Mine Creek Trail, Sawmill Rd Access, Greenway
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
This natural greenway offers a dual experience with both rugged unpaved trails through woods, along a creek, over bridges, and down to the water's edge, alongside smooth asphalt walkways. It's highly valued for its peaceful atmosphere, exceptional cleanliness, and diverse activity options, including hiking, cycling, and even specific hobbies like RC crawling. It also serves as a connection point to larger trail systems, such as the paved path to Shelly Lake.
Key Highlights
- ✓Offers a versatile terrain with both natural, unpaved trails (through woods, along a creek, over bridges, to water's edge) and paved asphalt walkways.
- ✓The environment is exceptionally clean; reviewers consistently note it is 'not trashed' and 'very clean'.
- ✓Provides a very peaceful and beautiful natural setting.
- ✓Welcomes dogs on the trail.
- ✓Features excellent and easy parking, rated 5/5 by a reviewer.
- ✓Offers opportunities for observing natural wildlife like snakes and deer, particularly during warmer months.
Standout Features
- ⭐The option to choose between natural hiking paths or smooth asphalt walkways allows for varied experiences.
- ⭐Supports unique recreational activities like RC crawling.
- ⭐Serves as a connection point to a larger trail network, including a paved path leading to Shelly Lake (approximately a 45-60 minute walk from this access point).
- ⭐Highly-rated parking (5/5) ensures easy access for families.
- ⭐The environment is consistently noted as very clean and free of trash.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Stroller Use:** Avoid bringing strollers or push cars if you plan to explore the unpaved, natural trail sections.
- →**Wildlife Awareness:** Prepare children for potential encounters with natural wildlife such as snakes and deer, especially in warmer months. Advise them to observe from a distance and not disturb the animals.
- →**Activity Gear:** Consider bringing bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, or RC crawlers to maximize the diverse activity options available.
- →**Cyclist Etiquette:** If cycling, teach children to audibly alert walkers/runners by yelling 'bike on the LEFT' when passing.
- →**Planned Duration:** Factor in a 45-60 minute walking time if your goal is to connect to the paved path leading to Shelly Lake from this Sawmill Rd Access.
Things to Consider
- ⚠The unpaved trail sections are explicitly stated as 'Not good for strollers or any push car etc.', making it challenging for families with infants or young toddlers who require wheeled transport.
- ⚠Parents should be aware of the presence of natural wildlife (snakes, deer) especially during warm months, which might be a concern for some children or parents, though they generally do not bother visitors if undisturbed.
Price & Value
This is a free public greenway and trail system. It offers high value as a no-cost outdoor family activity with diverse options and a well-maintained environment.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •**Strollers/Push Cars:** The unpaved trail sections are explicitly unsuitable for strollers or push cars.
- •**Wheelchairs:** While an 'asphalt walkway' option is mentioned, it is not explicitly clear if this specific access point provides a fully wheelchair-accessible route throughout the entire paved section. The unpaved trails are definitively not wheelchair accessible.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No specific food or drink policies are mentioned in the reviews, suggesting standard public park rules apply (e.g., visitors are generally expected to pack out any trash they generate).
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking is described as excellent and easy, rated 5/5 by a reviewer, indicating ample and convenient spots for visitors.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Described as 'very peaceful' by a reviewer, suggesting it may not be overly crowded, or at least offers periods of tranquility. No specific peak or busy times were mentioned.
🛡️Safety Features
- •**Vehicle Restriction:** Motor vehicles are strictly prohibited on the greenway, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
- •**Traffic Etiquette:** Cyclists are encouraged to announce their presence to walkers/runners by yelling 'bike on the LEFT' to prevent collisions.
- •**Wildlife Interaction Guidance:** Visitors are advised to be mindful of natural inhabitants (snakes, deer) but also reassured that these animals generally do not bother people if left undisturbed, promoting safe coexistence.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If your primary need is stroller accessibility throughout your entire visit, particularly for the more scenic natural trail portions.
- • If your children are highly sensitive to or fearful of encountering natural wildlife (e.g., snakes, deer) in their natural habitat.
What People Say
What's Great
- Clean and well-maintained facilities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Jennifer Aubut
a year agoNear our house and a nice walk in the woods that you walk over bridges and down to the water edge. Not good for strollers or any push car etc. Good for dogs! Its about 45 mins to an hour to link up to the paved path to head to Shelly Lake.
Amber Salvati
10 months agoThis is a beautiful section of unpaved trail that follows the creek. I love it here - it’s very peaceful. Today was hot and I guess the gigantic snake in the creek wanted to cool off too.
Tim Poole
a year agoAbsolutely love coming here!! GREAT place to bring RC crawlers!! Very clean not trashed. And usually when we go out we will pick up any trash we see
Eronger Kornegay
7 years agoWe are all entitled to our own opinions, right? Well here's mine: Parking: 5 Location: 5 Decor/ambiance: na Customer Service: na I love the greenway! EVERY park listed online that has access to the greenway is amazing! One of my personal favorites is the East Fork Mine Creek Trail. Be mindful during the warm months that the natural habitants tend to come out and introduce themselves (snakes, deer’s) but they don’t bother you as long as you don’t bother them. The greenway is PERFECT for cycling, running, roller blading, skateboarding, etc. Motor vehicles are not allowed. Remember to yell “bike on the LEFT” as you proceed pass walkers/runners. Have fun exploring the trails and be sure to check out my vids!
Cindi Shanahan-Jodzio
a year agoYou can just walk on an asphalt walkway or actually do some hiking. It's beautiful, easy to get to and very clean.
Contact Information
401 Sawmill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615, USA
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