Riding Black Creek Greenway

[Winnie]

I attempted a ride on the BCG to Umstead this past weekend, but could not find the entrance to the greenway (more later). I found a short spur to the south that I rode for awhile. I intend to try again this weekend. My understanding is that max speed on the greenways is 10mph so this would be a slow ride. Any interest? (I think I found the entrance across the road from the advertised entrance in Godbold Park.)

[esther-l]

There are 2 distinct parts to the Black Creek greenway. The road that connects the 2 portions is Dynasty Dr. There is a steep hill between the 2 portions on Dynasty.

From where the Black Creek greenway runs into Dynasty Dr from the parking lot across the street from Godbold park, turn Right (east) onto Dynasty. You'll cross Sudbury Rd and go past a couple of parking lots. Turn Left into the entrance for the next portion of greenway.

from the southwest portion of BCG to the northeast portion, there is an uphill (going east) on Dynasty, and then a long steep downhill. There are bike lanes on that portion of Dynasty. Because there are bike lanes, there is no parking allowed on much of Dynasty Dr.

If you use google maps in the hybrid mode, look for Sudbury at Dynasty in Cary, NC 27513. You can see the faint light-colored track of the greenway.

The town has the hike/bike map on their website in a PDF, but it's much more useful to get a paper copy (free) from a bike shop.

This is a popular greenway with walkers and runners. It's very good practice for slowing down, and for avoiding dogs.

if you want a challenging hill, take the bridge to North Cary Park from BCG and go up a very steep hill to that park.

I live 1 - 1.5 miles from BCG.
Esther

[Michelle W]

I have ridden BCG quite a few times to get over into Umstead park. I normally access the greenway from Dynasty Rd. Its a great ride into the park from there. Once you get into the park, its easier to go a bit faster and the road is wider. The road there is a hard packed dirt and not paved like the greenway. I usually ride my mtn bike when I'm doing this route.
Have fun.

[Winnie]

So, if I enter the greenway from the parking lot across from Godbold Park, do I at some point, have to get off and ride on Dynasty Drive to continue north to Umstead? If so, for how long? Would it be easier to get on it from North Cary Park? I do not know Cary at all so I am going by what I see on maps.

[JayC]

Just out of curiosity, how long is the greenway? Might be worth looking into inline skating on it when the weather warms up.

[MarkS]

Here's the best map I've seen of the greenway. It shows Black Creek, Umstead, and Reedy Creek. I guess it depends where you're coming from, but a lot of people park on Old Reedy Creek just below I-40, which puts you at the top of Black Creek, the bottom of Umstead, and near the entrance of the mountain bike trails at Lake Crabtree. You can park at North Cary Park -- just save some energy for the hill going back into the park.

The distances are on the right side of the map. I usually park at the museum, go to the end of Black Creek and back, then go to the end of the Meredith trail and back, which ends up being 28-29 miles. The Black Creek part is 4.3 miles.

http://www.newsobserver.com/content/lifestyles/story_graphics/20060817_greenway_main.pdf

FYI -- here's the N&O's map of Crabtree greenway. They had an article the other day saying they're going to extend the Shelley Lake part all the way to Falls Lake.

http://www.newsobserver.com/content/lifestyles/story_graphics/20060518greenway.pdf

[Winnie]

Great maps! Thanks.

[Bob S.]

I usually park at the Harrison Blvd entrance to Umstead and riding my mountain bike take a left on Reedy Creek to get on the greenway. Returning on Reedy Creek to the Art Museum and then back to the parking lot gives about a 20 mile hilly ride. Umstead is great when it is too windy to hit the open roads.
Bob