Tanyard Creek Park

Natural Setting

Nestled in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Tanyard Creek Park spreads across 14.5 acres of refreshing green space. The park stretches from Collier Road down to the BeltLine rail corridor, with the Collier Hills neighborhood flanking its western edge and Collier Hills North to the east.

What we really like about this park is how it genuinely feels like an escape from city life. The gentle sounds of Tanyard Creek running through the park and its small waterfalls create a natural soundtrack that drowns out the usual urban hustle. You can actually hear yourself think here.

If you're lucky, you might spot some of the park's wild residents - turtles sunbathing on rocks, industrious beavers, or even owls perched in the trees. The mix of shady wooded areas and sunny open spaces creates a nice pocket of nature in the middle of Atlanta.

BeltLine Trail

A notable feature is the mile-long BeltLine trail that cuts through the park. This well-maintained paved path is part of the Northside Trail, starting at the Colonial Homes neighborhood before winding past Bobby Jones Golf Course and Louise G. Howard Park.

The trail then ducks under Collier Road and meanders through Tanyard Creek Park, passing beneath a trestle bridge (still used by CSX trains) before connecting with Ardmore Park and the Tanyard Creek Urban Forest. The views of the golf course along the way are quite nice.

If you're looking for a longer adventure, the entire bike trail connected to the park covers about 3 miles with some interesting elevation changes. It's perfect whether you're out for a casual stroll, a morning jog, or a relaxed bike ride.

Historical Significance

Beyond the natural setting, this park has significant historical importance. The grounds once witnessed the Battle of Peachtree Creek during the Civil War. You'll discover historical markers throughout the park that tell the story of this significant event.

Today, the park is a peaceful space that acknowledges its past while functioning as a modern green area. You'll often see families taking photos along the stream.

Recreation

There are various activities available at Tanyard Creek Park. The BeltLine location makes it convenient for walking, jogging, and cycling. Kids will love the two playgrounds with equipment designed for different age groups.

The open grassy areas make perfect impromptu picnic spots, but formal picnic tables are limited. If fishing is your thing, the creek has some decent spots to cast a line. On hot days, exploring the rocky creek bed is a fun way to cool off.

Dog owners will find the park is quite pet-friendly. You'll see plenty of four-legged friends enjoying the trails alongside their humans, and there are waste stations throughout to keep things clean.

Amenities and Access

The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 11PM. There's a small parking lot available, but it tends to fill quickly during busy times. If you live nearby, the BeltLine provides a great car-free way to access the park.

Note that there are no public restrooms in the park, so plan accordingly. A charming touch is the little free library near one of the playgrounds - an ideal spot to grab a book to read under the shade of a tree.