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 4 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).

Distance: approx. 1 1/4 mile

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

When I left off last time in Part 3 we were just about to cross over 10th Street in order to continue on the way. This is a moderately busy road, so it’s as good as place as any to take a minute and rest. I believe this point is roughly about halfway along the greenway.

Once crossing the street we can continue on the paved path of the greenway.

Throughout some of the rest of the greenway at different points, I can’t help but think of the idea that I’m traveling through someone’s backyard. But, I suppose at least the greenway path itself is considered public property.

But as the greenway path leads to and has its final intersection with a regular road, the path really does seem to go through someone’s yard! Oh well.

(I have been warned by others that this is a “bad area” and to be careful. Now, I don’t know about that for sure and all I can say is that I’ve ridden along the entire length of the greenway several times, and alone every time, and I have not been bothered even once. But, that’s just my experience.)

At the intersection with the road (which I believe is Syracuse Avenue) you
need to take a left. A short distance ahead the road ends and to the right is where the greenway picks back up.

From here I can do a little coasting and cruising.

A little ways up ahead the greenway basically forms from an extended shoulder on the side of another road. Good thing a wooden fence was installed here!

Then a bit more cruising with forest and woods on both sides. During this section in particular I have seen more in the way of wildlife (rabbits, squirrels, birds) than actual greenway travelers.

Not too far ahead is basically what I have considered a little resting spot. There is a short section of paved greenway off to the right and I often stop here for a few moments.

Why stop here and rest?

Because just ahead is the final section of the greenway, which includes a rather steep hill leading up to the bridge to cross over I-581 at Valley View (near the Best Buy).

Next time in Part 5 will be the last installment in exploring Lick Run Greenway, and I think it’s a fitting end to a pretty cool (but exhausting) journey.