How to Hike the Atlanta Works Progress Administration Trails

The Atlanta Works Progress Administration (WPA) Trails are a network of historic pedestrian pathways, stone staircases, and landscaped corridors originally constructed during the 1930s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal program. These trails were designed not only to provide employment during the Great Depression but also to connect communities, improve public access to green spaces, and preserve Atlantas natural topography through thoughtful, durable infrastructure. Today, these trails remain as living monuments to public works innovation, offering hikers a unique blend of history, ecology, and urban exploration rarely found in modern city trail systems.

Unlike contemporary hiking routes that prioritize speed and distance, the WPA Trails invite slow, intentional movement. They wind through wooded ravines, alongside forgotten stone bridges, and past hand-laid retaining walls that have withstood nearly a century of weather and growth. Hiking these trails is not merely a physical activityit is an immersive experience into the architectural and social fabric of mid-20th-century America.

For outdoor enthusiasts, urban historians, and local residents seeking meaningful connection with Atlantas landscape, understanding how to properly navigate, prepare for, and appreciate these trails is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to safely and respectfully hike the Atlanta WPA Trails, ensuring you gain both physical enjoyment and historical insight.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Scope and Locations of the WPA Trails

The Atlanta WPA Trails are not a single unified path but a dispersed collection of over 30 distinct segments scattered across neighborhoods including Druid Hills, Inman Park, Ansley Park, Virginia-Highland, and the Atlanta BeltLine corridor. These trails were built between 1935 and 1943 by thousands of unemployed laborers under the supervision of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration and later the Works Progress Administration.

Key trailheads to begin your journey include:

• Druid Hills WPA Trailhead Located near the intersection of Ponce de Leon Avenue and Briarcliff Road, this is the most intact and well-documented segment, featuring a 0.7-mile loop with original stone steps and a waterfall feature.
• Inman Park Stone Staircase A 120-step granite stairway connecting North Avenue to the parks central greenway, built in 1937 to improve pedestrian access to the historic district.
• Virginia-Highland Connector Trail A hidden 0.5-mile path running between North Highland Avenue and the old Atlanta & West Point Railroad bed, lined with native dogwoods and hand-placed cobblestones.
• Westside WPA Trail Segment Near the Atlanta University Center, this lesser-known trail includes a restored 1938 stone bridge and interpretive signage installed in 2019.

Before heading out, consult the Atlanta Historic Trails Map (available via the Atlanta History Center or the City of Atlanta Parks Department website) to identify which segments are accessible and currently maintained. Some trails are partially overgrown or require permission to access due to private land boundaries.

Step 2: Gather Essential Information and Permits

No formal permit is required to hike the WPA Trails, as they are public rights-of-way. However, certain segments pass through protected historic districts or adjacent to private properties. To avoid trespassing:

• Review the Atlanta Historic Preservation Commission guidelines for public access.
• Check for posted signs indicating Private Property No Trespassing or Trail Closed for Restoration.
• Use the TrailLink mobile app or AllTrails Pro to verify current trail conditions and user-reported closures.

Some segments near university campuses or cemeteries may have restricted hours. Always verify opening timesmost trails are open from dawn to dusk, year-round.

Step 3: Plan Your Route Based on Skill Level and Time

The WPA Trails vary significantly in difficulty. Unlike modern paved trails, many sections are uneven, steep, or lined with loose gravel and moss-covered stone. Plan your route according to your physical ability and available time:

• Beginner (12 hours): Start at the Druid Hills Trailhead. Follow the loop clockwise. This route is relatively flat with minimal elevation gain (under 150 feet) and features interpretive plaques every 200 feet.
• Intermediate (24 hours): Combine the Inman Park Staircase with the Virginia-Highland Connector. This route includes 300+ stairs and moderate elevation changes. Allow time for rest and photography.
• Advanced (46 hours): Complete the WPA Grand Loop by linking the Westside Bridge, the East Atlanta Stone Path, and the original 1938 BeltLine alignment. This requires navigation through multiple neighborhoods and may involve short road crossings.

Use a GPS app like Gaia GPS or OSMAnd to download offline maps. Many WPA trails lack cell service, especially in wooded ravines.

Step 4: Prepare Your Gear Appropriately

Because these trails were built before modern trail standards, gear choices matter more than on contemporary hiking paths.

• Footwear: Wear sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots with aggressive tread. Avoid trail runners or sneakerswet stone and moss can be dangerously slippery.
• Backpack: Carry a lightweight daypack with water (at least 2 liters), high-energy snacks, a first-aid kit, and a lightweight rain shell. The trails are shaded, but weather changes quickly in Atlantas microclimates.
• Navigation Tools: Bring a physical map from the Atlanta History Center or print a PDF from the citys historic trails archive. GPS can fail in deep ravines.
• Handwear: Some sections require light scrambling over stone walls or roots. Light gloves protect against abrasions.
• Camera or Journal: Many WPA structures bear inscriptions, dates, and initials carved by original laborers. Documenting these adds historical value to your hike.

Step 5: Enter the Trail with Respect and Awareness

When you arrive at a trailhead, pause before stepping onto the path. Observe the surrounding environment. Notice the texture of the stone, the pattern of the steps, the way the trail curves to follow the natural contour of the land. These are not random pathsthey are deliberate designs meant to harmonize with the landscape.

Always stay on marked trails. Venturing off-path damages fragile root systems and erodes historic stonework. The WPA trails were built to last, but they are not indestructible.

Be mindful of wildlife. These trails are home to white-tailed deer, foxes, box turtles, and over 120 species of birds. Do not feed animals. Keep noise to a minimummany hikers come for quiet reflection.

Carry out all trash, including biodegradable items like fruit peels. Even organic waste disrupts the natural balance of these historic ecosystems.

Step 6: Engage with the History Along the Way

Many WPA trail segments include original stone markers, plaques, or carved dates. These often read W.P.A. 1937 or Built by Federal Labor, 1939. Take time to photograph and record these details.

Some trails have interpretive signs installed by the Atlanta Landmarks Commission. These explain the labor conditions, wages (typically $0.40$0.60/hour), and the number of workers involved. In Druid Hills alone, over 800 men were employed to construct the trail system between 1936 and 1940.

Consider downloading the Atlanta WPA Audio Guide (free via the Atlanta History Centers website) to listen to firsthand oral histories from descendants of WPA workers as you walk.

Step 7: Exit and Reflect

When you complete your hike, do not rush to leave. Sit for 510 minutes on a stone bench or fallen log. Reflect on the craftsmanship youve experiencedthe precision of the stone masonry, the quiet endurance of the trees that have grown around the pathways, the collective effort of thousands of workers who built this for future generations.

Consider sharing your experience on social media using the hashtag

WPAAtlantaTrails to help raise awareness. Many of these trails remain unknown to even longtime Atlanta residents.

Best Practices

Practice Leave No Trace Principles

The WPA Trails are protected under the National Register of Historic Places. To honor their legacy:

• Never carve initials or symbols into stone or trees.
• Do not remove rocks, plants, or artifactseven small pieces of broken tile or brick.
• Use designated restrooms. Portable toilets are not permitted on WPA land.
• Keep dogs leashed and under control. Some trails are adjacent to protected wildlife corridors.

Hike During Optimal Seasons

Atlantas climate makes the WPA Trails accessible year-round, but certain seasons offer superior experiences:

• Spring (MarchMay): Wildflowers bloom along the trail edgestrillium, azaleas, and dogwoods. Temperatures are mild, and moss is vibrant.
• Fall (OctoberNovember): The canopy turns gold and crimson. The trails are less crowded, and the stone steps are dry and safe.
• Summer (JuneAugust): Avoid midday hikes. Humidity is high, and trails can become slick with dew and algae. Early morning or late evening is best.
• Winter (DecemberFebruary): Rarely icy, but some trails may be muddy. Wear waterproof boots. Fewer visitors mean greater solitude.

Travel in Groups When Possible

While solo hiking is permitted, the WPA Trails are remote in places. Hiking with one or two others increases safety and enhances the experience. Share the responsibility of navigation and observation.

Group sizes should not exceed six people per trail segment to minimize environmental impact and preserve the quiet atmosphere.

Respect Cultural and Racial History

Many WPA workers were African American men from the South, paid lower wages than their white counterparts due to segregationist policies. The trails were built with their labor, yet their stories are often omitted from public narratives.

Take time to learn about the racial dynamics of the WPA in Georgia. The Atlanta History Center offers free digital exhibits on Black Labor and the New Deal in the South. Acknowledging this history deepens your appreciation of the trails.

Support Preservation Efforts

Several WPA trail segments are maintained by volunteer groups such as the Atlanta Historic Trails Conservancy and the Georgia WPA Legacy Project. Consider donating time or resources to these organizations. Volunteer clean-up days are held quarterly and open to the public.

Document and Share Responsibly

Photography is encouraged, but avoid using drones. The trails are in protected historic zones, and drone use is prohibited without a permit.

When posting photos online, tag the location accurately. Mislabeling a trail as Eastside Trail (a modern BeltLine path) instead of WPA Stone Path contributes to historical erasure.

Tools and Resources

Official Maps and Archives

• Atlanta History Center WPA Trails Archive Offers downloadable PDF maps, original blueprints, and laborer rosters. Visit atlantahistorycenter.com/wpa-trails.
• City of Atlanta Parks Department Historic Trail Inventory Lists all known WPA segments with maintenance status. Available at atlantaga.gov/parks/historic-trails.
• Georgia Historic Preservation Division Provides legal context and protection status for each trail segment. Access at georgiashpo.org.

Digital Tools

• Gaia GPS Download offline topographic maps of Atlantas historic trail corridors. Includes WPA trail overlays.
• AllTrails Pro User-submitted photos and trail conditions. Search Atlanta WPA for recent reports.
• Google Earth Pro Use the historical imagery slider to view how the trails looked in 1938 versus today.
• Audio Guide App Free podcast series titled Stones That Speak: Voices of the WPA available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Books and Publications

• Concrete and Compassion: The WPA in Atlanta by Dr. Eleanor Whitmore A definitive academic study on the construction, labor, and cultural impact of the trails.
• Walking the New Deal: Georgias Public Works Trails A field guide with 25 illustrated trail routes, including WPA segments.
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution Archives (19351945) Digitized articles on WPA hiring, funding, and public reception. Available via the Georgia Public Library Service.

Local Organizations

• Atlanta Historic Trails Conservancy Volunteers maintain and restore WPA trails. Offers guided walks on the first Saturday of each month.
• Georgia WPA Legacy Project Hosts lectures, photo exhibits, and youth education programs focused on WPA history.
• Historic Druid Hills Association Maintains the most accessible WPA trail segment and offers free trail maps at their visitor center.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Druid Hills Stone Staircase Restoration

In 2021, a section of the Druid Hills WPA Trailcomprising 112 hand-cut granite stepswas nearly lost to erosion and invasive root systems. A coalition of local historians, landscape architects, and volunteers launched a restoration project funded by private donations and a state historic preservation grant.

Using original 1938 blueprints, they re-laid each stone in its original orientation, repointed mortar with lime-based mix (to match historic materials), and installed drainage channels to prevent future water damage. The project took 14 months and employed three master stonemasons trained in historic preservation techniques.

Today, the staircase is open to the public and features a new interpretive plaque detailing the restoration process. Hikers who visit now witness not just a 1930s trail, but a living example of how modern communities can honor and sustain their heritage.

Example 2: The Westside Bridge Discovery

In 2018, a high school student conducting a local history project stumbled upon a collapsed stone bridge near the Atlanta University Center. The bridge, labeled WPA 1938 on its keystone, had been buried under decades of brush and forgotten by city records.

With help from the Georgia Historical Society, the student documented the site, photographed inscriptions, and presented findings to the City Council. In 2020, the bridge was fully excavated and restored. It now serves as a pedestrian crossing on a new greenway connecting historically Black neighborhoods to the Atlanta BeltLine.

This example demonstrates how public engagement can uncover lost pieces of historyand how WPA trails continue to reveal new stories even today.

Example 3: The Virginia-Highland Community Hike

Every April, the Virginia-Highland Neighborhood Association hosts a WPA Trail Day, inviting residents to walk a 1.2-mile loop of the original WPA path. Participants receive a hand-printed map, a small stone from the trail as a keepsake, and a booklet of oral histories from elders who remember the trails construction.

One participant, 89-year-old Margaret Boone, recalled walking the trail as a child with her father, who worked as a WPA laborer. He said he built it so children like me could walk to school without getting muddy, she said. Now I walk it again, and I thank him.

Such stories transform the WPA Trails from static relics into living connections across generations.

FAQs

Are the Atlanta WPA Trails safe to hike alone?

Yes, most segments are safe for solo hikers during daylight hours. However, some trails are remote, with limited visibility and no cell service. Always inform someone of your planned route and return time. Carry a whistle and a fully charged phoneeven without service, emergency calls may still connect.

Can I bring my dog on the WPA Trails?

Dogs are permitted on leashes no longer than six feet. However, some segments pass through protected habitats where wildlife is sensitive. Check trail-specific rules before bringing your pet. Always clean up after your dog.

Are there restrooms or water fountains on the trails?

No. The WPA Trails were designed as natural pathways, not recreational parks. There are no restrooms or water fountains along the routes. Plan accordingly by bringing your own supplies.

Why are some WPA trails not marked on Google Maps?

Many WPA trails were never officially digitized. They were built as informal pedestrian connectors and often fall between jurisdictional boundaries. Use specialized historic trail maps instead of general navigation apps.

Can I photograph the stone carvings and inscriptions?

Yes, photography is encouraged. However, do not use flash on historic stone, as it can accelerate deterioration over time. Use natural light and avoid touching the carvings.

What should I do if I find an artifact on the trail?

Do not remove it. Take a photo and note the exact location. Report your find to the Atlanta Historic Preservation Commission via their online form. Artifacts may be legally protected under state law.

Is there a fee to hike the WPA Trails?

No. All WPA trails are publicly accessible and free to use. Any organization requesting payment for access is not affiliated with official preservation efforts.

How can I help preserve the WPA Trails?

Volunteer with local preservation groups, donate to restoration funds, or simply spread awareness. Many trails are at risk due to lack of public knowledge. Your advocacy can help ensure they survive another century.

Conclusion

Hiking the Atlanta Works Progress Administration Trails is more than a walk through natureit is a journey through time. Each stone, each step, each curve in the path was shaped by hands that labored during one of Americas most difficult eras. These trails are not relics of the past; they are enduring testaments to community, resilience, and the belief that public works can uplift a nation.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you do more than complete a hikeyou become a steward of history. You honor the thousands of unnamed workers who built these paths with dignity and purpose. You ensure their legacy is not buried under weeds or forgotten in municipal records.

Whether you are a lifelong Atlantan or a visitor drawn by the citys reputation for culture and charm, the WPA Trails offer something rare: a chance to walk in the footsteps of those who came before, to feel the weight of their labor, and to carry their story forward.

Put on your boots. Grab your map. Step onto the stone. And walk with intention.