The “Knitterati” adds their particular brand of art to the Atlanta BeltLine. Photo courtesy of BurnAway on Flickr.
Originally imagined as a Master’s thesis by a Georgia Tech student, the Atlanta BeltLine is one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in the country. Much like the High Line in New York, which utilizes part of an old railroad spur, the BeltLine utilizes an old 22-mile rail corridor that encircles Atlanta and will ultimately have 33 miles of multi-use trails. While it’s not entirely completed, there are portions of the BeltLine that are open, creating a destination for recreation as well as enjoying art and family-friendly activities.
What’s Open
Right now, there are 5.5-mile network of paved multi-use trails which are perfect for walking, jogging and biking and roughly seven miles of hiking trails on the east and west sides of the BeltLine. There are four trails open: the Eastside Trail, Northside Trail, Southwest Connector Trail and the West End Trail, each with its own highlights and activities. The Eastside Trial is close to the Old 4th Ward Park and has a skate park and l events including trail side yoga, running groups, etc. The Northside Trail is one of the most scenic areas of the BeltLine, while the Southwest Connector is (as its name suggests) connecting the BeltLine with the Westview neighborhood. The West End Trail was one of the first sections completed and stretches 2.4 miles from White Street to Westview Cemetery.
Art on the Atlanta BeltLine
Perhaps one of the most eye-catching elements of the BeltLine is collection of environmental art, which is located all around the corridor. There are year-round pieces as well as temporary ones that are party of the annual “Art on the Atlanta BeltLine” exhibition. The City of Atlanta’s largest temporary public art exhibition, this project showcases the work of hundreds of visual artists, performers and musicians in every portion of the BeltLine and runs from September through November. You’ll find gems of artwork, including murals, sculptures and yarn works dotted around the routes; it’s like a treasure hunt for your eyes.
Exploring the BeltLine
There are many ways to access and explore the Atlanta BeltLine. By car, there is plenty of on-the-street parking and access points, such as along the Freedom Parkway Trail. Pick a spot and explore to your heart’s content. Additionally, there are free tours by bike or bus, as well as an Arboretum Walking Tour, led by docents from Trees Atlanta that focus on the horticultural side of the BeltLine.
For a taste of the BeltLine, try the Eastside Trail, which runs from the tip of Piedmont Park to Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward. The new Krog Street Market, which is located in Inman Park, is reminiscent of markets like Eataly in New York, has market stalls in a renovated 1920s warehouse. With counter service dining options, flower shops, gift shops, bakeries, bottle shops and bars, there’s plenty to see—and eat—at Krog Street.
Start here and grab a coffee and a pastry from the Little Tart Bake Shop and stroll towards Piedmont Park from there. Along the way, you can either stop and hop off at the Ponce City Market over North Avenue and check out the development there, or continue on to Piedmont Park, which is one of the premier green spaces in Atlanta. The trail is two miles, one-way, which is a great distance to stroll, particularly at sunset to either work up an appetite or work off the treats from Krog Street Market.
In the Future
As of right now, four trail segments and four new or renovated parks are open for the public to enjoy. Events like the Atlanta BeltLine Running Series and Art on the Atlanta BeltLine are becoming popular events, bringing even more people to the project. There’s a lot of work still to do, though, and the BeltLine will continue to grow and be developed over the next 20 years.
Wandering the BeltLine is a great way to see various parts of Atlanta by foot or by bike, but if you’re looking for some unique tour options, check out the Atlanta Peach Peddler, which allows up to 15 people to bike simultaneously while enjoy the sites, or enjoy a guided tour through town in an electric car.
–Katie Coakley
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