First Look: Atlanta Beltline Southside Trail (PICS)

The Atlanta Beltline Southside Trail has been opened on an interim basis. The all-gravel path connects the Westside and Eastside Trails. Here’s what it looks like.

The 4-mile Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail officially opened in late August and has been used since that time by sporadic joggers, walkers and bikers.

Here’s what the Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail looks like

If you plan on riding a scooter there, don’t do it: The interim trail is unpaved and makes for a rocky road.

The trail is nowhere near what it will be but already has outstanding potential by offering access to a former rail corridor, 11 public streets, bridges, crosswalks in at-grade crossings and two tunnels.

The Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail traces its beginnings to March 2018. That’s when Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that the BeltLine had acquired the 4.5-mile Southside Trail corridor from CSX.

“Linking the west and east sides of the Atlanta BeltLine is a top priority,” said Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. “We recognize that this connectivity has been highly anticipated by our neighbors along the southern corridor. We are thrilled for this milestone and future construction.”

Where is the Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail located?

The Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail extends from University Avenue to Glenwood Avenue. Here are some photos of what the Southside Trail looks like in its interim state:

The city asks that the public do not use the corridor until the proper precautions have been taken to ensure that it is safe.

The Beltline is accepting volunteers to help clean up and beautify the trail through seasonal All Call Volunteer Days and Adopt the Atlanta BeltLine.

Current Southside Trail Adopters include TAF Designs, REI, Raulet Property Partners, Atlanta Community ToolBank, Mercer Street Neighbors, Eventide Brewing, and Jack and Jill of America. Learn more about these programs at beltline.org and by signing up for the Partnership’s monthly e-newsletter.

Up next: Atlanta Beltine – Everything you need to know

Tee Johnson: Tee Johnson is the co-founder of AtlantaFi.com and as an unofficial ambassador of the city, she's a lover of all things Atlanta. She writes about Travel News, Events, Business, Hair Care (Wigs!) and Money.