Get Outside

Greenways at a Glance

You’re sure to find a favorite

A NEW SECTION TO THE MCDOWELL CREEK GREENWAY RECENTLY OPENED.

COMPILED BY STAFF REPORTS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AFTERBURNER COMMUNICATIONS

Area residents love the access to the many greenways because you can choose your preferred way to enjoy them, whether it’s through walking, running, biking, etc., and you can enjoy nature solo or with others.

Happenings in Huntersville

Torrence Creek Greenway runs 1.4 miles through woods and behind neighborhoods off Gilead Road in Huntersville. The western section of the greenway runs through a

meadow, where neighbors say they often see deer. The eastern section passes by a series of large rock formations, with some rocks as big as school buses. Short sections of the greenway are boardwalks that meander through wetlands.

A proposed Lower McDowell Creek Greenway west of the Wynfield subdivision is in the development stages that would connect the Upper McDowell Creek Greenway, which runs along Birkdale in Huntersville and create seven miles of trail.

The Caldwell Station Creek Greenway, covering 2.6 miles and connecting Bailey Road Park to Highway 21, runs up against the Heritage Green and Oakhurst subdivisions, making access to the trail just a few steps away from residents’ homes. A project called the “Emerald Necklace” is currently in progress, and when completed, will be a 13+-mile network of greenways and multi-use paths encircling the town of Cornelius. Learn more at www.cornelius.org/123/ Greenways-Trails.

Carolina Thread Trail

On many of the area’s greenways, you’ll see markers that read Carolina Thread Trail. In fact, 22 miles of the Carolina Thread Trail’s more than 260 completed miles run through the Lake Norman area. The trail runs through 15 counties in North and South Carolina.

The Lake Norman section of the Catawba River Blueway (part of the Carolina Thread Trail) is approximately 31 miles long, making it possible to paddle part of the trail. Throughout the trail, you’ll find various attractions, both historical and commercial.

The South Prong Rocky River Greenway

This greenway is part of a 6-mile network of trails and sidewalks in Davidson. The wide paved trail accommodates walkers, runners, and bikers. This trail winds along a pleasant creek and through neighborhoods in the town of Davidson. Occasional benches line the trail and provide comfortable resting spots for trail visitors. Recently, the city of Cornelius extended the greenway into the Antiquity neighborhood. So now the community can enjoy an 8.5-mile hike or ride from Antiquity Greenway to the West Branch Nature Preserve Trail.

So what are you waiting for? Get out and explore!

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