Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Stands as World’s Longest Linear ArboretumAtlanta Beltline Arboretum Stands as World’s Longest Linear Arboretum

Atlanta just earned a new global title—and it’s a green one! 

The Atlanta Beltline Arboretum has been officially recognized as the world’s longest linear arboretum. An arboretum is a botanical garden dedicated to the cultivation, study and display of trees for research, education, and public enjoyment.  

Currently spanning more than 12 miles, the arboretum will extend to 16.7 miles of trail by summer 2026 as construction progresses toward completion of the full 22-mile loop by 2030.  

A Partnership with Strong Roots 

This achievement reflects more than 20 years of collaboration between the Beltline and Trees Atlanta to plant and maintain trees along nearly 13 miles of trail. The arboretum features both native and non-native plant species that thrive in Georgia’s climate, bringing the region’s plant diversity to life.  

Today, the corridor is home to more than 250,000 native plants that contribute to a healthy city while also making every walk, run, or ride more beautiful. This living landscape is supported by Trees Atlanta staff and dedicated community volunteers, who regularly participate in hands-on projects. 

With over 2 million visits per year, the Beltline offers a unique opportunity to educate the public. Trees Atlanta leads free, guided tree tours that invite people to explore the arboretum’s collections and learn how urban forests improve quality of life. 

“As we celebrate our 20th year and prepare to welcome FIFA World Cup 2026™ visitors with even more miles of trail, the arboretum highlights how urban redevelopment can showcase biodiversity and ecosystem restoration while catalyzing economic development, new affordable housing, and future mobility/transit infrastructure for generations,” said Clyde Higgs, President & CEO Atlanta Beltline, Inc. “We’re proud that as we connect more than 45 neighborhoods, we’re doing it not just with trails but also with an ecological corridor of native Georgia plants, creating an urban oasis where people can relax and see birds, butterflies, and other species attracted to this habitat.” 

From Old Rail Lines to a Vibrant Garden 

What was once a network of abandoned rail lines is now being transformed into one of the largest redevelopment projects in the country. Each new mile of Beltline trail constructed adds more trees and plantings that connect neighborhoods through accessible, educational greenspace. 

The arboretum was first accredited in 2016 by ArbNet, the International Network of Botanical Gardens, and continues to hold a “Level II” designation. This status recognizes organizations with established tree collections and the expertise and staffing needed to care for them at a professional level. 

“The Atlanta Beltline Arboretum is a uniquely shaped linear arboretum, acting as an essential oasis for people, plants, and wildlife within the Atlanta urban ecosystem,” said Andrea Brennan, ArbNet Manager at The Morton Arboretum. “ArbNet is proud to have this level II accredited arboretum within our international arboretum community. By meeting the tree planting and management, organizational, educational, conservation, and collaborative requirements of the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program, the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum is demonstrating its strong commitment to trees and serving as a far-reaching, 22-mile-long community asset now and for the future.”  

By the time Atlanta hosts FIFA World Cup 26™ matches in Atlanta this summer, more than 16 miles of continuous mainline trail will be complete. The growing trail network links directly to over 400 acres of parks, 33 miles of greenways spanning more than 45 neighborhoods, and 11 miles of connector trails—a living example of how cities can grow greener, healthier, and more connected. 

Alongside the arboretum, the Beltline also has one of the largest temporary art exhibits in the Southeast, with new art installations planned for 2026. To learn more, visit beltline.org/art.