Atlanta is home to some of the country’s best running trails. It offers a rich combination of urban and rural landscapes, from suburban neighborhoods to wooded parks and state-owned forests.
The city’s many miles of paved roads are perfect for road runners, while its network of multi-use paths offers opportunities for trail runners.
Atlanta is a great city for running trails, but you need to know where they are and how to use them.
This guide will help you find the best trails in Atlanta. It’s not all about distance though; there are plenty of other factors that make a good trail. This guide will help you decide which ones are worth your time.
Paved Trails
Paved running trails are ideal for those who want to run on sidewalks. They’re usually well maintained and have wide sidewalks or shoulders.
These types of trails can be found throughout the city, including downtown, midtown, Buckhead, and more. Atlanta has a large number of these trails, with over 100 miles of paved routes. Some of the most popular include:
Tanyard Creek Park – Buckhead
Tanyard Creek Park is a great paved running trail in the Buckhead area in Atlanta, Georgia. There are two loops within this park. One loop is 3.5 miles long and the other one is 2.3 miles long.
Both loops have multiple intersections with cross streets. You can run these loops at different times during the day or night.
If you want to get away from the crowds, then this would be an excellent place to go on a weekday morning before work. The 14.5-acre park offers beautiful views and a steady run.
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is located near downtown Atlanta. This park has several paved running trails that are suitable for beginners. The trail features a meadow with a pond, a playground, picnic areas, and endless skyline views.
In addition to the paved trails, there are also dirt pathways throughout the park. These dirt trails provide access to the ponds and meadows.
This park is popular among dog walkers and families and is a great trail for a casual run.
Silver Comet Trail
Silver Comet trail is an ideal running destination for avid runners. This trail runs through the heart of Atlanta. The trail passes by historic landmarks like Ponce City Market and Freedom Parkway.
It provides scenic views of the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier. The trail is well maintained and ideal for a long run.
The trail is open year-round and is 60 miles long with varied terrain that covers both flat ground and a bit more natural terrain.
Gravel Trail
Gravel trail running is growing in popularity. Some of these trails are designed specifically for running. Others are used as walking trails or bike lanes.
Atlanta has a number of gravel trails that are easy to navigate and safe for beginner and intermediate runners. One of the best gravel trails is:
Cochran Shoals Trail
Cochran Shoals trail located at Chattahoochee River National Recreation area is a fantastic running trail. This trail is very easy to navigate and is suitable for beginner runners.
This trail is mostly gravel, and it’s covered with pine trees and grasses making for a scenic run. The trail is surrounded by nature and offers a nice view of the river. This trail is only a 3.1-mile round trip.
Running around the Chattahoochee River National Recreation area is an ideal running option for those who live in the surrounding suburbs. This trail is accessible all-year-round and is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
Dirt Trails
Dirt trail running is a great way to explore new places. However, if you do choose to run on dirt trails, you should always wear appropriate footwear.
Atlanta has many great dirt paths that are perfect for exploring. Some of the most popular include:
Morningside Nature Preserve
Morningside Nature Preserve running rail is a great trail for people looking for a challenging workout. This trail is perfect for intermediate runners as it includes hills and steep inclines. The trail offers varied terrain.
The trail is covered with pine trees and is surrounded by woods and a scenic creek. This trail is only 1.8 miles round trip and is a great option if you’re looking for a challenge.
This trail is open year-round but is best enjoyed in spring and fall.
Cheatham Hill Loop Trail – Kennesaw Mountain
Cheatham Hill Loop Trail features a 5.8-mile round track that is suitable for all levels of runners. This trail is a great choice for a leisurely run.
The trail is well-maintained and features a variety of scenery including wooded areas, waterfalls, and a lake. This trail is perfect if you need a relaxing run after a busy week.
This trail is open all year round and is a good option for a family-friendly run.
Boardwalk Trails
Boardwalk running trails are another great option for running in Atlanta. These trails offer a unique experience for runners.
They feature boardwalks along rivers, lakes, streams, and other bodies of water. There are also paved sections of boardwalk that can be used for training.
Boardwalk running trails provide runners with a beautiful landscape while offering them a fun and exciting experience. Some of the best boardwalk running trails in Atlanta include:
Suwanee Greenway Trail – Suwanee Creek Park
Suwanee Greenway trail is one of the most popular running trails in Gwinnett County. This stunning running trail is perfect for beginners and advanced runners alike. It’s a flat trail that runs alongside Suwannee Creek.
This trail features a 6.3-mile round trip which is ideal for a casual jog or a long-distance run. This trail is covered with lush vegetation and is surrounded by natural beauty.
South Peachtree Creek Trail – Mason Mill Park
South Peachtree Creek running trail is great for both beginners and experienced runners. This trail is perfect because of its length and the fact that it’s open year-round.
Located in Mason Mill Park, this trail is perfect to get your daily exercise in as it offers treetop exploration with elevated boardwalks to really immerse yourself in the natural environment.
The trail is covered in grassy fields and is surrounded by mature oak trees. This trail is a great place to go for a run, walk, or bike ride as it features a 3.6-mile round trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Type Of Running Trail Is Best For Beginners?
A beginner runner should start out slow and gradually increase their speed over time. Beginners will benefit from running on soft surfaces such as grass or dirt.
Running in parks and paved trails is also great for beginners as they allow them to practice their running form without having to worry about tripping or falling.
Final Considerations
Running in Atlanta is an excellent way to stay fit and healthy. The running trails there are some of the best ways to enjoy nature while getting in shape at the same time.
If you want to improve your fitness level, consider joining a local running club.
For the first year, I wallowed in my feelings and gained 50 pounds as a result. The next year, with the help of a professional or two, I began working on myself and seeing changes.
Surprisingly enough, I found running to be my main source of comfort in such a trying time. I began running once a day for five minutes, working up to 10, then 20, 30, 40 - until I was running for an hour each morning.
Running started my day off right and on the days where I ran, I found that I was more likely to excel in work and have a better day mentally.
So, that is why I have created Run In The Sun. I want to make your running journey as easy as possible so that you can feel these benefits too. I promise you, it will be so worth it!
- How Long Does It Take to Run 3 Miles? - April 21, 2022
- Houston Running Trails - April 21, 2022
- How To Wash Adidas Shoes - April 21, 2022
