According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than two thirds of adults and one third of children in America are obese or at risk for obesity. The obesity epidemic is fueling chronic illnesses including the rate of Type 2 Diabetes cases, which have doubled in the last 10 years. Studies have also found that with an increase in stress, obesity closely follows.
Research conducted by the CDC and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation indicates that for every mile of greenway development close to home, there is a direct decrease of chronic illness in those areas.
Donnie Underwood, a Planner at Roanoke’s Department of Parks and Recreation, said, “every neighborhood is being looked at to figure out how corridors can be developed, so people can walk to get on the greenway versus driving to it.” Underwood added, “ I do this job because it is something that can holistically help people.”
A greenway is a corridor of protected open space managed for conservation, recreation, and non-motorized transportation. Whether you enjoy walking, running, roller blading, or biking, or just want to get away from the feel of the city, there’s less worry about looking out for a motorist when on the greenway. Each trail is unique in its own way.
Several of the local greenways are ADA compliant (designated as accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act) and some are connected to schools, parks, and picnic areas.
The Roanoke River Greenway Trail is ADA compliant and currently has 5.3 miles that are completed and open.
The David Smith Trail is a part of the Roanoke River Greenway and currently is a stand-alone section; it runs for .5 miles near the Moyer Sports Complex in Salem and nearby amenities include a skate park, ball fields, and a playground. A 2.5-mile section links both Wasena and Smith Parks to the River’s Edge Sports Complex and the Center for Research and Technology near Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. The third section runs from the Waste Water Treatment Plant to Hamilton Terrace. Amenities include a picnic shelter, playground, bicycle lane, signed bicycle route, park, and restroom facilities.
The Lick Run Greenway Trail was recognized by the Virginia Recreation & Park Society in 2007 as the top greenway of Virginia because it touched so many parks and schools. Linking downtown to Valley View Mall, this three-mile paved ADA compliant greenway runs from the “Historic Gainsboro” sign on Wells Avenue [across from Hotel Roanoke] to Valley View Boulevard near Best Buy. Those who enjoy bird watching may find this greenway particularly enjoyable because members of The Roanoke Valley Bird Club have sighted more than 60 different bird species along the trail. Amenities include a picnic shelter, playground, and restrooms.
Tinker Creek Greenway Trail runs along Tinker Creek North to South to the Roanoke River. The 1.25-mile ADA-compliant trail is accessible from Wise Avenue, Fallon Park, Dale Avenue, and Kenwood Boulevard. Handicap access is available at Wise Avenue and Dale Avenue. More than 15 different bird species have been sighted on this trail. Amenities include a signed bicycle route.
Murray Run Greenway Trail is located in the Grandin Road and Raleigh Court area and connects three city parks [Shrine Hill, Woodlawn, and Fishburn], four schools [Patrick Henry High School, the Governors School, James Madison Middle School, and Fishburn Park Elementary School], and Virginia Western Community College. Along the natural, cinder and wood chip trail, which runs for 2.5 miles, are tennis courts, athletic fields, a playground, picnic shelter, a 9-hole disc golf course, and restrooms. There is parking available at Fishburn Park located at 2426 Brambleton Avenue. There are also additional hiking trails in Fishburn Park.
The Mud Lick Creek Greenway Trail at Garst Mill Park in Roanoke County is short (.5 miles), paved, heavily used and ADA compliant. The wildlife and birding trail follows Mudlick Creek, crossing open meadows and stands of mixed hardwoods. Amenities include a picnic shelter, playground, and restroom.
Wolf Creek Greenway Trail runs along Wolf Creek in the town of Vinton. The 2-mile cinder surface is a wildlife and birding trail. Amenities include a picnic shelter, bicycle lane, Blue Ridge Parkway, and an equestrian trail.
Mill Mountain Greenway Trail is partially ADA compliant. The 3.1-mile trail runs from Elmwood Park along Williamson Road to Walnut Avenue to Roanoke River Greenway, which parallels Piedmont Street. Follow trail to Laurel Avenue, turn left on J. P. Fishburn Parkway, and then turn right on Sylvan Road. The trail then follows what is also known as the old Mill Mountain Road. Amenities include a picnic shelter, playground, and park [Elmwood Park], and restrooms.
Mill Mountain Park Trail consists of one loop with natural surfaced trails that encompass approximately 10 miles. Amenities include Discovery Center, Mill Mountain Star, Mill Mountain Zoo, picnic areas and restrooms.
Hanging Rock Battlefield Greenway Trail winds along Mason Creek and Kessler Mill Road. After passing under I-81, you will soon enter the town of Salem. The trail then curves through a residential area until you reach the southern trailhead at Timberview Road. The 1.7-mile cinder-surfaced trail is associated with Southern Virginia’s Civil war history and there is interpretive signage describing the 1864 ‘Hunter’s Raid Battle of Hanging Rock.’ On the return trip to the northern trailhead, there is also a short hiking trail at the Hanging Rock trailhead that goes along Peter’s Creek up to I-81.
The Carvin’s Cove trail system runs for 42 miles, with multi-use opportunities including biking, walking, and horseback riding. There are 25 loops along this birding and wildlife trail. Several can be accessed from the main entrance (a permit is required); ask for a trail map at the office. A 12,700-acre watershed with a 600-acre reservoir, Carvins Cove is the second largest municipal park in the country. Amenities include picnic areas, boating, and restrooms. There is a daily fee and specific requirements as to boating. For additional information, call (540) 853-2236.
The Chestnut Ridge Trail meanders through typical eastern hardwood forests. Running for 5.4 miles, the trail is a moderately difficult hike with birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. Restroom facilities are available. Directions: From Explore Park, get on the Blue Ridge Parkway and continue south 5.1 miles to milepost 120.5. Turn right and go 1.0 miles to the designated overlook for the Chestnut Ridge Trail on the right.
Explore Park Greenways offers six biking trails and seven hiking trails including handicap-accessible trails that are situated along the Roanoke River Gorge. The 1100-acre preserve has wildlife observation areas.
