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 5 (and the last part) 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. 1/2 mile

Last time in Part 4 I had made the recommendation to take a break at this little paved area to the right. The last leg of the greenway is just ahead.

By now, I start to hear cars and trucks off in the distance from travelers on I-581.

This is the bottom of the hill that leads up to the top and the bridge that crosses over I-581. The path ahead cruves to the right and then back to the left and is a rather steep incline.

(The first time I rode the greenway I was not prepared for the hill and was pretty well tired by the time I got to the top!)

At the top of the hill is a fenced-in section that parallels the ramp from the valley View area back onto I-581. Cars zoom past just on the other side of the fence.

From this vantage point, there is a great view of I-581 going north.

View of I-581 North from the Lick Run Greenway.

After crossing the bridge over the interstate the greenway comes out right in front of the shopping center with Best Buy.

This is where the greenway actually ends (or begins again).

End (or beginning) of Lick Run Greenway.

I will say that from this point traveling back to the “start” near Hotel Roanoke seems much easier, because now I get to ride down the hills!

A complete round-trip of the Lick Run Greenway is about 7 miles.

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.

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 3 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. 3/4 mile

When I left off last time in Part 2, things were just about to get a little more interesting as the greenway path leads directly through a section of the nearby forest.

Along the way here I have actually encountered more life in the form of scurrying wildlife, than of fellow greenway travelers. For a short while I even forget where I’m at because the only real signs of civilization in sight is the very path I’m traveling on.

Eventually, a little ways ahead a short wooden fence has been established to help guide the way. Small touches like this are probably unnecessary, but overall are a nice addition to the greenways I think.

Not too far ahead there is a clearing.

Then, I begin to notice the first signs of a playground area.

And it turns out to be a familiar place, indeed. I have reached Brown-Robertson Park (which I had visited and wrote about long before having traveled along the greenway.)

The greenway path continues along the side of the park, with the play areas and basketball court off to the right. Occasionally, I have observed a game being played as I zip on by riding my bike.

But soon enough I’ll have to slow down and stop briefly, as another road crossing is coming up. This is the crossing of 10th Street SW and is a relatively heavy traveled road.

It’s usually around this spot that I rest for a few minutes before crossing the street and continuing on my way. I believe this is roughly around the halfway point of the greenway.

So, I’ll stop here for now and pick back up next time. There is still probably 2 more parts left in this series including the culmination of being able to safely cross over I-581/Route 220 while looking down at the cars speeding past below.

Very cool, and worth the journey I think. We’ll work our way towards the end in Exploring Roanoke - Lick Run Greenway (Part 4).

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).

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.

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.