Great Running Trails in Atlanta That Locals Love

Michael Canzian - wife Bea and her family

 

Michael Canzian is usually on-the-go but still finds the time to go for a walk, run, or cycle in the idyllic places in Atlanta. This comes with no surprise as its crucial to grab the opportunity for every kind of adventure when it’s offered. Indeed, Atlanta presents a variety of opportunities for relaxing walkabouts and thrilling ventures. With its historic buildings yet modern metropolis, both locals and tourists revel in the variety of activities that they could engage in. It’s a bustling city full of developments—a place that never runs out of projects to further contribute to its beauty and vibrancy.

 

Downtown and Midtown Atlanta embodies the heart of the city; it is filled with exciting things to do with friends and family. They also offer relaxing alternatives if a solo trip is part of the itinerary. These areas include major tourist attractions, beautiful parks, stylish restaurants, classy bars, minimalistic coffee shops, and trendy shopping districts. They also hold events that highlight their love for the arts and culture, hosts sporting events that entertain thousands of people, and preserves places that bear its history and heritage.

 

While Atlanta is car-centric, it has developed places that provide a wide space for walking, running, hiking, cycling, and other sports-related activities. Michael Canzian gives an insight into the iconic running trails in Atlanta that earned love and popularity from the locals.

 

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is a popular destination among the locals. It embodies diversity with its playgrounds, terrains, and spots for picnics or gatherings. It has scenic skyline views that contrast the lofty trees—both mirrored in Lake Clara Meer. It is also a dog-friendly park that has two off-leash dog parks. Whether alone, with pet companions, friends, or family, Piedmont Park certainly remains one of the go-to places for fitness, recreation, and relaxation.

 

As for running, Piedmont Park features approximately 5 miles of paved, gravel, and moderately hilled running trails. It ranges from open meadows to wooded sections that take you along the park’s historic and modern areas. This combination of old and new certainly hits the right spot for those who enjoy the medley. 

 

Atlanta Beltine Trail

Atlanta Beltine is emphasized as “one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States, the Atlanta Beltline is the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusion, and sustainable city life.” With 33 miles of multi-use trails, the main aim of this beltline is to engage the community through promoting opportunities for walking, running, and biking.

 

Its trails offer a 22-mile loop around the city with an additional 11-mile of trails connected to neighborhoods and parks. It is certainly enjoyed by people of all ages as it highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle in the middle of fun and exploration.

 

The Atlanta Beltine includes a wide range of options from north, south, east, and west trails—giving access to every part of the city. The development of these trails is to serve as an alternative for getting by around the many neighborhoods that have been divided by the historical railroad tracks. It also provides a pedestrian-friendly environment in order to feature a wide view of the city.  In a nutshell, the Atlanta Beltline is the epitome of adventure. It provides the community everything they could ask for, from multiple trails and parks to mass transit transportation, affordable housing, and a myriad of venues and restaurants to enjoy.

 

Silver Comet Trail

The Silver Comet Trail was named after the “Silver Comet” passenger train established by the Seaboard Air Line Railroad in 1947. While the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) intended to expand the rail line for future transit use, it led to the decision of transforming it into a multi-use, non-motorized trail instead. Currently, it is one of Atlanta’s top trails for running, walking, cycling, or skating.

 

A 61.5-mile trail running from Atlanta’s suburbs in Syrma to the Alabama border. It has a paved trail with a nearly level grade—the railway’s channels, trestle bridges, and shallow tunnels all contributed to this. The steadiness of the trail is one of the things that many look forward to as it is both easy on the feet and the wheels. It features moderate hills and straight paths that make a beeline for the directions. Its gentle curves and minimal intersections also assist in making the run or ride a breeze. Moreover, the limited street crossings entail the perfect opportunity for a jog or ride that is long-distance and distraction-free.

 

The timeless views such as the rustic forest, lush farmland, and suburban neighborhoods make this trail a lovely destination for relaxation. The atmosphere it gives off is evidently rooted in its history which is another plus for those who have an interest in the old stories of Atlanta. In essence, the Silver Comet Trail is the perfect course for those who want to feel as if they are away from the city—a classic, gentle, and dreamy trail that prompts them to fully appreciate the venture.

 

Originally published at https://michaelcanzian.com on September 22, 2021.