Admire Cool Crisp Water At What Was Once A Quarry In Georgia

Right in the middle of the largest park in Atlanta lies a massive lake. This 350-foot deep lake holds 2.4 million gallons. This is no natural lake, however. It was once a quarry that produced granite, used in many of the city’s sidewalks and buildings. The quarry was flooded and now serves as a water supply for the metropolitan area in one of the state’s most impressive engineering feats in recent memory. This was a monumental achievement and the results are a stunning bit of aquatic scenery that will one day be a part of the Atlanta Beltline Trail.

Westside Park was nearly six years in the making, but when it finally opened in 2021, it was the largest park in Atlanta. The park boasts 280 acres of green space, and, of course, the magnificent reservoir.

Tyler Lahti/Google Maps

This area was once Bellwood Quarry, but it was flooded via a five-mile tunnel connecting the quarry to the Chattahoochee River.

Dago L/Google Maps

The quarry was in use for over 100 years. It was the setting for episodes of several TV shows filmed in Atlanta, like The Walking Dead and Stranger Things.

Atlanta Beltline

The reservoir is intended to be used as a 30-day supply of emergency drinking water for the citizens of Atlanta, so the lake is not open for recreational use.

Venkat Swaminathan/Google Maps

However, the park has miles of fantastic trails that provide excellent views of the reservoir and the Atlanta skyline.

Jennifer Harrelson/Google Maps

The park is such a great green space right in the heart of the state’s biggest city.

Nicholas/Google Maps

The beautiful former quarry is a wonderful centerpiece to one of our favorite parks in Atlanta.

Atlanta Beltline

The Atlanta Beltline Trail will one day extend to Westside Park. For now, you can access the park via one of two parking lots on Johnson Road NW. You can find out more information about Westside Park from ATL Parks and Rec.

Tyler Lahti/Google Maps

Dago L/Google Maps

Atlanta Beltline

Venkat Swaminathan/Google Maps

Jennifer Harrelson/Google Maps

Nicholas/Google Maps

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Address: Bellwood Quarry, Chappell Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA