Running Trails Near Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is one of the largest cities in the United States and is home to its ninth-largest metropolitan area. It is located among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and has the highest average elevation of any major city in the eastern half of America.
With its fast-growing, diverse hub of businesses, museums, and even skyscrapers, it might seem difficult to find adequate running trails in Atlanta. But despite the city’s urban development, 48% of Atlanta is covered in tree canopy, truly making it a “city in a forest,” which means that every running trail is scenic and picturesque.
Top Atlanta Trail Running Locations
Paved Trails
There are many options for paved running trails in Atlanta, giving you many choices for level trails or a run with more hills. Most of these trails are middle-distanced, but there are options for shorter or longer runs as well.
Piedmont Park
Piedmont ParkAddress: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Hours: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm Everyday
Website
Directions
Piedmont Park is an Atlanta landmark, and this 4-mile running trail is a popular favorite for getting to see the area. The trail has some rolling hills but is fairly steady-paced and mild.
West Palisades Trail at Paces Mill Park
Address: 3444 Cobb Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339
Hours: 5:00 am to 7:00 pm Everyday
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Directions
This trail on the Chattahoochee River banks is a beautiful scenic route that runs over hills, through Rottenwood Creek, and even to a waterfall! The path is 3.6 miles round trip, so this is a great option for a middle distance run or a shorter run if you don’t double back around.
Silver Comet Trail
The Silver Comet Trail is an excellent option for any runner, from a beginner to a long-distance expert. The route is entirely flat and spans more than 60 miles, meaning you can start and stop at any point on this trail that goes on for miles.
Suwanee Greenway Trail
Address: 1170 Buford Hwy, Suwanee, GA 30024
Hours: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm Everyday
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Directions
Another scenic route, the Suwanee Greenway Trail, runs through a wetland that will make you feel like you’re out of the city entirely. The route is 6 miles round trip and level, making it great for a leisurely jog.
Gravel and Dirt Trails
If you want to feel like you’ve left the city, try running on one of Atlanta’s gravel or dirt trails! These are shorter to middle distance runs and are great options for a change of pace if you’ve had enough of the paved trails.
Murphey Candler Park Trail
Address: 1551 W Nancy Creek Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30319
Website
Directions
This dirt trail is an easy, level run with beautiful views. The route is 2 miles round trip around a lake and through a small forest, which is great for a quick run with lots of scenery.
Cochran Shoals Trail
Address: 1956-2068 Eugene Gunby Rd, Marietta, GA 30067
Hours: 24 Hours Everyday
Website
Directions
The Cochran Shoals Trail is a popular trail on the Chattahoochee River with level gravel trails that span for 3.1 miles round trip. With a view of the river and its meadows, this is another great option for an easy, beautiful run.
Atlanta Running Groups
- Atlanta Track Club
- Black Girls RUN!
- Front Runners Atlanta
- Georgia UltraRunning and TrailRunning Society
Running Events
- Hot Chocolate 15K/5K
- Publix Atlanta Marathon
- Run Before You Crawl 5K & Pub Crawl
- Atlanta 10 Miler
