We walked over 6 miles meandering throughout some of Atlanta's chain of connected beautiful parks system. We admired the flora and the fauna, as well as the generous art installations scattered throughout. The city's citizens should be very proud of their stewardship of such a phenomenal collection of green spaces which are so easily accessible. read more

Freedom Park - Outdoor art installations scattered throughout the park system on our meandering walk. - Parks Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

This park is pretty spread out. At over 130 acres, it is billed as one of the largest parks in Atlanta. It has an odd set up and forms a cross shape with the center being at the Carter Center. The park exists because of a proposed freeway that was never constructed. It was hard for me to keep up with where the park ends and begins. The park has a lot of public art along its trail. There are also history placards with information that chronicles specific periods of area history. The park connects seven of the city's most historic neighborhoods that include Candler Park, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, Virginia Highland, Druid Hills, and Lake Claire. Little Five Points. There are many places to catch the trail. I parked at the Carter Center and picked the trail up from there. I do not see this as a traditional park, but more of an eight mile trail consisting of gently curving paths for walking, jogging, and bicycling. With that being said, I still like it, especially its concept. The art and history you see throughout the park is very nice. There is also a few pockets of green space throughout the park where I saw people have picnics and others palying with their dogs. The park is fittingly connects the Carter Center and MLK Park. The park feeds into the Eastside of the Atlanta Beltline and it is hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. This is a nice park that connects you to many other historical attractions. Be prepared to walk and the park does not have a lot of shade, so wear a hat and bring some water. You can make a day of walking the trail and visiting attractions such as MLK Park, the Carter Center, and the Beltline (which has many attractions itself). I highly recommend checking this park out to learn a bit of the city's hoistory. read more

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Cut and pasted from their website: "Atlanta's largest linear park." Quality/Quantity - Another cool park with cool art; see pictures. Sorry, missing quite a few pictures... Atmosphere - I can not write this better than their website. Cut and pasted again: "Freedom Park has become Atlanta's most connected park, linking together seven of the city's most historic and desirable neighborhoods--Candler Park, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, Virginia Highland, Druid Hills, and Lake Claire. Little Five Points, an off-beat and thriving business district is nestled between the park's western and southern legs. Located a few miles east of Downtown Atlanta, Georgia, Freedom Park's 130+ acres boast eight miles of gently curving paths for walking, jogging, and bicycling." Service - Self service Price - Free. Owner Comment - Thanks again Atlanta for another cool park. read more

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This snaking bit of green space extends from the Jimmy Carter center through various residential neighborhoods and a golf course. The occasional piece of art is visible. The paved trail is twisty, but viable for pedestrians and bikers. There is no great draw here, but it's a nice community space. read more

Freedom Park - Parks Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I brought my family to Freedom Park back in 2000 when President Jimmy Carter, former Governor Roy Barnes & Mayor Campbell served as the Ribbon Cutters during the dedication ceremony. More visits for family gatherings, picnics & exercise. Fast forward to the present it's been ions since I've been here & thanks to an outdoor Yoga Class, I have returned. One of Atlanta's largest parks next to the Carter Center. Neighboring areas - Beltline's Eastside Trail, Candler Park, Inman Park/Reynoldstown Marta, Little Five Points, Old Fourth Ward & The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site to name a few. Regarding the Parkway, traveling on Interstate 85/75 in either direction I use to see Andrew Young's name on the signage. Now it has been rededicated as the John Lewis Freedom Parkway. The four-lane "limited access" road runs through The Freedom Park with the roads connecting to both Ponce de Leon & Moreland Avenues. Every Saturday from March - December The Freedom Farmers' Market (located at the Carter Center) offers live music, kids activities & pop-up foodie tents. Due to C-19, the temporary hours are 9A-Noon. The park also offers The Freedom Barkway Dog Park, an enclosed space where off-leash dogs can do their thing. Whether you bike, jog, walk or attend fitness classes in a communal setting, Freedom Park provides lively artwork/displays & scenic trails amongst a friendly & well-manicured park. read more

Freedom Park - Yoga in the Park by Bryce (on the left) & my Son - my new Yogi Buddy, 9.20.2020. - Parks Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I'm a fan of parks especially parks in cities where shopping centers out number trees. If you were a bird, a plane or Superman and can fly...you will see that Freedom Park is shaped like an "X" with the center being the Prez. Carter Center... the AJC has a map of it here http://www.freedompark.org/fpc/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2015-Freedom-Park-Map-2000.jpg My experience with this park in is mainly when I come to the city for various events like bringing out of towners to the Coca Cola Center or Centennial Park and stuff like that. I think the park is really well maintained for the amount of use it gets and nothing like walking off a big lunch than going on a 20 minute walk afterwards...love it! read more

Had a great Picnic at park but grass wasn't cut and dog poop was everywhere..... No one wanted to sit on floor.

Great vibes. Here for the sit and paint and great music. The vendors are large variety and friendly free painting and paint supplies. read more

I was soured on Freedom Park when once during a pre-brunch stroll, a guy on a bike angrily yelled at us for no reason as we were walking along the PATH trail. Not that it was the park's fault, but negative associations and all that. So I ventured back to Freedom Park and had a better experience. Cross-shaped Freedom Park seems less relaxing to me since many major roads go through it or around it. It is connected to Candler Park, cut through by the Beltline, and near a lot of attractions and restaurants, in a central part of Atlanta. It's what's called a passive park, meaning that you don't really do much in it besides walk through it and if you have a dog, let said canine romp around freely. I do like the sculptures that you'll find at different points along the path. Not sure about any official parking lots, but street parking is probably your best bet. read more

Freedom Park is kind of an exercise in park minimalism. The grass seems to go on forever, arrayed in hills where you can't often see the city around you, which is nice. It is curlicued through by a wide paved walkway which forms a long bike/walk trail that's about the most perfect ride in Atlanta. Other than the path, there are wide fields spotted with trees, a great area for Ultimate frisbee or soccer or other such events. There isn't a whole lot of contained space here, or ornamental add-ons: it's just a park respite in the middle of the city. And for being a half-mile away from Little 5 Points, where every other step you're asked for change, I don't think I've even once seen urban stragglers hanging around being sketchy. They reserve that for the other outlying parks. This is a beautiful little oasis in the middle of a muggy city, and if you're looking for a path to walk or ride, this is as good as it gets in the heart of Atlanta. read more

Freedom Park - Parks Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Love this park and I love its history. It was dedicated shortly after I arrived in Atlanta and I've lived nearby since. Freedom Park is what we have now instead of a major highway running from the connector to the Stone Mountain Freeway. Citizen groups successfully opposed the highway, present day Freedom Parkway the only road to be built. My property law professor, who lived in the neighborhood, told us that one of the major deal-breakers was Candler Park. There was (and is) a covenant on that property when it was deeded to the city that says if the property is used for anything other than a park (like a highway), the property reverts to the former owners. Now, it's a great way to walk from my house to Little Five Points and beyond. Or bike along its long paths. read more

I went to this place today by myself in the afternoon. i would have given it 5 stars if I can go everywhere in the park by myself without being nervous that some random guy might come and attack me. So I kind of have to be more cautious of where I was going into. Unlike Piedmont Park that you can walk almost all the corners in the park without being so nervous. BUT I do have to admit that Freedom Park is beautiful and has very different scenery from Piedmont Park. It is worth multiple visits. It is going to be another of my fav places. Just go there during day time, or if you want to explore all of its areas, just ask some of your friends to go with you. I will definitely go there again. read more

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Back when I was jobless and living in the Poncey Highlands, a friend of mine (also unemployed) used to insist that we go on "man walks." Now the fact that he referred to the activity as a "man walk" didn't bother me so much until he started to refer to it as such when we were talking to girls. They, of course, took "man walk" as some sort of euphemism for something more prurient. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Anyway, on our first man walk, I dressed in shorts, sneakers and a t-shirt. My friend appeared dressed in 70s running shorts, a too-tight green t-shirt with Big Bird on it and wearing a pair of Elvis-style sunglasses. When we walked up Ponce to start our way down Freedom Park, we looked like some jacked-up Atlanta version of Midnight Cowboy and I think I was kind of offended that I was obviously the Ratso Rizzo of the two. Others have pointed out that Freedom Park is pretty minimal in design; rolling hills and a long winding trail. In fact, the trail is much longer than you expect. It actually goes from the Poncey Highlands through Little Five past Candler Park and into Lake Claire. That's a nice walk...if you're in shape. If your shape is more, say, "amorphous" (some might even say "Grimace-like") such as yours truly, it's more than enough. If you're running it, though, and alone, you should be aware of your surroundings. It's pretty safe, but the trail does go by some scary trees that could possibly hide all sorts of boogeymen. In fact, some areas are favored by, um, urban outdoorsmen (i.e., bums.) They generally keep to themselves and you can see their territory a mile away, but use your common sense when out. Be aware or bring a friend on your jog...or man walk. (Fun Fact: Freedom Park and its bike trails actually make up one of the largest urban parks in the country!) Even though it's a glorified exercise trail, you can still use Freedom Park for standard park activities: Frisbee, picnicking, napping, practicing for your jazz dance recital (Kit F. only.) The best area for these activities is the section past Moreland in Little Five Points. Four stars for Freedom Park. I might even bump it up to five if they bring back another psychedelic art installation like they had a couple years ago. Ah, weird art; is there nothing you can't do? read more

Now that the creeper who used to follow folks on this trail has been arrested, I'm a huge fan. Aw hell, I was a huge fan before, cause I didn't know about the creeper. But for real, this is a fantastic place to do something I really, really love: meander. While Piedmont and some of the fancier parks may be the perfect spots to break a sweat and really get going, I love the curvy, sometimes-narrow trail along Freedom Park: it feels so much more intimate than just being one of the masses running along a loop. While there isn't a whole lot to it, I've yet to get bored, as you can always go off the trail for a bit and in to one the residential neighborhoods that borders the park for a change of pace. Plus, Highland Bakery and Candler Park are at opposite ends: pretty tight, if you ask me. While there are certainly hills nothing is too strenuous, and I love checking out the art along the way (both government-issued and illegal). I always walk in the middle of the day and I've never felt unsafe, in part because the vast majority of the trail is along busy Freedom Parkway where there are always cars buzzing along. read more

For the first year we lived in Atlanta, Freedom Park was a regular artery for our daily walking, biking, frisbee, and connection to get onto the greater BeltLine. Being more of a linear park, it has an awesome, winding path that carves through some small hills along North Ave and all the way over Moreland. It was nice to use this path for quick trips onto the BeltLine by bike to get over to different neighborhoods -- Midtown, Inman, O4W, etc. One of my other favorite aspects of this park is the collection of art installations. Some really funky ones -- Modern, sculptures, fountains, and more. They are all really unique, per usual. My favorite is the odd fountain sculpture that looks like giant feet or socks right off of North Ave and Euclid. Pretty funky stuff! Huge fan of this park and love getting to walk the path whenever I can. Brings back many memories of our first years in Atlanta! read more

A small park bordered by Moreland to the west and North Ave. to the north. Definitely not on the same level as Piedmont Park in terms of space, popularity, and landscaping. It can be quite the opposite as the day I went, it looked like most of the grass had not been cut. The park is small and hilly and there is a concrete walkway that snakes its way through from west to east. Walking all the way east will actually dump you onto the Candler Park golf course. A lot of joggers, walkers, bike riders, dog walkers, and kite fliers. Dog owners like to let their dogs loose off the leash here. Lots of old, semi-scenic neighborhoods surround the park with plenty of trees. There is one sculpture made in 1996 for the Olympics towards the east end of the park, but that's the only real artwork I noticed. If you are driving here, parking is plentiful along any of the streets in the surrounding neighborhoods. read more

Not so much the picnic variety, but an excellent dogwalking, biking or running park, just like Drew W mentions. The center of the park is located around the Carter Center and parellels Freedom Parkway. It has nearly six miles of trails, and is crowded enough to feel safe during the day, yet not run into your fellow sweaty joggers. Running west alongside the Parkway means a beautiful view of downtown Atlanta, and if you bring along a couple dollars, treat yourself to a muffin at the end of your run, as the trail spills out in front of the Highland Bakery. Depending on where you plan to start, parking could be an issue. I'd recommend parking on one of the side streets behind El Azteca and Fellini's. read more

I love parks, so I feel like such a jerk ragging on one of Atlanta's. I thought it would be nice to save you the trouble of jogging around here if it's out of the way for you. Freedom Park is not large by acreage, but is stretched out in a really strange pattern. The result is that you are never far from the road. This is good because it give you more distance to cover, but bad because I jog in the park to get away from car exhaust and noise. There are a few things I love about this park though. It's home to the Carter Center, which is small but has very pretty grounds. The thing that I love most about Freedom Park is the abundance of cool surrounding neighborhoods. There are a ton of beautifully restored Craftsman style homes on every street around this park that ooze charm. If you want a more scenic stroll I would suggest walking through some of the neighborhoods around Inman Park or next door at Candler Park. There's a little brick home on Linwood Ave that I want to own one day. If anyone wants to help me convince the current owner that it's haunted to sell it let me know. read more

A park that really is a generous space of tranquility and isometrics for one and all. With the nippy fall air acting as a beacon call for activity I took to the walkway, and I was rewarded. You can also take the bike trails around the city if you're in the mood for some massive energy output. Keep the dream alive! FREEDOM!!! read more

While it doesn't have the picturesque skyline views that Piedmont Park has, Freedom Park remains one of my favorite outdoor spots in Atlanta. This largely is because I live walking distance from the space, but it's authentically a beautiful community space. I feel safe running up to the Carter Center all the way to the Candler Park area and I always have plenty of diverse company on the journey. Atlanta doesn't have a huge amount of walkable spaces and Freedom Park and the surrounding neighborhoods gives those who enjoy a stroll a nice starting point. All in all I'm glad to have such a mellow and lovely green space in the neighborhood read more

This is one of my favorite parks in Atlanta, and sure, maybe I'm biased because it's basically my front yard, but even when I lived in the Highlands, it was one of my favorites. It doesn't have the glamor of some of Atlanta's other parks, like Piedmont, but it's a comfortable park. Its rolling hills and multiple levels and peeks of the Atlanta skyline make it a lovely picnic or frisbee or catch destination. Technically, it's NOT an offleash park but - *shhh* don't tell - there's a group of local dog people who bring their dogs to one particular part of the park and let them all run around together or play ball while they stand around and talk shop (i.e. dogs.) It's great if you've got to get some of the knucklehead out of your little friend but don't feel like getting any exercise yourself. The trail that runs along and through and in and out of Freedom park is wonderful, too. Multiple times a week I'm on the 4 mile loop that is the trail from North & Euclid followed up to Boulevard, then down N. Highland and back on the Freedom trail, ending in the park and home. It's a wonderful multiuse trail and a good go-to dog walk or run when I don't feel like mapping a new route someplace else. My only complaint is the HORRIBLY ugly statue fountain thing of like three giant rutabagas or something that's right on the winding part right before North and Euclid. That piece of "art" is a fer realz eyesore. Other than that, though, I've got mad love for Freedom Park and couldn't imagine a nicer front yard. read more

I tend to think of this as less of a park and more of an exercise venue. It's distinguishing feature is an abundance of paved trails for walking or jogging. It's a good place to run without having to worry about being mowed down by cell phone toting Atlanta drivers. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the idea of green space in the city, it's just that there isn't much more to this large park than the trails. The view of downtown is pretty good from the park, and the exhibition on the path between the King Center and the Carter Center is worth a look. Assuming you slow down your jog enough to read the quotes and look at the pictures, of course. read more

I used to faithfully rise at 5:15 a.m. to exercise every weekday morning. Then something happened. I guess I got a life. Now I don't get up before 7 most days. I went through a strange phase over the summer of jolting awake around 6. Freedom Park assisted me in training for--yet still sucking at--a couple of autumn 5Ks. I am particularly fond of the bubbling foot fountain near the intersection of North Avenue and Oakdale Road. I guess I'm free to jog whenever I want through Freedom Park or any other park. I don't have to be an early riser anymore. read more

I wasn't always crazy about this park, but it, much like the Fourth Ward park, is becoming more beautiful and interesting. The Saturday organic market festivals started off a little sad, but they are fantastic now. This is probably the best organic market I have been to in Atlanta. The area around the Carter Center is gorgeous. The landscaping and serenity are amazing. Taking a walk from Freedom Park to the Fourth Ward Park on Saturdays are something I live for. If you like to see cute dogs and/or bring your cute dogs, this is the place. Most everyone and their cute dogs are so nice and fun. read more

I personally like the paths to jog on. I like passing over the beltline and seeing it clogged with people, with bikes and walkers, while I have so much space and freedom (get it?). Other people have hit the nail on the head about it not being as pretty as some of the other parks. It's very true, but I think it makes up for it in functionality as well. With rolling hills, it's a great way to get exercise and fun way to see the city. Also, there's an annual pillow fight here I believe. I've never been to it, but how fun is that? :P read more

I love Freedom Park and all that it originally represented for Atlanta - more green space, less interstate. I run a lot, although I completely despise it, and I never gave much thought to my routes until we had a baby. Now my wife and I are bound to running trails that are somewhat smooth and preferably flat. Yeah, try finding that anywhere in the city. Freedom Park has been the best place I have found (aside from running loops at Piedmont Park) to run with a stroller. We park in the Inman Park area, gawk at the houses while we stretch, then catch the trail as it heads towards Moreland and Candler Park. An out and back to Ponce is a solid 3 miles of winding trails and changing views. The path sets back from the road so you won't have to compete with automobiles for pavement and oxygen. I've only mentioned the running path but I would be remiss if I didn't throw some love at the park. It is beautiful, grassy, and a great place to picnic. You won't go wrong with spending the day in Freedom Park. read more

I agree that it's smaller and less crowded than some of the others in the area, but it's hard to really get away from other people or find a quiet corner. I think you can see the road from most locations. If you're looking for people watching, it's a great place - esp given it's proximity to L5P. In one afternoon we saw a pillow fight and some sort of Caribbean procession with drums and signing, and a whole lotta puppies. There is also a nice, well marked runners path and I think there are some swings at the far end. read more

Freedom Park - Pillow Fight @ Freedom Park - Parks Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I am a fan of Freedom Parkway, mainly because it is the closest park to my house. I would only walk alone in the park between 8am-9pm, though. It is pretty enough, and stretches across Freedom / Poncey Highlands, etc. The curvy trail is lots of fun, and there is never too many people, so an ideal place to walk a dog that is not so dog-friendly. read more

What to say about Freedom Park. It is a passive park so you can't really do much in it. No events can be organized there. I actually mostly use it as a pass through to get from my home to Inman or Candler Park areas. I liked the paved marked walkways. Keep an eye if you are walking alone, even if you aren't, you may find folks in the trees/bushes. One person scared the crap out of me once! I'm not sure how all the trails connect. It is not necessarily intuitive and I haven't seen any signage. I need to look online to figure it out better. read more

I frequently walk along the stretch of the Freedom Park PATH trail that parallels N Highland Ave, between Across the Street restaurant and the Carter Center. I like how I can stroll along, being passed by bikers and joggers, and that I always feel safe walking along here (though I always walk when it's light outside). This part of the PATH trail is smooth, wide, and for the most part, flat. I usually come here to make sure I get some much needed exercise and not get distracted by shops & restaurants ('cause it negates the exercise if I stop at Inman Perk for an ice cream, at Cacao for a chocolate, or Pure for a margarita!). read more

Great overall park, especially on a Sunny Day. Not crowded which is a plus. Hoops Court on the corner of Euclid and North. Game on.

I love Freedom Park for running. It's very minimalist (as has been pointed out), but it is very serene and its gently rolling hills are perfect for a nice run or walk. It's kind of a shame there isn't a play ground for small kids though and it certainly lacks the people-watching of Piedmont Park. But still, it is an oasis in the middle of the city. read more