The seven essentials
of the Atlanta BeltLine
The city-spanning project’s seven must-see attractions — for now
Sponsored by Kroger
Visiting the Atlanta BeltLine is often more about the journey than the destination. The cool features and engaging sights along the trails don’t necessarily equal the simple experience of being on it, whether afoot or on wheels, walking alone or marching in a parade.
It’s also still a work in progress, so choosing the must-see attractions is a fleeting exercise: Some will change and many others will be added in the ensuing years. When Ponce City Market is fully open by late 2015, for instance, it’ll zoom to the top of the list. And as Atlanta BeltLine Inc. discourages walking on the Westside Trail while it’s an active construction site, some of its best bridges and tunnels can only be appreciated from a distance for now.
The point of the BeltLine may be to find your own favorites, but to get you started, here are seven essential places to visit.
1. Three Tree Hill
Location: Eastside Trail, near mile 10
This low, picturesque ridge is literally one of the high points of the BeltLine Arboretum. Standing on the trail below affords a lovely view of the scarlet oaks that give the spot its nickname, and you can follow a well-trodden dirt path up to the hilltop. “It’s got a sweeping skyline view of downtown and Midtown, and you can see Ponce City Market come to life,” says BeltLine visionary Ryan Gravel. “It’s in a similar location as where General Sherman watched the burning of Atlanta. It’s within earshot of Dr. King’s church and home in the Sweet Auburn district, which is so defining for Atlanta. Just to see all of that coming together in this new feature that we’re building for the city, it’s a great vantage point.”
2. Historic Fourth Ward Park
Location: The park connects to the BeltLine near Three Tree Hill via the Eastside Trail Gateway. Its address is 680 Dallas St.
Recognized with multiple awards since its dedication in 2011, this 17-acre park includes an outdoor amphitheater, playground, splashpad and plenty of greenspace. The most arresting feature its two-acre lake (that also serves as a stormwater detention basin) with intricate, elegant walkways. “Go to Historic Fourth Ward Park at night,” advises Atlanta BeltLine tour guide Sundiata Rush. “When the lights are on, reflecting off the pond, it’s an inspiring place to be and a very romantic walk.”
3. Krog Street Market
Location: Its address at 99 Krog St. is catty-corner from the Southern end of the Eastside Trail, at around mile 9.
Originally a warehouse and recently providing studio space for Tyler Perry, the new mixed-use development makes the ideal spot for beginning or ending a BeltLine visit. You can enjoy a delicious, leisurely Tex-Mex meal at Superica or sample the many options at the food court, including Yalla, Fred’s Meat and Bread, Gu’s Dumplings or Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. The options are so intriguing, you’ll be tempted to systematically sample them all over time. Plus, the open space and gentle lighting evokes the neighborhood’s industrial roots while offering a great place to cool off.
4. “West End Remembers” mural
Location: Approximate to 1070 White St., under the Laughton Street Bridge and directly below mile marker 0.
By some estimations, West End is the city’s oldest neighborhood, so it’s appropriate that it should host the first piece of art on the Atlanta BeltLine. Debuting in 2008, Malaika Favorite’s effervescent mural “West End Remembers” traces the community’s history in splashy colors, depicting original Native American trails and such landmarks as Hammond’s House and the Wren’s Nest. With mile marker 0 on the top side of the bridge, the BeltLine seems to emerge directly from local history.
5. Under Freedom Parkway
Location: About Mile 9.75, near the Freedom Park Trail connection.
Bridges and tunnels make some of the BeltLine’s best features, showcasing original architecture and providing vehicles for new art. The BeltLine under Freedom Parkway includes splashes of colorful graffiti and shelters William Massey’s engaging sculpture “Object of Wo(man),” with David Landis’ stainless steel rhino “Northern White” standing nearby. You may even find a tiny door frame (courtesy Tiny Doors ATL) at your feet. The shady area makes a natural gathering place and seems to turn into an impromptu playground whenever more than one kid shows up. (When I visited in late spring, some girls had even set up an old-school lemonade stand.) Plus, it’s conveniently close to the King of Pops walk-up window at Elizabeth Street and Bernina.
6. Tanyard Creek Park
Location: Collier Road at Walthall Drive, near mile marker 0.51 of the Northside BeltLine trail.
For visitors to the one-mile-long Northside BeltLine Trail, Tanyard Creek Park makes a convenient midpoint, with Peachtree Creek and shady trees providing a tranquil backdrop for a picnic lunch. The park also pays subtle tribute to the Battle of Peachtree Creek through six large historical markers that recount the conflict’s death toll and its role in the course of the Civil War. Without brushing against contentious politics, the markers provide a sober history lesson in an undeniably idyllic location.
7. Bellwood Quarry
Location: Off Chappell Road, only accessible via the Atlanta BeltLine bus tour.
The 400-foot gorge-like expanse with terraced granite walls has taken on an undeniable mystique as a former skinny-dipping spot and recent filming location for “The Walking Dead.” Visitors can only commune with the quarry from a fenced-in observation platform, but it’s an undeniably impressive sight that promises to become even more so. Eventually, it will be the centerpiece of the proposed 300-acre Westside Reservoir Park after being filled with billions of gallons of water — so check it out while you can.
