I have a subconscious definition of a greenway and I've considered how to express that over the last couple of days. I referenced Webster's and wasn't thrilled with their definition, but still, I haven't been able to perfectly articulate mine either. So even though I don't have a perfect, concise definition, I know what a greenway is, and when I rode the Catawba River Greenway, I knew this epitomized the greenway concept. I enjoyed hopping on the trail by a restaurant and boat ramp, riding along the river, through the woods, past the sports fields, back along the river past the overlooks, past more fields, through downtown's river walk, and up to the river and woods again. But, how much better is it for the locals who can walk from their softball game down to the park for a picnic? Or the parents attending soccer and t-ball games, then walking to the river walk for dinner? Or the people nearby who want a safe, accessible natural space for a little exercise? The Catawba River Greenway is done right.
Specific to our ride:
We started at Judge's by the River on the south end of the Greenway. We logged 4 miles to the north end. Trail was wide (`8ft) and well maintained. Mostly flat with just a few hills approaching the north end. Judge's had outdoor seating on the Catawba and from the smell, amazing pork barbeque. We weren't hungry for lunch, but Mrs Rusty has eaten there before and gives it the blue star seal. There were restrooms at Judge's and at the adjacent ball fields. More restrooms, water, and Coke machines are on the river walk downtown. The river walk also hosts another restaurant with outdoor seating, I believe called Friday Friends. We rode up and back, took the loop around the ball fields, then took the Freedom Park spur (slight hills) which put us at 10 miles for the day. We found abundant rest stops along the way - benches and picnic tables. We really like this ride and will hit it again if we're in the area. We may even bring a canoe and doing a little exploring of the river. Not enough distance to recommend a long road trip, but if you're close to Western North Carolina, check it out.Judge's
City of Morganton Website, Catawba River Greenway
Google Map of Catawba River Greenway
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| River Overlook |
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| Disc Golf Course on the Right |
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| One of Several Converted Railroad Bridges |
