Thursday, August 2, 2018

Eastover's New Greenway

There's something new in one of Charlotte's oldest neighborhoods, and it is well worth checking out. Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation recently partnered to complete a serene stretch of flat, paved greenway running through the heart of Eastover.
 
Just three miles from Uptown, the greenway starts at Mint Museum Randolph and finishes at Meadowbrook Rd. just under a mile away. Many of the towering trees through which the trail meanders are probably as old as the neighborhood, which was developed in the 1920s, giving visitors the distinct feel of a trip through an old growth forest.
 
The greenway first traverses the massive front lawn of the museum, then crosses a pedestrian bridge. Hugging the banks of a stretch of Briar Creek, the greenway is home to all kinds of wildlife (we saw deer trot past on a recent visit). The hum of the cicadas, frogs and songbirds all but vanquishes the den cars traveling down of nearby Randolph Rd.
 
The project was completed to improve the water quality in Briar Creek, improve drainage in the area, and connect the Mint Museum to Catawba Lands Conservancy's Eastover Ridge Preserve at Meadowbrook Rd. The Preserve is a permanently protected, 21-acre wildlife refuge.
 
This greenway is perfect for joggers, bike riders and walkers of all ages. The pedestrian bridge that soars over the creek is a fun feature, offering a great vantage point for observing critters and plant life up and down the trail. This is an easy, enjoyable outdoor escape that is close to town, but feels miles from it.
 
How to get there:
Mint Museum Randolph is located at 2730 Randolph Rd., Charlotte, NC, 28207. The greenway trailhead is near the parking lot entrance.
 
Don't forget to pack:
  • Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses: The greenway is only partially shaded.
  • Bikes, helmets, strollers, scooters, skates, etc.: The smooth, paved trail is perfect for all non-motorized wheels. Don't forget your helmet!
  • Bug spray: Fend off mosquitoes, gnats and ticks.

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