Noke News explores parts of Roanoke by foot, equipped with a camera and a notepad, in hopes of learning something new. Perhaps you will too.

This is Part 1 in an Exploring Roanoke series that covers the current (as of Summer 2008) entire 3 1/2 miles of the Lick Run Greenway. The path runs from the Historic Gainsboro sign on the east end of Wells Avenue (across the street from the main entrance to Hotel Roanoke), all the way out to the Valley View Mall area at the 4700 block of Valley View Blvd (near Best Buy).

(For a general introduction to the greenway system in Roanoke, you may want to first visit a previous post.)

Distance: approx. 1/4 mile

My first experience to the greenway system in the Roanoke area was via the Roanoke River Greenway, which I thoroughly enjoy and have been back to visit a number of times over the last several months.

But, there are still other greenways in the Roanoke area which are each unique in their own way, and which are there for all of us to enjoy.

Lick Run Greenway is another such paved path aimed at providing non-motorized travel from the Hotel Roanoke/Downtown Roanoke area to the Valley View area.

The path begins just off of Wells Avenue, at the interesction with Commonwealth Avenue. Look for the “Historic Gainsboro” sign that is across the street from the entrance to Hotel Roanoke. Just to the right of this sign is the beginning of Lick Run Greenway.

The beginning of Lick Run Greenway.

(As for parking, I don’t know of a designated parking lot for greenway travelers, but I usually just parallel park somewhere along Wells Avenue and then venture back to the start.)

The entire pathway of the Lick Run Greenway is paved and about the same width as a single lane of a regular road.

The paved pathway of Lick Run Greenway. Seen to the right is 1-581/Route 220 and the Roanoke Civic Center.

Every time I have used this greenway I have traveled via bicycle and I think it offers a relatively nice and adventurous little commute out to the Valley View area. And all without the use of an automobile.

The greenway path of Lick Run does require crossing a number of actual roadways in order to continue on the way. Some of these crossings are minor because there is little traffic, while a couple others require crossing primary and secondary roadways.

A first roadway crossing along Lick Run Greenway.

The first crossing at Walker Avenue NE (near the intersection with Madison Avenue/2nd Street NE) I’ve always considered as minor, but it still requires stopping and looking both ways before continuing.

In my experience there is relatively little traffic at this crossing, but still stop and look both ways!

Just after crossing the street here there is a moderate incline. At the top the pathways levels out a little and a guardrail has been added for safety.

The path continues right next to a nearby hotel and pool, and during the summertime it’s not uncommon to hear swimmers carrying on just on the other side of the privacy fence.

All the while and just to the right, just beyond a shallow thickness of trees a slight roaring of traffic along Orange Avenue/Route 460 can be heard. After a short distance further there is a clearing and I realize just how close I am to the road!

Orange Avenue/Route 460 as seen from the Lick Run Greenway.

Upcoming is the first set of the major roadway crossings, and probably the most inconvenient of the entire greenway. But, it’s not so bad and will lead to an even more enjoyable section further ahead.

Looking ahead at the approaching first crossing at Gainsboro Road.

Next time in Exploring Roanoke - Lick Run Greenway (Part 2), we’ll cross the street and continue on the way.