Field guide
Running routes and trails for visitors in Atlanta
Find running routes in Atlanta at Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, Kennesaw Mountain, and Stone Mountain Park. Official information.
Visitors looking for running routes in Atlanta can choose between city parks and more rugged trails. Piedmont Park offers a central location for runs, while the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail provides a multi-use path through several neighborhoods.
For more challenging trail running or hiking, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park has over 25 miles of trails. Stone Mountain Park also provides trails of varying difficulty, including a steep walk-up route on smooth granite.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piedmont Park | Not listed | Daily from 6am until 11pm | Not listed |
| Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park | 25+ miles; 16 mile loop | 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM (November – March); 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM (March – November) | Mostly hard-packed dirt; Asphalt road |
| Stone Mountain Park | 15 miles; 1.3-mile (2.1 km) | 45 minutes to 1 hour | smooth granite |
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is located in midtown Atlanta, approximately two miles northeast of downtown, and is open daily from 6am until 11pm. Runners can use the park's Active Oval or follow paths around features like Lake Clara Meer and the Northwoods natural area. A parking garage is available.
- Park description
- Atlanta’s “Common Ground” since 1904
- Park management
- Managed and maintained through a collaboration between the 501(c)3 nonprofit Piedmont Park Conservancy and City of Atlanta
- Location relative to downtown Atlanta
- Approximately two miles northeast of downtown Atlanta
- Location within Midtown Atlanta
- Along 10th Street (a block west of 10th & Monroe Avenue to a block east of 10th & Piedmont Avenue) and Piedmont Avenue (12th & Piedmont to just before 15th & Piedmont) in midtown Atlanta
- Park hours
- Daily from 6am until 11pm
- Parking availability
- Parking Garage available
- Dog park type
- Off-Leash Dog Parks
- Recreational feature
- Active Oval
Source: Maps (piedmontpark.org). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Piedmont Park trail information and parking
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
This multi-use trail runs from Piedmont Park to Reynoldstown on a former rail corridor. It connects several parks and provides walk-up access to Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market. The route features murals and art installations.
Restroom facilities with running water are available at several locations along the trail, including near Piedmont Park and the Historic Ward Skatepark.
- Type of place
- Multi-use trail and linear greenspace
- Trail extent
- Runs from the tip of Piedmont Park to Reynoldstown
- Parking access points
- Multiple locations listed, including Monroe Drive, Kanuga Street, Midtown Promenade (South), Ponce City Market
- Restroom facilities
- Fully ADA-accessible, flushing toilets, running water sinks, baby changing stations, and complimentary menstrual products
- Restroom locations
- By Piedmont Park, Lowery — Bedford Pine, Allene Avenue, and Historic Ward Skatepark
- Bike rentals available
- Rent a bike from Atlanta Bicycle Barn
- Report maintenance issues
- Report to (404) 546-0311 or ATL311.com
- Emergency contact
- Call 911 in case of emergencies
Source: Eastside Trail (beltline.org). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Running the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
This park in Kennesaw offers over 25 miles of trails, mostly on hard-packed dirt surfaces. Options for runners and hikers include a hard 16 mile loop and a moderate to hard 5.8 mile loop. An asphalt road also goes up Kennesaw Mountain. Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash of six feet or less.
- Park type
- National Battlefield Park
- Mailing address city and state
- Kennesaw, GA
- Total park trails length
- 25+ miles
- Full Park Hiking Loop Trail length
- 16 mile loop
- Kennesaw Mountain Loop Trail length
- 5.8 mile loop
- General trail surface
- Mostly hard-packed dirt
- Kennesaw Mountain road surface
- Asphalt road
- Full Park Hiking Loop Trail difficulty
- Hard
Source: Hiking (nps.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: The Kennesaw Mountain trail for runners and hikers
Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park has 15 miles of trails with varying degrees of difficulty. A popular route is the 1.3-mile Walk-Up Trail, a moderate climb with some steep and rocky sections on smooth granite that gains about 700 feet in elevation. The park also has a 5 mile loop with dedicated lanes for bicyclists. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Location
- in the Atlanta, Georgia area
- Total trail length
- 15 miles
- Walk-Up Trail length
- 1.3-mile (2.1 km)
- Cherokee Trail length
- ~5 miles
- Walk-Up Trail elevation gain
- about 700 feet
- Walk-Up Trail surface
- smooth granite
- Overall trail difficulty
- varying degrees of difficulty
- Walk-Up Trail difficulty
- moderate, with some steep and rocky sections
Sources: Hiking Trails (stonemountainpark.com), Walk-Up Trail to Top of Stone Mountain (stonemountainpark.com), Cherokee Trail Guide (stonemountainpark.com). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Stone Mountain Park hike and running trails
Before you go
- Check park hours before you go. Kennesaw Mountain has different hours for Standard and Daylight Saving Time.
- A daily or annual parking pass is required for trail access at Stone Mountain Park.
- If you bring a dog, be aware of leash rules. Kennesaw Mountain requires a leash of six feet or less, and Stone Mountain requires leashes at all times.
- Trail surfaces range from paved multi-use paths and asphalt roads to hard-packed dirt and smooth granite.
- Some routes, like the Atlanta BeltLine and the Stone Mountain loop, are shared with bicyclists.
- Restrooms are available at some locations, including the Stone Mountain Walk-Up Trail and several points along the Atlanta BeltLine.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.