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 2 in an Exploring Roanoke series that covers the current (as of Summer 2008) entire 3 1/2 miles of Lick Run Greenway. The path runs from the Historic Gainsboro sign on the East end of Wells Avenue (near the large water fountain), all the way out to the Valley View 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

I know the temperatures outside have certainly dropped off in recent days, so the greenways around Roanoke may not be used as much as during the Spring and Summer months. But, I’ve already started the journey in exploring this path and I might as well keep going.

You ready?

Last time, in Part 1, we stopped just at the main intersection along Route 460/Orange Avenue which must be crossed in order to continue on the way. First, we need to cross Gainsboro Road.

Then turn to the right, and look ahead across the street to see the section of the greenway path pick back up.

Looking across Orange Avenue.

This requires crossing of Orange Avenue which is fairly busy just about anytime of the day. I just wait for the signals and then hurry my way across.

Upon reaching the other side it’s a good idea to maintain all of the momentum you can because there is a rather steep incline ahead. The path goes up and then over the left as you make your way to the top. Burrell Street is to the right.

Don’t worry, when you do reach the top the path for the most part levels out. At this point we are in the vicinity of the Booker T Washington Park Pool.

Still winded from peddling up the hill I usually coast through this section as much as possible. There is another relatively minor road crossing ahead, I believe it’s Carver Avenue.

After crossing I hear a loud roar coming from overhead. And upon looking up I see an airplane making its way to Roanoke’s own quaint little airport.

The plane helps to remind me that we are traveling in that direction. After a little further ahead the path leads through a series of wooded and rather secluded sections. But first, the path follows along the edge of the woods on the side of a large field.

There is a school in the background and as I go further along the hustle and bustle of traffic from cars on Orange Avenue gets less and less.

Shortly past the next bend the path seems to disappear temporarily amongst the trees, as the greenway does lead right in the middle of the woods.

Look scary? Well, I’ve actually seen more animals (squirrels, rabbits, and even deer) than people along this section and most of the greenway. In fact, I had to clamp down on the bike brakes to avoid hitting a squirrel one-time. That was a first for me when riding a bike!

On that note, I’ll stop here for a moment and pick back up next time in Exploring Roanoke - Lick Run Greenway (Part 3).