Log your 10,000 steps on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

As part of our 10K steps series, we’ve asked writers to share their favorite spots for walking while soaking in city views, top routes, and hidden gems. In this entry, Sheeka Sanahori guides us through several neighborhoods in Atlanta along the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

You don’t need to wait for rush hour to experience Atlanta’s infamous traffic. With a growing number of people moving to the city and its reliance on automobiles, slow-moving traffic is commonplace.

One of the wonderful aspects of the Atlanta BeltLine – a 22-mile outdoor trail encircling Atlanta’s neighborhoods – is that it has lessened the reliance on cars, reviving the joy of walking in the neighborhood. Before construction started in 2005, many areas of Atlanta were poorly connected.

Now, the BeltLine encourages residents to enjoy the outdoors more than ever. This trail can get quite busy, especially on weekends, and cyclists often need to weave through crowds of pedestrians. My favorite section is the 4.6-mile Eastside Trail, stretching from Piedmont Park to Reynoldstown. Along the way, you’ll find a skatepark, revitalized shopping areas, and some of the best dining spots in the city. Here’s my guide to the perfect stroll through Atlanta’s east-side neighborhoods.

Starting point: Piedmont Park

Kick off your walk in Atlanta’s favorite park. Piedmont Park hosts many of the city’s largest festivals, but even on ordinary days, you’ll see joggers, cyclists, and picnic-goers filling the space. Head to the southeast corner, where 10th Street meets Monroe Drive. Stroll beneath the vibrant Virginia Avenue bridge to continue your journey.

The route: The Eastside Trail is fully paved and spacious enough to accommodate multiple joggers, walkers, and cyclists at varying speeds. Expect the path to get busier on weekends, typically around 8:30 am.

Take a shopping break at Ponce City Market

About a mile into your walk, look for the scooter-filled sidewalk on your right leading to Ponce City Market. Here, the trail meets one of Atlanta’s trendiest shopping areas. Embark on your first off-trail exploration to browse through the market, featuring local designers, food stalls, and stunning rooftop views of the city.

Relax with a drink on the patio while enjoying city vistas

After indulging in some retail therapy, return to the trail and head south for another half mile until you spot a smaller shopping center’s back patio on your left. Settle in at New Realm Brewing Co for craft beers and delicious pub fare. Alternatively, visit TWO Urban Licks for wood-fired American dishes and live blues. For some fun, check out the immersive VR exhibits at Illuminarium Experiences Atlanta.

Chill out (or skate!) at the Historic Fourth Ward SkatePark

Continue a bit further south on the trail to discover Historic Fourth Ward Park on your right. This spot features the city's first dedicated skatepark, attracting skaters of all ages. Next to the park is a field that welcomes everyone. On any given day, you'll see people exercising or just relaxing in this vibrant urban retreat.

Enjoy a meal in the Inman Park neighborhood

Pass beneath the Freedom Parkway underpass adorned with street art. To your right, you’ll find the BeltLine Marketplace, which consists of a few repurposed shipping containers that support new businesses. Once you’re through the underpass, keep an eye out for the rhino sculpture on your left, next to a path that leads you off the trail and into the Inman Park area.

You've now entered one of Atlanta's top dining neighborhoods. This area offers everything from cozy coffee shops and wine tasting rooms to gastropubs and upscale restaurants. After enjoying a meal, you'll need to backtrack to rejoin the BeltLine and continue your journey.

Take a moment to appreciate the street art

By this point, you’ve encountered a variety of street art, but my favorite spot is in the Reynoldstown/Cabbagetown neighborhoods close to the Krog Street Tunnel. Inside the tunnel, you’ll find a stunning combination of graffiti and ever-evolving murals, along with more permanent artworks (including an Atlanta Tiny Door) on the MARTA train wall along Wylie Street. Keep an eye out for the colorful, wide-mouthed characters created by Atlanta artist Greg Mike—his murals are beloved throughout the city by locals.

Your journey: Upon reaching the intersection with Memorial Drive, you've officially completed the Eastside Trail! If you're eager to explore more of the city, head west to the Grant Park neighborhood or venture east to enjoy East Atlanta Village. Alternatively, continue your adventure by crossing over Memorial Drive and heading south to begin your trek on the Southside Trail.