As I prepare to say goodbye to the city I’ve called home for nearly 10 years, I’m grateful to the amazing running community in Atlanta. To honor my time and the many miles I’ve logged in this city, I want to share the best places to run in Atlanta. Whether you’re coming for a visit or have lived here for years, these are my top 5 picks for seeing the city in a pair of running shoes.

1. Chattahoochee River
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, located north of downtown Atlanta, is one of my favorite places to run. It has a 3.2-mile packed gravel loop that you can run multiple times or add additional miles on a paved out-and-back flat section of Columns Drive. Not only does the river offer scenic views that make you feel like you’re far from the city; it also provides some relief from the pavement and asphalt with its softer terrain. I love to run mid-distance runs of 8 to 12 miles here. Park at the Cochran Shoals parking lot off Interstate North Parkway (plug these coordinates into Google Maps: 33°54’6.79″N, 84°26’38.04″W). Parking is $3 or you can purchase a $25 annual pass online. The trail is kid and pet friendly, and you’ll see everyone from local cross-country teams running speed work to moms pushing strollers. If trail running is your thing, there are tons of off-road technical trails you can also run in the park. Canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding can also be found at other recreation area entrances for some post-run fun. Get more details here: http://www.nps.gov/chat/index.htm.

2. Piedmont Park
Atlanta’s most iconic park is the perfect place for a run. It offers winding, paved trails and views of the city skyline. It also contains what locals refer to as “the oval,” which is a hard-packed gravel track that measures about 800 meters around. It’s a great place to do speed work on softer surfaces and make those Yasso 800s go by faster with just one loop. Piedmont Park connects to the Atlanta Beltline (mentioned below) at 10^th Street and Monroe Drive for an easy way to add additional miles on another great running path. Piedmont Park is where the world-renowned Peachtree Road Race finishes. On a beautiful day, people flock to the park for picnics, Frisbee games, family walks and more. Plan your run at http://www.piedmontpark.org.

3. Atlanta BeltLine
As one of the newest running spots in the city, the Atlanta BeltLine is one of the places I frequent most often because it is a short 1.5-mile run from my house. The BeltLine is the most comprehensive transportation and economic development effort ever undertaken in the City of Atlanta that, when completed, will provide a network of public parks, multi-use trails and transit along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor circling downtown and connecting many neighborhoods directly to each other.

Four trail segments are open. The completed 2-mile stretch near Piedmont Park is the segment I run most often, and since it is primarily flat, it doubles as a great place for speed work or tempo runs. There are tons of restaurants and bars to stop off at, which makes for a great post-run bike or stroll with friends. Additionally, there is an Atlanta BeltLine Running Series that offers fun races throughout the year. To learn more about the BeltLine and where run, visit http://beltline.org.

4. Red Top Mountain
If you’re looking to get away from it all and connect with nature, hit the trails at Red Top Mountain, about a 40-minute drive north of Atlanta. Red Top Mountain State Park is my favorite place to go for a trail run because it is typically uncrowded. It’s also a favorite spot for local triathletes for open water swimming. Parking is $5 at the visitor center and maps and assistance are available there as well. Check out the trails here: http://www.gastateparks.org/RedTopMountain.

5. Silver Comet Trail
Last, but certainly not least is the Silver Comet Trail, located 13 miles northwest of Atlanta. This paved trail runs 61.5 continuous miles on abandoned railroad lines from Smyrna, Georgia to the Georgia/Alabama state line near Cedartown. It is a great place for flatter runs in the city and for out-and-back courses. I did most of my training for my first marathon here, as well as training for both my half Ironman races since this is also an extremely popular spot for cyclists. Be sure to run with a buddy here and don’t run alone when it’s dark. Plan your run here: http://www.silvercometga.com.

The next time your plans call for a run in Atlanta, I hope you’ll hit up one of these spots that hold so many of my running memories. Thank you Atlanta. Happy running.

Where do you think are the best places to run in Atlanta?