The Atlanta BeltLine is a 22-mile multi-purpose trail along one of the city’s former railway corridors. Today, it’s home to shops, restaurants, new communities and so much more. Its paths loop around Atlanta’s central area, and are frequently used for walking, running and biking, as well as connecting people to the city’s various parks and neighborhoods.
Whether you’re new to the Atlanta region or you’re a long-time resident, we’re rounding up everything there is to know about the Atlanta BeltLine — including what to do; which upcoming events to attend; the new developments underway; and some of the newest communities that place you just moments away from this beloved method of transportation.
1. Shop Until You Drop
The BeltLine is where Atlanta natives and newcomers like to shop. Whether it’s at Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, The Beacon, Lee + White or Glenwood Park, these all-in-one shopping destinations don’t disappoint. A number of pop-up shops and farmers’ markets are set up along the BeltLine too — so get out and start exploring their local offerings.
2. Have a Picnic in the Park
Pack the picnic blanket, a few snacks and some refreshing beverages for a picnic in one of the BeltLine’s parks. Piedmont Park, the Historic Fourth Ward Park, and Lang Carson Park are all popular areas that are worth checking out.
3. Get Your Heart Rate Up
Sure, the BeltLine is great for shopping and evening dinner plans, but how about working out? It’s a go-to destination for Atlanta’s fitness buffs. Walk along the BeltLine and notice how many people are running or biking alongside you. People usually practice yoga in the vicinity too.
4. Scooter Along the BeltLine
Who needs a bike, skateboard or pair of rollerblades to get around when you can use the BeltLine’s electric scooters? Get to and from your favorite restaurants and shops with ease, or explore everything the BeltLine has to offer with this convenient (and fun) method of transportation.
6. Grab a Drink
The BeltLine is where the best of Atlanta’s nightlife lives. Whether you’re going out with a group of friends or you’re arranging a date night for you and your significant other, there’s plenty of options to choose from when it comes to grabbing a drink. Some of our personal favorites are New Realm, Pour Taproom, Monday Night Garage and 97 Estoria.
The Northside BeltLine Parkrun
The Northside BeltLine Parkrun is a free 5k community event that runs every Saturday at 8:00am from May until September at Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. You can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate — it’s totally up to you. If you’re interested in joining, register here.
Self-ies Yoga in the Park
Every Wednesday at 6pm, Self-ies Yoga in the Park — pronounced self-ease — hosts a free yoga session in Grant Park. You don’t need to have any prior yoga experience either — all levels are welcome. Just bring your yoga mat and your willingness to try something new.
Cut Body Bootcamp
Almost every Saturday, Cut Body Bootcamp hosts a free high-intensity and strength-based training class from 11:00am – 12:00pm on Cherokee Avenue. Give their next class a try if you enjoy working out in group settings.
Empire is proud to be a part of The Connectors Circle — a group of corporations and foundations that are committed to enhancing the Atlanta BeltLine. Our contributions, among others, enable the construction of new parks and trails, engage the public through special programs and events, and give residents the ability to connect more easily with employment centers, the city’s neighborhoods and recreational opportunities. Discover a few of the upcoming BeltLine developments we’re a part of:
Lang Carson Park
Empire will be expanding Lang Carson Park in Reynoldstown by 0.5 acres. The enhancement will include an entrance off the BeltLine.
Boulevard Crossing Park
Boulevard Crossing Park — the new park in Chosewood Park — is currently in the works. Once complete, it will feature a new skatepark and lawn for public use.
1. Stein Steel in Reynoldstown
Stein Steel is one of Empire’s newest communities which is being built directly on the BeltLine’s Eastside trail. The development’s 900 ft. of prime BeltLine frontage will feature multiple access points and a new outdoor-focused bar and restaurant, Breaker Breaker, which is expected to open by the end of the summer.
2. Longreen in West Midtown
Longreen is another coveted community that Empire recently launched, located less than a block from the BeltLine’s Northwest Trail route. A linear park will be built within the community for residents’ enjoyment.
3. Zephyr in Chosewood Park
Zephyr places residents close to Grant Park and the BeltLine’s Southside Trail. This 34-acre community also sits across from the future BeltLine Park, meaning that outdoor recreation will always be close to home.
Images courtesy of: Garden & Gun (Ladybird); Pond & Company (Lang Carson Park); Agency Landscape & Planning (Boulevard Crossing Park).