PATH Foundation

PATH Foundation
AbbreviationPATH
Formation1991; 35 years ago (1991)
FoundersEd McBrayer
Pete Pellegrini
Maxine Rock
Type501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Headquarters1601 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia
Region served
Metro Atlanta and the State of Georgia
Chairman
Austin Stephens
Executive Director
Greta deMayo
Websitewww.pathfoundation.org

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

PATH Foundation trail in Panola Mountain State Park

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

Additional trails

PATH board

Chairman

Vice chairman

Secretary

Treasurer

Board members

Emeritus members

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

PATH Foundation's 20th Anniversary logo

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

  1. 1 2 3 "PATH Foundation: Our Mission". PATH Foundation. Retrieved 2026-06-16.
  2. 1 2 "PATH Foundation: Our Story". PATH Foundation. Retrieved 2026-06-16.
  3. 1 2 "Our Trails". PATH Foundation. Retrieved 2026-06-16.
  4. ↑ Silva, Caroline (2024-01-05). "PATH Foundation founding board member Sam Friedman dies at 83". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2026-06-16.
  5. ↑ "PATH Board". PATH Foundation. Retrieved 2026-06-16.
  6. ↑ "Join PATH". PATH Foundation. Retrieved 2011-07-07.