PATH Foundation is a non-profit organization that builds off-road trails in and around the metro Atlanta area for walking, running, skating, and cycling. The foundation was established in 1991 by Ed McBrayer, Pete Pellegrini, and Maxine Rock, with the goal of developing a network of off-road trails in Atlanta in time for use during the 1996 Summer Olympics. The trails are also a way to connect neighborhoods and preserve the regional character. The first demonstration trails were built near Clarkston in DeKalb County. As of 2026, PATH has built more than 340 miles of trail throughout Georgia, with trails in Atlanta, Smyrna, Decatur, Stone Mountain, Conyers, and elsewhere in the state.
Co-founder Ed McBrayer led PATH as executive director until his retirement, when he was succeeded by Greta deMayo, the organization's second executive director.
Mission statement According to the PATH Foundation, their mission statement is "To transform Metro Atlanta into the most trail-connected city in the United States and to share knowledge and experience with other communities to promote trail development."
PATH Foundation trails
Metro Atlanta trails
West Trails
Lionel Hampton Trail PATH Parkway Proctor Creek Greenway Silver Comet Trail Southwest BeltLine Connector Westside BeltLine Connector Westside BeltLine Trail Westside Trail Whetstone Creek Trail
North Trails
Nancy Creek Greenway Northwest BeltLine Connector — Tanyard Park PATH400 Chastain Park Trail Peachtree Creek Greenway
East Trails
Decatur PATH East Decatur Greenway Eastside BeltLine Emory PATH Freedom Park Trail South Peachtree Creek Trail Stone Mountain Trail Eastside Trolley Trail
South Trails
East Point PATH Southtowne Trail South River Trail (West)
Georgia regional trails
Arabia Mountain PATH Carrollton Greenbelt Clayton Connects Columbus Dragonfly Trail Covington Cricket Frog Trail LaGrange Thread Island Wide Trail System Newnan LINC Olde Town Conyers Trail Panola Mountain Greenway Silver Comet Trail South River Trail (East) Wilkins Greenway
Additional trails
Spanish Moss Trail — Beaufort, South Carolina
PATH board
Chairman
Austin Stephens
Vice chairman
Alexander C. Taylor
Secretary
Tree McGlown
Treasurer
Stephen Lanier
Board members
Harry L. Anderson B. Harvey Hill, Jr. Jaime Hockin Ciannat Howett James C. Kennedy Sarah K. Kennedy Scott Kitchens E. Cody Laird, Jr. Lyle Ross Lauren Shepard
Emeritus members
W. Douglas Ellis, Jr. Bill Fowler Carol Muldawer R. Charles Shufeldt John W. Somerhalder II Stephanie Stephens
The foundation's board has changed substantially since the early 2010s. Sam Friedman, PATH's founding chairman, transitioned to chairman emeritus in 2021 and died in January 2024 at age 83. Jennifer Dorian and Charles Shufeldt previously served as secretary and chairman, respectively, before the leadership changes reflected above.
20th anniversary and triPATHlon
In 2011, PATH celebrated its 20th anniversary. In May 2011, PATH created Atlanta's first in-town triathlon called "triPATHlon" and sanctioned by USA Triathlon. The triPATHlon benefited Chastain Park.
References
External links PATH Foundation Silver Comet Trail Chastain Park Atlanta BeltLine