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).

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 7 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

Up until this point, Parts 1-6 (approx 2 miles) that I’ve written about, as a whole seem to be the most popular section of the Roanoke River Greenway. But, this is only about 1/3 the length of the overall greenway.

For a little while myself I even thought, as pleasant a walk as it is being primarily along Wiley Drive, that it all ends near the entrance to Roanoke Memorial Hospital. After all, I didn’t see a sign or marker to let me know where to keep going.

So, where’s the rest of the greenway?

This part in the series serves mainly as a way to explain how the Roanoke River Greenway ends, and then starts again, and how to make the connection to keep going.

During Part 6, when the walk on Wiley Drive ends the pathway continues on a sidewalk. Roanoke Memorial Hospital in ahead in the distance, and Rivers Edge Park is on our right side across the street.

Walk under the railroad bridge and cross over Jefferson Street. Then, take a left on Hamilton Terrace and then left again onto Piedmost Street.

A sidewalk on Piedmont Street is on the opposite side of the road, so I typically cross over Piedmont and continue walking. A large parking garage will be on our right.

Walking along Piedmont Street, the greenway and river are ahead on the other side of the road.

Continue walking a short distance on the sidewalk until nearly at a lower entrance to the parking garage. Look across the street for a clearing, marked with red paint on the pavement.

Re-entering the Roanoke River Greenway, Piedmont Street is the road on the right.

This is where the Roanoke River Greenway picks back up, the river is still on our left side.

Getting to this point is a slight inconvenience in requiring having to cross streets and watch for automobiles, but after making the connection once or twice I found it much easier.

There is a bit of the downside part of a hill ahead, and then the path narrows back to the standard greenway widith.

Next up in Part 8: Piedmont Park and maybe a duck crossing.

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 6 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. 1/4 mile

(The first 6 Parts of this series account for about 2 miles of the Roanoke River Greenway.)

At the end of Part 5, we had walked along the section of Wiley Drive to the point where it connects back with a main road, near Rivers Edge Park.

The Open Path

The first aspect that I noticed at this point was the feeling of openess and perhaps being slightly more vulnerable.

Vulnerable to what, really nothing at all. But until now, the majority of the pathway has had a great deal in the way of shady tree cover and I had just grown used to the sense of protection.

Herbert Davies Memorial Bridge (Pedestrian Bridge)

Greenway path leads straight ahead, entrance to the bridge is visible to the left

Along the way is a pedestrian bridge that connects the Roanoke River Greenway path to a playing field on the other side of the river.

The bridge is so named after a city council member from the 1950s, according to a marker that sits in front.

Just after walking by this bridge, the pathway now a regular sidewalk, the greenway continues. Not far ahead, and easily noticed with new pavement, the path deviates a little to the left.

Then, we pass under a train bridge and I believe also the bridge for Old Jefferson Street.

Note: This area has seen construction improvements since my visit. A wood, enclosed walkway system was built directly at the path and beneath these bridges.

An End?

Beyond these bridges, the entrance to Roanoke Memorial Hospital is in sight.

And there is another small bridge to cross which marks the end, at least of this section of the greenway. There is also enough room here to rest for a bit and also turn around for those riding bikes.

Looking back at the apparent end to the Roanoke River Greenway

But, it’s not the real end, as there is actually over 3 miles left of the greenway to walk, ride a bicyle, explore, and enjoy.

But, where to go? I’ll explain that, and and we’ll continue exploring next time.

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 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 (Part 5): approx. 1/8 mile

During Part 4, we had actually taken several steps off of the official path of Wiley Drive and The Roanoke River Greenway in order to take a brief excursion at a clearing along the river’s bank.

But now we’re back on a section of the greenway path that once agains overlaps with Wiley Drive.

Second Bridge Crossing on Wiley Drive

After getting back to the paved road and walking a few steps, I reach the second bridge.

Since re-discovering this area recently, I’ve been riding my bicycle along this path for the past several weeks. And from what I’ve seen on several recent visits to this bridge, fisherman must consider this spot to be particularly good.

Since no automobile traffic is permitted in the Southbound lane (left lane in the photo) there should never be a worry about a passing car interferring when casting a fishing line.

Traveling Under the Route 220 Bridge

Having already crossed 2 bridges on Wiley Drive, now we are about to instead go under 2 more as both Route 220 and Franklin Road pass overhead.

As I make the approach to the first bridge for Route 220, the increasingly constant roaring of traffic above tends to drown out the more pleasant murmur of running river water I had grown accustomed to hearing.

And you’ll want to watch your head while walking under the brige, because as I found out some flying wildlife tends to frequent above in the rafters.

Just beyond this bridge I step off to the side and peer down the open path of moving water.

Mill Mountain provides the green foliage-filled background. And In the foreground is Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hopsital as well as the second bridge where Franklin Road passes overhead.

(Note: On his blog, Chris has taken pictures and written about some recent changes to the Roanoke River area around this section, which wasn’t under development during my original visit.)

The Bridge at Franklin Road, and Leaving Wiley Drive

Moving closer to the bridge.

It’s under this bridge where I was able to capture living proof of the aforementioned flying wildlife.

Pigeons I think, otherwise quite friendly and harmless, don’t tend to look below before taking care of their business.

At this point there is only a handful of steps remaining before we veer away from Wiley Drive and continue on our way.

There is a slight incline and some quaint fanfare in the way of decorative boulders that act as informal markers for this point in the journey.

From the beginning in Wasena Park (Part 1) until now we have traveled about 1 1/2 miles. This entire section is usually quite lively with people either playing in the parks, fishing from the river’s banks, or others just taking a stroll.

Next up, an apparent “end” to the greenway but it’s really just a break of the regular paved path. And I’ll show you how to continue along the way.