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.

Just after walking along the bridge at Walnut Avenue, I set out to check out this bridge along South Jefferson Street which was only a short walk away.

Here are some stillframes of my experience:

An interesting aspect of this old bridge (circa late 1920s according to a plaque) is that the bridge marks the end/beginning of Williamson Road.

This bridge is near what used to be an old mill (left) but I believe a large part of the area seen here has been acquired by Carilion for the expansion of medical facilities.

Looking out from over the edge, I-581/Route 220 seen to the right.

The bridge offers a wonderful view of Mill Mountain.

This old locomotive part, now gone, used to sit off in the brush about a stone's throw from the bridge.

(Note: My visit to the bridge took place some months before this railroad piece was moved, you can read about that in this article.)

Looking back in the direction of the Walnut Avenue bridge.

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.

I associate Walnut Avenue and this bridge as basically being the foot of the mountain leading up to the Mill Mountain Star.

Like other bridges in the Roanoke area, this one seemed to be a joint effort by the City and Railroad to allow passage over the tracks. According to the plaque this one was completed in the 1920s.

Here are a few sights of and from the bridge:

Walnut Avenue bridge in Roanoke, Mill Mountain (and off in the distance The Star) seen in the background.

Plaque at the Walnut Avenue bridge in Roanoke (which could use a polishing/cleaning).

The start of Williamson Road seen to the right.

View of the railroad tracks below, and I-581/Route 220 in the background.

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.

When I travel to and through the downtown area I usually approach via Salem Avenue. And over the past several months I have noticed activity going on over near the railroad tracks at an area known in Roanoke as Warehouse Row.

Warehouse Row is basically a string of old buildings from the earlier days of downtown Roanoke.  The old fashioned brick and mortar kind of builings. And, for as long as I can remember some of the buildings have been vacant.

But, that appears to be changing for a few buildings. Let’s check it out in pictures (at least from the outside):

At the western end along Norfolk Avenue there is a sign on one of the buildings that calls a section of the area as Row By The Rail. This is a project by a local realtor to renovate some of the buildings into rather upscale living enviornments.

And the first noticeable aspect is the colorful paint jobs that differentiate each of the buildings.

The colors are what first caught my eye. And on the backside (the side facing the railroad tracks) each building also has the appearance of fresh, clean paint.

Back to the front and approaching the entrance, there is both stairs and ramp access.

The elevated walkway leads to the front doors of each place. The walkway continues the entire length of Warehouse Row.

Windows above feature a windowsill with blooming flowers.

Walking a bit further.

Walking down another set of stairs and away for a better view.

Back to the walkway and continuing walking. I’m not sure to what extent the next couple buildings are occupied. Towards the end is office space, including the white building of the corporate headquarters of HSMM AECOM, an architectural and engineering firm which was founded in Roanoke.

As I leave, stepping aside again for an overall view of the eastern end of Warehouse Row, with the Wachovia Tower and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge in the background.

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.

In a previous post I uploaded a photo which was a view from the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Bridge in downtown Roanoke.

But, as of yet on this site I have not made mention of the bridge itself or the thoughtfully crafted patio area and statue which stands on the end near Shenandoah Ave.

Let’s check it out:

We’ll start on the side facing Salem Avenue at the intersection with 2nd Street. The entrance to the bridge is marked with a pair of brick columns, one on each side.

A plaque has also been placed on each column designating the bridge in memorial a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

An entrance to the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Bridge, at the intersection of Salem Avenue and 2nd Street SW.

The bridge I believe is entirely for pedestrian (foot traffic) use only, no bicycles or skateboards are permitted. The floor of the bridge is in the form of wooden planks which gives it an antique feel.

Walking on the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Bridge in downtown Roanoke.

Along the way while walking upwards, if we stop for a moment and look over to the right, there’s an elevated view looking down at a section of The Railwalk.

View of The Railwalk from the bridge.

And near the middle and highest part of the bridge there’s an excellent view of the railroad tracks below, as well as the Wachovia Tower in the background.

View of the railroad tracks below and the Wachovia Tower in the background.

After reaching the other end of the bridge (near Shenandoah Avenue) there’s a statue of Dr. King, which is surrounded by a patio area. It’s a quaint little space for gathering or with benches for sitting.

Statue of Martin Luther King Jr in downtown Roanoke.

A closer look at the lower part of the statue reveals a thoughtfully engraved scene with rather amazing detail. I stood for a short while further admiring the memorial itself, which very much exceeds my expectations.

Engraving on the lower section of the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Statue in downtown Roanoke.

Then, I started heading back the same way we originally came up. I snapped one final photo looking directly out from the bridge and onto a part of downtown Roanoke.

View from the bridge looking out onto part of downtown Roanoke.

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 10 in an Exploring Roanoke series that covers: the current (as of May, 2008) entire nearly 6 miles of the Roanoke River Greenway, Wasena Park, The Skate Park, Smith Park, Piedmont Park, and lots of scenery along the way.

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

Distance: approx. 2 1/2 miles

At the end of Part 9, we had just visited the last (Piedmont Park) of 3 Roanoke parks that rest adjacent to the Roanoke River Greenway.

Now, all that remains for the final leg of the journey is primarily in the way of beautiful scenery. 

Let’s finish the walk with these pictures:

Leaving Piedmonst Park and a final glimpse at Mill Mountain in the background.

Continuing on the way, led by fences on one or both sides throughout much of the pathway.

Looking ahead to the bridge at 9th Street S.E.

Walking closer to the bridge at 9th Street, S.E. with the Roanoke River just to the left. A guardrail has been installed for safety.

Passing under the bridge.

Once again decorative fences help guide the way.

The end is in sight, approaching the bridge at Bennington Street and 13th Street, S.E.

Walking under the bridge, then back up to the top.

The end (or beginning) of the Roanoke River Greenway.

That concludes the Roanoke River Greenway, about 5 3/4 miles (and 60 pictures altogether) of a very special and unique walkway I think we as Roanokers are fortunate to have.

I’ll end the series on a lighter note, in response to a question I’ve been asked. Yes, I did walk the entire pathway (from one beginning to the other, and back) in one afternoon in order for the pictures and overall weather setting to remain consistent throughout.

To say I was tired at the end is an understatement, but I hope all of the posts put together make for an entertaining journey that really only amounts to taking a walk down by the River.

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 9 in an Exploring Roanoke series that covers: the current (as of May, 2008) entire nearly 6 miles of the Roanoke River Greenway, Wasena Park, The Skate Park, Smith Park, Piedmont Park, and lots of scenery along the way.

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

Distance: approx. 1/2 mile

Last time in Part 8, we had just passed the landmark of the bridge on Walnut Avenue.

The next notable stop is for Piedmont Park, which isn’t too far ahead, but along the way the path itself is rather thoughtfully distinguishing.

A wooden fance acts as a guard rail as well as leads the way.

Just ahead is an intersection with Arbor Avenue.

A blockage parallel to the pathway marks an interesction with Arbor Avenue

After a short walk further we reach Piedmont Park, which directly borders the greenway.

I step slightly off the path to grab a picture of the main entrance to the park.

The entrance to Piedmont Park, the greenway runs in the background just behind the sitting space that appears to the left in the picture.) alt=

A Familiar Rumbling

Now back to the path and walking towards and alongside the park. I once again hear a familiar rumbling in the not to distant background.

As seen from the greenway path, a train passes by on the other side of the River.

And, there on the other side of the river I saw a train passing by. Roanoke’s heritage in the railroad industry means that just about anywhere you go in the City (even via foot on a greenway) you’re bound to hear or come into contact with a train quite frequently.

Piedmont Park

The greenway path runs alongside Piedmont Park to the left, and for slightly more wary travelers there’s a bench for brief resting.

Piedmont Park alongside the Roanoke River Greenway.

The large clump of trees in the background is of course Mill Mountain, and at this distance the Star is viewable even when not shining. I can only imagine the view at a little before dusk if walking along this way. (I’ll have to take that picture for a future post!)

Mill Mountain and the Star as seen from the Roanoke River Greenway.

Back to the path and walking again, there’s still a moderate way to go. And, I think next time I may finish up this Exploring Roanoke - The Roanoke River Greenway series primiarily with pictures and with a few notes along the way.

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.

I’ve spent several posts exploring the Roanoke River Greenway over the last several weeks, and I’m not finished with that series yet, but I wanted to take a slight detour and check out another area landmark that is Wasena Bridge.

Plaque on Wasena Bridge

I actually took these pictures back in late April and the views that the bridge provides (of Wasena Park and part of the Roanoke River Greenway) are what ultimately led me to walk down there and see what this greenway stuff was all about.

Wasena Bridge is located as part of Main Street SW, with one end sitting at the intersection of Ferdinand and Elm Avenues.

Traveling on the Wasena Bridge

Like other bridges in the Roanoke area, this one was constructed to provide a way over the Roanoke River and nearby railroad tracks.

A view from the Wasena Bridge

And of course the bridge gives a great view of one side of Wasena Park. In the background, just in front of the row of trees is the Roanoke River Greenway.

Wasena Park as seen from the Wasena Bridge

Speaking of that greenway, we’ll explore another section of it next week.

In the meantime, have a great weekend!

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 8 in an Exploring Roanoke series that covers: the current (as of May, 2008) entire nearly 6 miles of the Roanoke River Greenway, Wasena Park, The Skate Park, Smith Park, Piedmont Park, and lots of scenery along the way.

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

Distance: approx. 1/2 mile

Last time in Part 7, where the greenway appears to end near Roanoke Memorial Hospital, we took a slight detour to continue on our way.

After the break in the path, the greenway starts once again.

In my experience, this section of the greenway has considerably less foot and bicycle traffic than the previous sections (starting with Part 1).

However, along this way the Roanoke River is still never more than about a stone’s throw from the pathway. So, at anytime a slight diversion down at the water’s edge is only a handful of steps away.

Let’s continue the journey:

Close encounters with area citizens

As noticed in the last picture from Part 7, the pathway actually seems to nearly lead through the yards of some Roanoke residents.

In fact, at one point ahead a house is so close to the greenway path that I comfortably offered a friendly “Hello” to the owner without having to raise my voice even slightly.

I suppose they are used to passerbys.

Duck Crossing

Not too far ahead is where I encountered an unmarked duck crossing. I had seen them crossing the path before but wasn’t able to react quick enough to snap a photo.

But this time, (when actually on my way back coming in the opposite direction) the last duck moved just slow enough that I was able to capture the moment.

The last of a group of ducks cross the greenway path from the river to the backyard of a nearby house.

They seemed to congregate in the backyard of a nearby house and I can only assume that dinnertime was approaching via some free handouts from a friendly citizen.

Onward, a notable marker to the side of the path is a fenced off electrical site.

This electrical site marks about the halfway point along the Roanoke River Greenway

I only mention it as a way to designate distance traveled, which by my calculations bring us to a total of about 2 3/4 miles since everything started at Wasena Park.

Bridge at Walnut Avenue

In the background of the photo is also the bridge along Walnut Avenue. After walking a little bit further the bridge comes into better view.

Walnut Avenue bridge as seen from the Roanoke River Greenway

As many of you probably already know, the road that is Walnut Avenue here eventually leads up Mill Mountain and to the Star just a few short miles from this point.

Though it’s not part of the actual path I decided to climb the moderate hill to the right and up onto the sidewalk, and then to the bridge for some better views.

And the bridge very graciously provided an excellent view of where we had come from so far.

Looking back from the Walnut Avenue bridge onto the greenway in the direction of Roanoke Memorial Hospital

As well as a peek of what was ahead, and Piedmont Park is off in the distance a little bit out of sight.

Looking ahead onto the greenway from the Walnut Avenue bridge

But, we’ll check it out next time in Exploring Roanoke - The Roanoke River Greenway (Part 9).