Great Runs in Atlanta
Running in Atlanta takes some planning. The city is very spread out and development has been car centric. But things have been improving. If you you are downtown, try to stay in the Midtown area, which provides access to fabulous Piedmont Park, the ever-growing BeltLine trail, and lovely residential areas. In the areas to the north with large concentrations of businesses and hotels (Perimeter, Silver Spring, Alpharetta), there are usually 1–2 good running options — though you might need a car to get there. Further afield, highlights include the Silver Comet Trail to the north, and Stone Mountain to the east.
The Atlanta topography is rolling hills, especially in the areas near downtown. Atlanta weather can be great or abysmal for running. Spring is a highlight, with blooming [azaleas, dogwoods?]. Winters are temperate, usually quite runnable. As for summer, there’s the Hotlanta road race at the end of August, which should tell the story there. Seriously, be careful in summer.
The Iconic Routes
- Piedmont Park
- Atlanta BeltLine Trail
- Freedom Parkway
- Downtown Tour
- Chattahoochee River Trails
- Buckhead Residential
The Routes
The ‘iconic’ routes are generally near downtown/Midtown. But since Atlanta is so spread out, here’s a quick guide by geography. Outside of downtown, it is likely you’ll need a car to get to good running areas, or plan your hotels very carefully.
Downtown: Downtown Tour: Centennial Park, CNN, Coca-Cola
MidTown: Piedmont Park, BeltLine
Buckhead: Memorial Park, Chastain Park
“Perimeter”: Cochrane Shoals, Chastain Park, Pallisades trail, Candler Park
East: (Decatur, Emory Univ.):
Alpharetta: Alpharetta Greenway
Piedmont Park
4.2 miles with multiple options. Start: 14th St. & Peachtree. MAP
Piedmont Park is the Crown Jewel of central Atlanta running scene. The 189 acre park was designed by Olmsted’s sons and features 4–5 miles of fairly hilly paved and gravel running trails, ranging from open meadows to wooded sections. We’ve included a 4-mile ‘signature’ run, but also a trail map so you can put together your own route. Highlights include the “Active Oval”, The Meadow, and Oak Hill.
It’s also possible to add to your Piedmont Park run by accessing the BeltLine trail (see below). The residential areas near the park are also pleasant for running, featuring fine older homes. Try to stay in Midtown, which has great hotels and restaurants, and provides the best access to the Park.
Atlanta BeltLine
3.35 miles ONE WAY. MAP
Best section is 2-miles one-way from 10th St. & Monroe Ave. to Irwin.
The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the largest urban redevelopment programs underway in the U.S., with a plan to provide a network of public parks, multi-use trails and transit along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor circling downtown and connecting many neighborhoods directly to each other.
The most developed section is the paved 2 mile trail from 10th St. & Monroe Ave. at Piedmont Park to Irwin St. There are numerous interesting plantings, views to the historic 4th Ward, and places to stop and grab a bite. It’s crowded and festive. Good options to add include Piedmont Park, Freedom Parkway/Carter Center. You can also head north for another 1–2 miles, less developed & unpaved.
Freedom Parkway/MLK Site/Carter Center
2.5 miles one way from MLK Site to Carter Center to Freedom Park MAP
3.6 mile loop starting at Carter Library to Freedom Park & Chandler Park MAP
Freedom Park is one of Atlanta’s large city parks. The heart of Freedom Park is the Carter Center, which is well worth a visit. The area is very green and shaded. There are pleasant running/biking trails heading east from Parkway Dr. to Chandler Park, south toward Inman. I have two suggested routes for this area: the entire 2.5 mile (one-way) Freedom Parkway Trail, from the Martin Luther King National Historic Site to the Carter Library and some of the trails lining Freedom Parkway. Another option is a 3.6 mile loop, starting at the Carter Library, and running the trails of Freedom Park to Chandler Park. A very pleasant, green run.
Downtown Tour
6.7 miles with options for shorter. Start: Hilton or Marriott Marquis MAP
This is a great tour of all of downtown’s landmarks. Starting at one of the main hotels downtown just east of I-85, this run includes a tour of Centennial Olympic Park, The World of Coca-Cola, CNN, The Georgia Dome, Aquarium, the College Football Hall of Fame, Philips Arena, the Castleberry Hill historic neighborhood, and Georgia Tech. Look for fun sites, galleries, shops, and restaurants on Baker St., Luckie St., and Peters St. Octane Coffee and EBrik Coffee are popular with runners.
Buckhead
Buckhead is the most prestigious neighborhood in greater Atlanta. Gracious older homes, winding residential streets, and lovely parks. The area is quite hilly. It is not easy to proscribe a particular place to run in Buckhead. My suggestion is to run between Armore Park and Memorial Park, using the 1-mile BeltLine Northside Trail, and then enjoying some of the pleasant residential side streets.
North Options
A lot of travelers to Atlanta will find themselves north of the city where there is a large concentration of businesses. These areas are just off of I-285, such as “Perimeter”, Cumberland, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody. The best areas for running in this area are Chastain Park, and the trails around Paces Park and Cochran Shoals. Note: there are lots of hotels in this area, but the roads to get to these trails might not be great for running (busy, no sidewalks).
Chastain Park.
Just off Roswell Rd. in northern part of Buckhead and just inside I-285. Paved, marked trails: two 5k loops (red and blue) and a 3k “yellow” loop.
Chattahoochee River Trails: Cochran Shoals
Atlanta’s Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area maintains an extensive series of trails along the Chattahoochee River. One of the most popular for running is Cochran Shoals, a 3.1 mile (5k!) trail that follows the banks of the river and also goes through meadows and marshland. It is in Sandy Springs, near the I-75/I-285 intersection. You can extend the run beyond the loop trail by another 1/2 mile or so, or run another 2.5 miles one-way 0n the Powers Island Trail on the river’s opposite shore, just across the Interstate North Parkway bridge. There is a parking lot that can fill and costs $3 during the day. There are many hotels and corporate offices in this area.
Pallisades/Rottenwood Creek
Multiple Options, see below. Access parking lot from Rt. 41
This is an extensive series of paved trails in the Perimeter Area. There are lots of hotels in the area. A few options/distances:
- Pallisades West Trail from parking lot to Devils Race Course: 2.2 mi. one-way
- Pallisades West Trail from parking lot for 0.5 miles, then left onto to Rottenwood Creek Trail, paralleling Cumberland Parkway to end: 2 miles
- Connect to Cochran Shoals. There’s an opportunity to connect to other trails in the area. Take the Rottenwood Creek Trail 1.8 miles, and right after Akers Mill Rd., right on Bob Callan Loop Trail, which parallels I-285 for about 1 mile. Then you will be on the Cochran Shoals system on the Chattahoochee River, with an opportunity to run 2 miles further north.
Alpharetta- Big Creek Greenway
8 miles One-Way. Start: at any point. Hotels & office parks are close to North Point Mall
The Big Creek Greenway is the best opportunity for running in Alpharaetta. The 8-mile paved trail meanders along Big Creek parallel to North Point Parkway, from Windward Parkway at Marconi Drive on the north end to Mansell Road on the south end. Best place to start is at Big Creek Park. There are many hotels and the North Point Mall within a mile or two of a place to catch the trail.
Further Afield
Silver Comet Trail. One of Atlanta’s top areas for running and biking. This paved trail, following the old railroad bed of the “Silver Comet” train, runs 61 miles from Atlanta’s northern suburb of Smyrna, west to the Alabama border. You’ll have to drive to get there but it’s 11 miles south of Marietta, 15 miles from downtown, and 6 miles from Cumberland. Here is a MAP of the first 20 miles of the trail closest to Atlanta.
Stone Mountain. About 15 miles east of downtown, Stone Mountain is one of Atlanta’s major recreational destinations. Attractions include a summit skyride, museum, antebellum plantation, and seasonal events for families. There are also many hiking trails, so trail runners wanting to get some hill work will be happy here. One great run here is the 5-mile loop around the park, on Robert E. Lee Blvd., with a dedicated bike/running lane or sidewalk throughout.
STAY
Atlanta is very spread out. There are clusters of hotels in downtown, midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter/Sandy Springs, and Cumberland. The maps below show running areas near downtown/midtown, and clusters of hotels near trails in the north.
Running Stores/Group Runs
There’s a great network of locally owned running stores in Atlanta — at least one for every major geographical area.
Downtown closest one is Big Peach in Midtown
MidTown
Big Peach Running Co. GR Thursday 6:30pm and Sat. 7:30 am.
Phidippides, near Piedmont Park. GR Calendar.
Buckhead
New Balance
West Stride. Group Runs Calendar.
North
Athlete’s Foot, Cumberland Mall.
Perimeter
Run Appeal
Fleet Feet Sandy Springs. GR Tuesday 6pm
East/Decatur
Highland Runners
Fleet Feet Decatur. Group Run Wednesdays 6:30pm, Saturday 8am
Big Peach Running Co. Group Run Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30pm
Alpharetta/Cobb
Big Peach Running Co. Group Runs Monday & Wednesday 6:30pm
Road Runner Sports
New Balance
Community
Atlanta Track Club is the major running organization in Atlanta. Tons of information and events. Also owns the Atlanta Marathon/Half Marathon
Events
Publix Atlanta Marathon/Half Marathon. Major event. March
Peachtree 10k. Apparently the largest 10k in the world. Every July 4
Atlanta 10 miler October
Hotlanta Half Marathon June
Comprehensive event calendar, courtesy of Atlanta Track Club
Brookhaven around golf club http://buckhead.11alive.com/news/sports-recreation/best-spots-run-city/67163
