the picnic areas.
• Disc golf “tour” of Atlanta:
  • If you have a car and extra time, you can pair Perkerson with other courses around Metro Atlanta for a full disc golf day.

If you live in Southwest Atlanta or nearby neighborhoods, Perkerson can become your go-to local course, giving you a regular place to play without driving far out into the suburbs.

Is Perkerson Park Disc Golf Right for You?

Perkerson Park Disc Golf is a strong choice in Atlanta if you:

• Want a free, challenging 18-hole course inside the city
• Enjoy wooded fairways, elevation changes, and technical shots
• Are comfortable with a moderate walk and some hills
• Prefer a local, community-oriented course rather than a remote facility

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need a completely flat, beginner-only layout
• Prefer extremely short, open holes with minimal obstacles
• Are looking for a highly manicured, private facility

For most Atlanta players and visitors who enjoy disc golf—or are curious to try it in a scenic city park—Perkerson Park is one of the top “things to do” outdoors in Atlanta, offering a blend of challenge, natural beauty, and convenient in-town access.