Friday, June 11, 2021

Little Sugar Creek Greenway: I-485 to President James K. Polk State Historic Site

Little Sugar Creek Greenway just got 1.8 miles cooler than it already was. And, along with a beautiful trail and gorgeous views, this new section comes with a fun, historical destination.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway runs north-to-south, offering more than a dozen miles of wide, paved, vehicular-traffic-free trails. The greenway is part of the Cross Charlotte Trail, a 30-mile trail system that will someday stretch from UNCC Charlotte to Pineville. 

This newly-completed segment is perfect for feet, bikes and other people-powered riding toys. The smooth, flat trail meanders through forest floodplains, marsh and wetlands. It also features bridges, boardwalks and an impressive marsh overlook at Marsh Park, which is also where you'll find benches and a fun sculpture by artist John Grade. 

At the southern end of this stretch of greenway is the President James K. Polk Historic Site, birthplace of the 11th President of the United States. Here, you'll find a museum, nature trail, historic buildings, a garden, picnic area, and restrooms (open during museum hours). It's also where I would recommend parking. Admission to the grounds and visitor's center (open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is free, and tours are available for a small fee on Saturdays. 

The northern end of this segment connects to another stretch of Little Sugar Creek Greenway that runs 2.4 miles from I-485 to Huntingtown Farms Park, then another that runs 2.4 miles from Huntingtown Farms Park to Tyvola Rd

Now, I'm keeping my eye on the outstanding stretch of the greenway that will connect Tyvola Rd. to Brandywine Rd. at Park Road Shopping Center (currently under construction!) that will make the greenway contiguous from the Polk site through north of Uptown. How cool will that be?! 

Meanwhile, I think you'll enjoy the latest segment and highly recommend a visit. 

How to get there: 
Trailhead parking is available at the President James K. Polk Historic Site located at 12031 Lancaster Highway, Pineville, NC,  28134.

Don't forget to pack: 
  • Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses: The greenway is partly shaded, but not completely
  • Comfortable walking shoes: Sneakers will do
  • Water and snacks: Bring refills; restroom facilities are only open during certain hours
  • Helmets and riding toys: This is a great destination for bikes, skates, scooters and strollers

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