Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Run, walk, or bike the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, a popular urban hike that stretches from Piedmont Park to Krog City Market.

The Eastside Trail is the Atlanta Beltline’s most popular stretch of pathway. The trail runs for 3 miles along the eastside of the city from Midtown in the north to Reynoldstown in the south.

As you walk, run, bike, or scooter the trail, you can take in skyline views and plenty of public art on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail. Here’s everything you need to know about enjoying the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

What is the Atlanta BeltLine?

The Atlanta BeltLine is a former railway corridor around the city that is undergoing redevelopment. Plans include a streetcar loop, 2,000 acres of parks, and 22 miles of multi-use trails.

Segments here and there have already been developed, but the whole loop hasn’t been completed yet. You can read about the Atlanta BeltLine Northside Trail here.

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail was finally completed and fully paved in summer 2019 with the full length of the trail traveling from Piedmont Park to Memorial Drive.

The trail has access to shiny new apartment complexes, bars and breweries, parks, and the incredibly trendy Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market.

The trail is known for all of its street art and murals. Be sure to look for the Tiny Doors! There are even street art and food tours you can take.

The most convenient places to park and access the trail are from Piedmont Park or from Ponce City Market. If you start at PCM, you’ll be about 1/3 of the way through the trail.

Trail Details

The trailhead begins near Piedmont Park at the intersection of 10th Street and Monroe Drive, right by Park Tavern.

From here, the Eastside Trail runs southeast.

You’ll pass through an underpass beneath Virginia Avenue that’s painted with vibrant murals. A bridge crosses over Ponce de Leon Avenue and puts you right at Ponce City Market.

You can take a boardwalk into Ponce City Market and explore what this popular spot has to offer. There are local artist markets that set up outside, delicious restaurants inside, boutique shops, and even a rooftop with bars and carnival games.

The trail continues south of Ponce City Market.

It passes over North Avenue via a bridge decked out with local artwork and gives you a view of the midtown skyline. You’ll pass plenty of newly built apartment complexes and rotating artwork.

Along this part of the trail, you’ll find some great places to stop for a drink or bite, like New Realm Brewing and Two Urban Licks. This is also where you’ll find the Illuminarium for immersive experiences.

As the trail continues, the next bridge you’ll pass over is Ralph McGill Boulevard. Here, you can still see the remnants of the BeltLine’s old railway.

Soon, you’ll pass by the Old Fourth Ward Skatepark, Atlanta’s first public skatepark. It was partially funded by the Tony Hawk Foundation. On a sunny day, you may find people scattered across the lawn sunning or doing yoga.

You’ll then pass under Freedom Parkway; be sure to admire the expanse of graffiti painted under this bridge. The Eastside Trail continues, passing under another graffiti-decorated bridge at North Highland Avenue and crossing Irwin Street and Edgewood Avenue.

This is another area where you have access to some great restaurants. Delbar Middle Eastern, Sotto Sotto, and Barcelona Wine Bar are located just off the BeltLine here. Further down the trail, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall and Kevin Rathbun Steak are easy access.

After Irwin Street, you can detour to the popular Krog Street Market or stop at restaurants like Nina & Rafi and Brewdog Atlanta.

Crossing Dekalb Avenue, the BeltLine continues through Krog Street Tunnel, a tunnel running under a rail yard that is famous for the amount of graffiti that covers its walls, floors, and ceilings.

This is a great spot for a photo op, and you may even find someone filming a music video there. Be sure to look for the Tiny Door!

The trail then continues along Wylie Street before crossing over and running along the backs of a steel company. The trail then crosses Kirkwood Avenue and Fulton Terrace before ending at Memorial Drive.

The walk from Piedmont Park to Memorial Drive is about 3 miles; the walk from Ponce City Market to Memorial Drive is about 2 miles. Turn around and retrace your steps for a full hike of 6 miles (to Piedmont Park) or 4 miles (to PCM).

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail Visitor Tips

The trail is free to access, but you’ll likely have to pay for parking.

The most convenient places to park and access the trail are from Piedmont Park or from Ponce City Market. If you start at PCM, you’ll be about 1/3 of the way through the trail.

View a trail map here.

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Restaurants & Bars

The BeltLine is pretty interesting because it’s not just a trail for exercising. It connects you to all these different Atlanta neighborhoods with vibrant social activities and nightlife, so you can go for a stroll with some friends and grab a drink if you want.

Here are the best places to eat and drink on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail:

• Park Tavern — near 10th Street and Monroe Drive
• Woody’s Famous Philadelphia Cheesesteaks — near 10th Street and Monroe Drive
• Ponce City Market — near Ponce De Leon Avenue 
• New Realm Brewing — near Ralph McGill Boulevard
• Two Urban Licks — near Ralph McGill Boulevard
• Delbar Middle Eastern — on North Highland Avenue
• Barcelona Wine Bar — on North Highland Avenue
• Sotto Sotto — on North Highland Avenue
• Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall — on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue
• Kevin Rathbun Steak — near Irwin Street
• Krog Street Market — near Irwin Street
• Brewdog Atlanta — near Irwin Street
• Nina & Rafi — near Irwin Street

Things to See on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Here are the major sites and things to see along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail that are totally worth the detour:

• Piedmont Park
• Ponce City Market
• Historic Old Fourth Ward Park
• Illuminarium Atlanta
• Historic Old Fourth Ward Skatepark
• Krog Street Market
• Krog Street Tunnel
• Tiny Doors ATL

Atlanta BeltLine Tours

Learn all about the history of the BeltLine, discover local street art, and taste some of the best restaurants in Atlanta on one of these BeltLine tours.

• Food and Street Art Tour on the Atlanta BeltLine
• Atlanta BeltLine Cocktails and Bites Experience
• 3-Hour Atlanta BeltLine Food, Street Art and History Tour
• Guided Bike Tour in Atlanta with Snacks
• 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail FAQ

• Atlanta BeltLine Northside Trail
• Zonolite Park Trails
• Lullwater Preserve Trails
• Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
• Cochran Shoals Trail
• East Palisades Trail
• Island Ford Trail

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Cheers!

Paige

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