In a major milestone for urban green space and ecological innovation, the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum has been officially recognized as the world’s longest linear arboretum.
Spanning 12.44 miles of completed trail, this living botanical collection transforms the city’s historic rail corridors into a vibrant, accessible showcase of nature right in the heart of Atlanta.
Beltline Has the World’s Longest Arboretum
The announcement from Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. highlights how the arboretum redefines urban redevelopment by seamlessly blending infrastructure, public trails, and biodiversity.
Accredited at Level II by ArbNet—an international network of over 900 arboreta—the designation celebrates two decades of dedicated work planting and stewarding trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers along the BeltLine corridor.What sets this apart as the longest linear arboretum is its continuous, linear design along the multi-use trails, featuring more than 647 unique tree and woody shrub species and cultivars across 106 genera.
Thanks to a long-standing partnership with Trees Atlanta, over 700,000 native plants have been installed, creating an ecological corridor that supports local wildlife, improves air quality, and provides essential shade for the millions of people who use the BeltLine each year.
“This achievement reflects 20 years of intentional design and collaboration,” said Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. “The trees along our trails offer shade, clean our air, and create an urban oasis where people can connect with nature—spotting birds, butterflies, and other species drawn to this habitat. As we mark our 20th anniversary and gear up to welcome visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, we’re proud to connect more than 45 neighborhoods not just with paths, but with a thriving ecological corridor of native Georgia plants.”
Greg Levine, Executive Director of Trees Atlanta, added: “Trees are iconic to Atlanta’s identity, and Georgia boasts incredible plant diversity. The BeltLine Arboretum is a vital part of our urban forest, demonstrating how greenspaces enhance health, wildlife, and the environment for everyone.”
Currently covering about 60 acres along nearly 13 miles of trail (with 12.44 miles officially counted for the designation), the arboretum is set to expand significantly. By summer 2026—just in time for Atlanta’s role hosting FIFA World Cup 26™ matches—more than 16.7 miles of mainline trail will be open.
The full 22-mile loop is targeted for completion by 2030, linking to over 400 acres of parks and 33 miles of connected greenways.This free, gateless public garden adds another world-class distinction to Atlanta’s resume, alongside the world’s busiest airport and the largest aquarium in the United States. It further cements the city’s reputation as a forward-thinking destination that prioritizes sustainability and quality of life.
Residents and visitors can explore the arboretum anytime along the BeltLine trails. For a deeper experience, Trees Atlanta offers free guided walking tours highlighting the botanical features, city views, and ecological benefits.
Final Word
As Atlanta continues to grow greener and more connected, the BeltLine Arboretum stands as a shining example of how thoughtful urban planning can create lasting environmental and community impact. Stay tuned for more openings and plantings in the months ahead!
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