I'm lucky to ride the Swamp Rabbit Trail weekly, and I've been even luckier to discover more trails that are at least its equal. Rode another great one yesterday (Mt Arabia in Georgia) and can't wait to find some more!
Any favorites?
My Cycling Journal - Published for those interested in trying new trails. I'm based in Greenville, SC, and if there's a trail within a half day's drive, I plan to ride it.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Swamp Rabbit - Detour Note
The buildings flanking the only gravel portion of the Swamp Rabbit Trail just north of Furman are being torn down, and a detour is set up through November. The detour is hilly and crosses a major road. I advise against children tackling it. Good news is the trail will be fully paved when this project is complete!
The Bramlett Road section is still closed (although that doesn't stop the vast majority of folks from pedaling through), but the County is taking bids for to reroute the trail and install train signals. The detour actually isn't bad and can be seen in this video.
Bramlett Rd Detour
Happy Trails!
The Bramlett Road section is still closed (although that doesn't stop the vast majority of folks from pedaling through), but the County is taking bids for to reroute the trail and install train signals. The detour actually isn't bad and can be seen in this video.
Bramlett Rd Detour
Happy Trails!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway Greensboro, NC
Last Saturday, I was in Winston-Salem for the Wake Forrest-Georgia Tech football game. I researched nearby trails and was thrilled to find the Greensboro Trail System about 30 minutes away. Reviews were great and the weather forecast may have been even better. The trail nor the weather disappointed. I rode with @BPitch1 who declared the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway to be the best trail he's ever ridden.
The trail's listed at 7.5 miles, but I don't think that includes a new section opened this year. Up and down with a few side trips, we logged 19.5 miles. We met some friendly locals who told us plans are in the works to extend the trail several miles to downtown Greensboro. The trail surface was good and the terrain was varied. You pass through developed suburban areas, neighborhoods, lakes, and forests. The trail was slightly hilly, but I found the hills to be fair. The long climbs were gradual, and the little downhills were really fun.
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park is near the southern end of the greenway, and this could be a destination itself. The trail skirts the Guilford Revolutionary War site and heads north across Lake Brandt and past Bur-Mil Park. Numerous hiking and mountain bike trails intersect this route. Both the parks are beautiful with picnicking spots, parking, water stations, and restrooms. Two railroad bridges cross serene Lake Brandt and allow you great looks at local wildlife. I saw several turtles, birds, and chip monks.
We parked at Country Park just south of the Guilford Courthouse Park. The online map showed this to be very near the trail's southern terminus. We pedaled north and saved the small southern part for the return trip. We were so glad that we finished the ride heading south beyond the parking area because there's a recently added trail section that's not listed on many guides, and this section cuts right behind some good dinning options, specifically Stamey's famous barbecue. Stamey's has set the standard for Hickory-style barbecue since 1930, and I recommend you stopping in for a sampling of their smoked pork with spicy vinegar sauce. The barbecue coleslaw is a real treat too. If you road hard, you've earned ice cream and peach cobbler so save room!
All in all, this is one of the most fun rides I've had (the Fall foliage and 60-70 degree temperature didn't hurt). Definitely a destination ride, and I hope you'll give it a try. Hotels and shopping are plentiful. I think my next visit may include a day of biking, then another day of hiking.
Greensboro Parks & Recreation Trail Page
Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway Description
Atlantic & Yadkin Map
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Bur-Mil Park
Herbie's Place (Breakfast All Day)
Stamey's Barbeque
Greensboro Visitor's Bureau
The trail's listed at 7.5 miles, but I don't think that includes a new section opened this year. Up and down with a few side trips, we logged 19.5 miles. We met some friendly locals who told us plans are in the works to extend the trail several miles to downtown Greensboro. The trail surface was good and the terrain was varied. You pass through developed suburban areas, neighborhoods, lakes, and forests. The trail was slightly hilly, but I found the hills to be fair. The long climbs were gradual, and the little downhills were really fun.
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park is near the southern end of the greenway, and this could be a destination itself. The trail skirts the Guilford Revolutionary War site and heads north across Lake Brandt and past Bur-Mil Park. Numerous hiking and mountain bike trails intersect this route. Both the parks are beautiful with picnicking spots, parking, water stations, and restrooms. Two railroad bridges cross serene Lake Brandt and allow you great looks at local wildlife. I saw several turtles, birds, and chip monks.
We parked at Country Park just south of the Guilford Courthouse Park. The online map showed this to be very near the trail's southern terminus. We pedaled north and saved the small southern part for the return trip. We were so glad that we finished the ride heading south beyond the parking area because there's a recently added trail section that's not listed on many guides, and this section cuts right behind some good dinning options, specifically Stamey's famous barbecue. Stamey's has set the standard for Hickory-style barbecue since 1930, and I recommend you stopping in for a sampling of their smoked pork with spicy vinegar sauce. The barbecue coleslaw is a real treat too. If you road hard, you've earned ice cream and peach cobbler so save room!
All in all, this is one of the most fun rides I've had (the Fall foliage and 60-70 degree temperature didn't hurt). Definitely a destination ride, and I hope you'll give it a try. Hotels and shopping are plentiful. I think my next visit may include a day of biking, then another day of hiking.
Greensboro Parks & Recreation Trail Page
Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway Description
Atlantic & Yadkin Map
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Bur-Mil Park
Herbie's Place (Breakfast All Day)
Stamey's Barbeque
Greensboro Visitor's Bureau
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| Heading north from Country Park |
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| Northern Section of Trail |
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| Trail as seen from Bur-Mil Park |
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| Fun Downhill with Curve |
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| Lake Brandt from Rail Road Bridge |
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| Parking at Guilford Courthouse |
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| New Section Near Southern End of Trail |
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