ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, August 2, 1996 TAG: 9608020003
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: THOMAS C. FISHER JR.
TALK OF greenways in the Roanoke Valley continues to attract but little attention. The problem may be that the Roanoke Valley simply may not possess the proper site for a suitable greenway. Greenways have been successful in communities possessing an abandoned canal bed, railroad or interurban right-of-way that was available for other use.
For example, a great opportunity for a greenway in the Roanoke Valley would be for Norfolk Southern Railway to abandon its belt line tracks along the Roanoke River from Franklin Road, through Wasena Park to East Salem, a distance of about 6 miles.
In the absence of such a bonanza is a trail to begin at the end of Walnut Hill and follow the Fishburn Parkway to the top of Mill Mountain and then down Prospect Road to the starting point.
Already popular with hikers and bikers is the perimeter road in the watershed at Carvins Cove that connects the picnic and parking area with the entrance to the cove area at the Bennett Springs exit - a distance of about 6 miles that traverses a wilderness area that saw its last habitation 65 years ago.
Another opportunity is trails from the Roanoke Mountain Campground crossing Yellow Mountain Road at Kepplewood and proceeding through the woods to the point where the Fishburn Parkway intersects to Mill Mountain spur. Or the greenway could be continued to the vicinity of the Mill Mountain Zoo.
The above are just ideas from someone who has walked in these woods for many years. However, I believe the belt line is the best possibility.
Thomas C. Fisher Jr. of Roanoke is a former Roanoke County School Board member.
LENGTH: Short : 40 linesby CNB