Charlotte Greenways and Trails

[RANYC]

The Greenway is a major public amenity.  We all know it's an amenity.  For once, multi-million dollar homeowners aren't on the amenity.  Can't we just design around them and move on, or does the opposition make completion much more difficult?

[KJHburg]

some of it is parking concerns which I get.  the Briar Creek greenway from Mint Museum towards Providence but not yet there ends at a residential street.  I noticed there are all kinds of no parking signs, no greenway parking signs and signs saying parking available at the Mint Museum off Randolph.

As for greenways unless you can see the path directly behind your house there is absolute no difference in property values.  Even if you do it is not a bad thing.  I have clients that desire to be very close to greenways and I have had other people say they want just woods but not a trail.  Same almost for living on a golf course.  Some dont like people near their backyards looking for golf balls and some don't care and want the views.  

Last time I checked not many people have a home or car break in off someone who came off a greenway.  How could you walk away with stolen goods?? This is not to say there is not crime on greenways but I would contend a lot less of it than in a parking lot or garage or elsewhere.  

[KJHburg]

Back in the QC and resuming the greenway tour.  This is a short stretch of the Briar Creek Greenway linking Plaza Midwood to Merry Oaks next to the Charlotte Country Club. Less than a half mile long .

https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/Parks/Greenways/Pages/BriarCreekGreenway-ArnoldDrivetoMasonicDrive.aspx

again our Meck greenways are great they need to be linked up.  There is no greenway from here at Central Ave to Randolph Rd where I walked from the Mint Museum and there needs to be.

some of this property was bought with Federal money to get homes out of flood plains just like down in Myers Park along Little Sugar Creek. 

And a few photos of my walks in south Florida in Palm Beach County.  These areas are west of the urban sprawl into the swamps and wetlands.  Had to be on the look out for snakes, gators and wild hogs.   (starts with the wetland sign) 

 

[KJHburg]

another day another new greenway for me.  happen to be working in the area so this is my first visit to the Stewart Creek and Wesley Heights greenway.  I will return for the full walk to uptown later.   The views are great as you are walking towards 77 of the skyline will be back on sunny day.   I found it interesting they had so many mileage signs to points of interest.  Haven't seem that as much on the other greenways.   Check out LAST PHOTO the old Eastland sign!  I guess it waiting the revival of Eastland and hopefully that is long term storage. 

The creek was recently worked on here with the obvious straight channel as I am sure that cuts down on wild flooding. 

[videtur quam contuor]

OMG the O'Berry Center. I met Phil Berry. I NEVER heard anyone call him Phil O Berry , O. Berry or O'Berry during his too-short life. Phil(lip) Berry. I have heard even Vilma Leake make this foolish error. Yet I repeat myself.

[KJHburg]

Between appointments today another walk on a new greenway.    The new section of McAlpine Greenway from Sardis to Providence Rd.  First time I saw a deer on any greenway I am sure there are plenty but haven't seen one until today.  Look in the forest thicket photo and see if you see one.  Saw some mallards too but not on their own creek's greenway in NE Charlotte. 

from the Meck County greenway page:

""This 1 mile extension of McAlpine Creek Greenway will meander through woodland highlighting restored wetlands and creek.  Once complete, the Campbell Creek and McAlpine Creek Greenway system will be 5 miles long.""    (this extension is open now) 

photos today and another new greenway this week so they maybe 3 new greenways this week. 

McAlpine Creek greenway goes 5 miles now but abruptly stops at Providence Road after it goes under the road.   again needs to be extended but this greenway is a great stretch hard to see to houses yet this is in the heart of south Charlotte.   As always build out the greenway map before building a freeway cap. 

Want to meet some friendly Charlotteans walk on a greenway much more polite than on the city's streets.  Lot of photos.   And this is just from Sardis Rd over to Providence and back.  Find the deer.   Somebody let some bamboo get away and that stuff spreads quick and thick. 

[Desert Power]

On 1/20/2022 at 10:49 AM, CLT> said:

Some shots of the XCLT Trail coming together between E 26th & N Brevard  through Lintmen's

Didn't realize this was actually progressing.

[KJHburg]

also from the other day McAlpine Creek Park and a short walk on the greenway there.  (I did the new section from Sardis to Providence same day)

Sunny this weekend hit some greenways in the QC or surrounding counties. 

[KJHburg]

short walk on Mallard Creek greenway between David Taylor Drive and Barton Creek Connector as last time I did not walk beyond I-85. 

Everyone get out a walk a new greenway or visit a new park tomorrow or Saturday on these False Spring days.  

interview with myself.....

KJ why do you like walking different greenways?

Me: It reminds me of the Mecklenburg County my mother and aunts and uncles grew up in  and there is always  something different to see.  Fresh air vitamin D is good for you too. 

Cant wait to walk all of them again this spring and summer.  

[KJHburg]

New greenway for me! Six Mile Creek off Marvin Road the furthest south greenway in the county.  The vibe: lots of squirrels and birds including many cardinals.  Very quiet dead end .92 mile walk that ends in a cul de sac.  Across the creek you can see the Firethorne Country Club in Marvin in Union County and a few very large homes. Trail ends about .25 mile from the state line and where Lancaster County SC meets Union and Meck counties.  Only other structure seen is a sewer pump station.  Next to the Foxhole a county dump but you can not see it and it is for construction debris.

Lets connect this upstream to Rea Rd then to Providence Rd.  and someday into SC near Red Ventures HQ.   and remember Build out the greenway map before any freeway cap! 

I would describe this as typical river bottomland even though it is just a stream I can tell it floods. 

My tour of every greenway in Meck and Cabarrus counties continues  5 more to go in Meck for me.  I like the quietness of this greenway no road noise, no leaf blowers fewer people.  

Dr KJ says 2-3 greenways a week keeps the doctor away. 

[InSouthPark]

So who can we publicly shame for not allowing the Charlotte Cross Trail to ever get built as intended?

This is in regards to the South Charlotte connector that dead ends are Carolina Place Parkway with no access to sidewalks to get to Little Sugar Creek Greenway:

We were not able to purchase the property needed to achieve the trail as you show it. In fact we have tried other options which would require coordination with some of the big box stores along Carolina Place Parkway.  They were not interested in us having easements or working on their property. These efforts have taken time and energy.  We are currently left to slightly improve the 6’ +/-sidewalks along Carolina Place Parkway and extend a sidewalk to Park Road.

This is not our first choice to create the Little Sugar-McMullen Connector but it is something we can achieve with minimal real estate needed.

The project is not forgotten, it is taking a much longer time than anyone anticipated. It is not simple.  

 

Ocala and Haverties owns the property where it was go.

Haverties and Ethan Allen have no sidewalk. 

The mall property has no sidewalks. 

Pineville has no sidewalks.

The big box stores don't want anything to do with a sidewalk.

This is crazy. I have no doubt it this was City of Charlotte this would have gotten done.  But Pineville...they don't need or want no stinking sidewalks.

 

 

[CLT2014]

I swear some of the things the town of Pineville does seems like they are purposely trying to keep their real estate values depressed versus surrounding areas......

Edited February 16, 2022 by CLT2014

[JRCLT]

So who can we publicly shame for not allowing the Charlotte Cross Trail to ever get built as intended?
This is in regards to the South Charlotte connector that dead ends are Carolina Place Parkway with no access to sidewalks to get to Little Sugar Creek Greenway:
We were not able to purchase the property needed to achieve the trail as you show it. In fact we have tried other options which would require coordination with some of the big box stores along Carolina Place Parkway.  They were not interested in us having easements or working on their property. These efforts have taken time and energy.  We are currently left to slightly improve the 6’ +/-sidewalks along Carolina Place Parkway and extend a sidewalk to Park Road.
This is not our first choice to create the Little Sugar-McMullen Connector but it is something we can achieve with minimal real estate needed.
The project is not forgotten, it is taking a much longer time than anyone anticipated. It is not simple.  
 
Ocala and Haverties owns the property where it was go.
Haverties and Ethan Allen have no sidewalk. 
The mall property has no sidewalks. 
Pineville has no sidewalks.
The big box stores don't want anything to do with a sidewalk.
This is crazy. I have no doubt it this was City of Charlotte this would have gotten done.  But Pineville...they don't need or want no stinking sidewalks.
 
 

Mecklenburg County is responsible for that section.

[stw52]

1 hour ago, InSouthPark said:

So who can we publicly shame for not allowing the Charlotte Cross Trail to ever get built as intended?

This is in regards to the South Charlotte connector that dead ends are Carolina Place Parkway with no access to sidewalks to get to Little Sugar Creek Greenway:

We were not able to purchase the property needed to achieve the trail as you show it. In fact we have tried other options which would require coordination with some of the big box stores along Carolina Place Parkway.  They were not interested in us having easements or working on their property. These efforts have taken time and energy.  We are currently left to slightly improve the 6’ +/-sidewalks along Carolina Place Parkway and extend a sidewalk to Park Road.

This is not our first choice to create the Little Sugar-McMullen Connector but it is something we can achieve with minimal real estate needed.

The project is not forgotten, it is taking a much longer time than anyone anticipated. It is not simple.  

 

Ocala and Haverties owns the property where it was go.

Haverties and Ethan Allen have no sidewalk. 

The mall property has no sidewalks. 

Pineville has no sidewalks.

The big box stores don't want anything to do with a sidewalk.

This is crazy. I have no doubt it this was City of Charlotte this would have gotten done.  But Pineville...they don't need or want no stinking sidewalks.

 

 

Is this the section?

 

[RANYC]

So confusing.  The 6-Mile Creek Greenway is only .92 miles, yes?  

[InSouthPark]

1 hour ago, JeanClt said:

Mecklenburg County is responsible for that section.

Yes I know. But Meck is left trying to do this because Pineville has no sidewalks…like anywhere.  That property all aground these is Pineville proper.

1 hour ago, stw52 said:

Is this the section?

 

Yes from Park and Carolina Place Parkway. Was to connect to Polk/Little sugar creek to make the cross Charlotte trail. Now you can’t even get there safely. No sidewalk on Polk. Almost no sidewalks on Carolina place. 

[KJHburg]

1 hour ago, RANYC said:

So confusing.  The 6-Mile Creek Greenway is only .92 miles, yes?  

just the name of the creek.  It could be 6 miles if they expanded up towards Providence Rd.  

[KJHburg]

another new greenway for me today Lower McAlpine Creek Greenway/ McMullen Creek greenway behind the Toringdon shopping center off Johnston Rd north of I-485.   the creek is wide here and again lots of river bottomland that floods repeatedly.  Houses off Carmel Rd extension seen.   This greenway is 5.8 miles so I only did a little section today runs from Rea Rd back over to Hwy 51 in somewhat of a semicircle.    Notice the palm tree somewhat threw away obviously that has taken root and is growing under the understory of the canopy. 

https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/CapitalProjects/Documents/MCPR-McAlpine-McMullen-4MileGwy-Winter2020.pdf

Tomorrow sunny and almost sunny I predict a greenway walk if I have time. 

Edited February 17, 2022 by KJHburg

[InSouthPark]

^^ The parking lot at Toringdon for that greenway is a great hidden gem.  People all cram into the Johnson Rd lot or Trader Joes when this gigantic parking lots sits empty.  Unless you ever go to Pikes or pull out a greenway map, you would never know this shopping center is connected. 

One decade from now from when the 51 to Johnson greenway connector get built, I will be able to walk to Midwood Smokehouse/Hickory Tavern.  It's still surprising to me there is no coffeeshop in that shopping center (maybe after the high school gets built).  Greenway + Coffee shop seem to be big hits.  Mugs and Starbucks which are right off greenway are always busy with walkers and bikers.   Somewhat related...one cool thing that happens on that greenway is that coffee food trucks will occasionally pop up on the neighborhood entrances.  You can see them from the greenway and always a line!

Edited February 17, 2022 by InSouthPark

[KJHburg]

well was up in downtown Concord today and decided to walk one of their greenways.  from downtown down to park along Hwy 3.  I misread the information on their website thought it was 2 miles ending up being 3 miles as I did the complete downtown loop!  (No wonder I was so tired and the 100 foot plus of elevation change did not help as I walked down the hill first then had to walk up the hill after I hit the 2 mile mark)   anyway I survived which I attribute to eating leftover steak for breakfast.    Went from downtown Concord downhill to McGee Park then along Irish Buffalo Creek then uphill after I got to  Les Myers Park then down the sidewalk along S Union Street which is full of beautiful homes.   They paint little geckos on the sidewalks to guide you.  

https://concordnc.gov/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Greenways#McEachern Greenway

anyway a nice greenway if you want to walk in parts or the whole kit and caboodle like I did.   Mark this entire greenway off my list!  Liked the Peace monument at McGee park and they have lots of signs in English and Spanish have not seen that in Charlotte.   anyway get out and enjoy a greenway this weekend no matter   Took a photo of the downtown loop map I saw. 

A journey of thousand miles begins with one step. 

[KJHburg]

On my back from my moms in Kannapolis I stopped by this city of Kannapolis greenway Irish Buffalo Creek which is the same creek in Concord I walked by.  Cabarrus County has some parks, the cities of Concord Kannapolis and Harrisburg all have their own parks and greenways.  This greenway is relatively new opened in the last year and is 2.7 miles long I walked a part of it today.

They are planning more just like other cities in the region to connect their downtown with this greenway I was on today.   This greenway connects 3 parks and has multiple points of access from neighborhoods too.  This greenways follows a Duke Power right of way and is a mixture of fields by the stream and woods. 

https://www.kannapolisnc.gov/Government-Departments/Parks-Recreation/Greenways

 

[KJHburg]

was up in the Davidson today and walked 3 different parts of these greenways: South Prong of Rocky River Greenway and the West Branch of Rocky River Greenway and a new one not even on my county greenway map the Plum Creek Greenway of Rocky River Greenway.  Basically I parked at a park in front of River Run Country Club and walked along Davidson Concord Rd to the greenway then back by fields and woods and the stream.  Then turned on the Plum Creek Greenway left Davidson walked in Cornelius.  Turned back.  Drove to the other section of the West Branch of RR Greenway.  

Basically you can walk from Davidson  Elementary School on sidewalks and greenways for almost 10 miles to West Branch Nature Preserve on the Meck Cabarrus county line.  Half on greenways half on sidewalks etc.  

Saw the historical Beaver Dam house a Federal style home from 1829.   https://www.ci.davidson.nc.us/132/Beaver-Dam

A vulture stared me down waiting on road kill and I did have to cross Davidson Concord Rd but drivers stopped.   I was not going to be road kill today.  

Actually I like this plan walking through upscale country club neighborhoods into wooded areas by fields.  Maybe one day I will walk the whole thing.   

The West Branch greenway deads end to a culdesac at the park boundary but it says To Be Continued also there is a monument for the completion of 100th mile of greenway for the Carolina Thread Trail.  

Explore North Meck this weekend and this NE corner of the county. 

https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/CapitalProjects/Documents/MCPR-SPRRGreenway-Winter2020.pdf

[deleted account]

42 minutes ago, KJHburg said:

was up in the Davidson today and walked 3 different parts of these greenways: South Prong of Rocky River Greenway and the West Branch of Rocky River Greenway and a new one not even on my county greenway map the Plum Creek Greenway of Rocky River Greenway.  Basically I parked at a park in front of River Run Country Club and walked along Davidson Concord Rd to the greenway then back by fields and woods and the stream.  Then turned on the Plum Creek Greenway left Davidson walked in Cornelius.  Turned back.  Drove to the other section of the West Branch of RR Greenway.  

Basically you can walk from Davidson  Elementary School on sidewalks and greenways for almost 10 miles to West Branch Nature Preserve on the Meck Cabarrus county line.  Half on greenways half on sidewalks etc.  

Saw the historical Beaver Dam house a Federal style home from 1829.   https://www.ci.davidson.nc.us/132/Beaver-Dam

A vulture stared me down waiting on road kill and I did have to cross Davidson Concord Rd but drivers stopped.   I was not going to be road kill today.  

Actually I like this plan walking through upscale country club neighborhoods into wooded areas by fields.  Maybe one day I will walk the whole thing.   

The West Branch greenway deads end to a culdesac at the park boundary but it says To Be Continued also there is a monument for the completion of 100th mile of greenway for the Carolina Thread Trail.  

Explore North Meck this weekend and this NE corner of the county. 

https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/CapitalProjects/Documents/MCPR-SPRRGreenway-Winter2020.pdf

These greenway updates are fantastic! Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation should have you on retainer. Love the "to be continued..." sign, lol.

[KJHburg]

thanks.  this was  really a nice greenway and network.  I thought it was funny only in Davidson would there be Kilometer markers as well as mile markers.  

they should do a bond issue just for greenways and they would get OVERWHELMING support as I have seen people of all ages, races etc on these Meck greenways.  and people are MUCH friendlier on these greenways than they are on the streets of Charlotte. 

 

[Windsurfer]

Great photos. Love these trails. One of my tracts is across the creek from The West Branch. Sadly, the neighbors are trying to develop the open areas across the creek along that trail. Been protesting to no avail. Cabarrus County, sigh.