Atlanta Beltline Arboretum will be the world’s longest linear arboretum | News
The Atlanta Beltline Arboretum is the world’s longest linear arboretum and marks a global milestone in urban greening, ecological restoration and sustainable redevelopment. The botanical collection, spanning more than 20 kilometers, redefines how cities integrate nature, infrastructure and public space. As new sections of the Atlanta Beltline open, the arboretum continues to grow, reaching a 17-mile trail by summer 2026 and completing the full 22-mile loop by 2030.
The Atlanta Beltline is one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in the United States, transforming 22 miles of historic freight rail corridors into a citywide network of trails, parks and public spaces connecting Atlanta’s neighborhoods. By the time Atlanta hosts FIFA World Cup 26™ matches in Atlanta in July, more than 16 miles of contiguous mainline will be completed, connecting directly to more than 1,000 acres of parks, 33 miles of connected greenways and one of the largest temporary art exhibits in the Southeast.
This designation adds to Atlanta’s growing list of world-class attractions, including the world’s busiest airport, the largest aquarium in the United States and now the world’s longest continuous linear arboretum, further establishing the city as a global destination as it prepares to host World Cup matches in 2026.
This project reflects a twenty-year partnership between Atlanta Beltline, Inc. and Trees Atlanta, which oversaw the planting and management of the arboretum along the Beltline’s 22-mile rail-to-trail redevelopment. Nearly 13 miles of main trail are currently completed, with the final sections expected by 2030. Along the corridor, hundreds of thousands of trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers provide a living showcase of Atlanta’s famous tree canopy in an urban setting.
“One thing that defines the Beltline is the intentional selection of trees, shrubs and grasses along the trail. The trees provide much-needed shade and tranquility for trail users and act as lungs to purify our city air,” said Clyde Higgs, president and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. “As we celebrate our 20th year and prepare to welcome FIFA World Cup visitors in 2026 with even more miles of trails, the Arboretum highlights how urban redevelopment can showcase biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. We are proud to connect more than 45 neighborhoods, and do so not only with walking trails, but also with an ecological corridor of native Georgia plants, creating an urban oasis where people can relax and watch birds, butterflies and be able to see other species that are attracted to this habitat.”
The 60-acre arboretum is directly connected to more than 400 acres of parks, 14 miles of main trail and 11 miles of connecting trails, creating a growing network of connected green spaces adjacent to the Beltline, often described as an “emerald chain.” Together, this trail network expands access to nature and the benefits of trees in the heart of Atlanta for residents and trail users in more than 45 neighborhoods bordering the Beltline.
The Beltline Arboretum emphasizes sustainable landscape management and urban ecosystem restoration, showcasing both native and climate-adapted non-native species that thrive in Georgia. An important part of a healthy ecosystem is diversity, and the Beltline Arboretum reflects this with more than 647 unique tree and woody shrub species and cultivars in 106 genera. Trees Atlanta has also planted more than 700,000 native plants, including grasses and wildflowers, along the Beltline.
“Trees are iconic to Atlanta’s identity, and Georgia is special because of its incredible diversity of plants and trees,” said Greg Levine, executive director of Trees Atlanta. “The Atlanta Beltline Arboretum is an important part of Atlanta’s urban forest and draws attention to the benefits of trees for the health and well-being of people, wildlife and the natural environment. Our 20-year partnership has created a unique botanical garden that showcases how trees and green spaces enhance the place we live.”
The Beltline Arboretum was first accredited by ArbNet in 2016 and maintains “Level II” status, recognizing institutions with significant plant collections and professional nursery capacity.
Free guided walking tours of the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum are available through Trees Atlanta.
