The Eastside portion of the Atlanta Beltline is the first completed section of the city's rails-to-trails project. Comprised of 2.25 miles of flat, paved pathway, it runs from the south end of Piedmont Park to Irwin Street. With convenient access points all along the trail with plenty of parking on side streets, the Beltline makes it safe and easy to access popular neighborhoods including Midtown, the Virginia Highlands, Innman Park and the Old Forth Ward by foot or bike. Public transportation will get you there to the Beltine, although it's a bit of a walk from the Midtown station. Unless you have a bike with you, it's usually better to drive.Admission and Getting Around at the Eastside BeltLine Trail While most walk, run or bike along the trail, it's not rare to see people skateboarding, inline skating or riding scooters. As long as it's not motorized, its fair game. Admission to the beltline is free, but it's best to go when it's not crowded -– especially if you plan on cycling. Weekends in the spring and summer can get a little packed, so if you want to avoid the crowd, check it out on a weekday evening. Starting from Piedmont Park and strolling down to the end and back is easily accomplished in an hour or two, but there are enough attractions along the way to make a day of it.​Must Sees at the Eastside BeltLine Trail ​If you're interested in grabbing a quick snack or sitting down for a gourmet meal, the Beltline has you covered. Dozens of restaurants and bars have sprouted up along the trail, and all welcome foot traffic. If you're on the Beltline in the morning, check out the Neighborhood Café in the basement of PARISH for a pastry and quick cup of coffee. If you're looking for something more substantial, Kevin Rathburn Steak offers choice cuts of meat and seafood on the patio directly adjacent to the path. If you're a little thirsty, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall offers cheap drinks in a rustic atmosphere.Also be sure to check out the rotating array of public art installations along the trail – most of the pieces are interactive, so feel free to play around.Other Places to Visit Near the Eastside BeltLine Trail ​The Beltline connects to a few of Atlanta's hidden gems. The Historic Forth Ward Park is a spectacular new addition to the city and includes a skate park, amphitheater, and even a small pond. Not many people know it's there, so it's a great place to go for a picnic if you want to avoid the Piedmont Park crowd.The Krog Street Market is also a short walk from the Irwin Street terminus of the trail. The indoor market has some of the most interesting vendors, food and drink in the city, so be sure to check it out if you have time.Insider Tip for Visitors to the Eastside BeltLine Trail ​Think it would be more fun to ride than walk, but don't have a bike? Or you just don't want to haul yours down to the city? No worries. Atlanta Beltline Bicycles offers reasonable rentals. They are located on the Irwin Street side of the trail in the green building that looks like an airplane hanger.Saul King is an Atlanta native. He's a professional journalist as well as an avid cyclist, runner and over-indulger.