Capitol Area Greenway - Report 1: The Gardner Street Trail

Capitol Area Greenway – Report 1: The Gardner Street Trail 0.7 miles


Background:

For those visiting Raleigh and new residents of Raleigh should be aware of the wonderful park system and the “Capitol Area Greenway.”

The “Capitol Area Greenway” is a project in process. Started in March 1974 by the city council of Raleigh it has a master plan to make sure that there is open space for residents throughout the city. It is being built one trail, one park and one community area at a time.

Today the city boasts more than 50 miles of trails connecting many of the more than 3000 acres of city park land.

In 1996 Hurricane Fran badly damaged the parks and trails throughout the city. A clearing and rebuilding was required the years immediately following the storm. Today the city is well underway on its project to create links between the greenways and realize the original plan. Many of the trails are still to be connected, while those that are create wonderful off road access to many parts of the city for bikers, hikers and runners.


The Gardner Street Trail (14): Report 1

How to reach:

The trail is located near downtown, just north of the North Carolina State Campus.

One entry is located at the corner of Pogue Street and Everett Avenue just up the stairs from the Raleigh Rose Garden at the Raleigh Little Theatre. There is usually adequate on street parking near the rose garden, except when a wedding or play is taking place in the rose garden.


The other trail end is located directly behind the Raleigh Parks and Recreation office at Jaycee Park just off Wade Avenue. There is plenty of parking here on most days as it shares the parking lot with a community center.

The trail report:

I started by parking on Pogue Street next to the stairs leading down to the Raleigh Rose Garden at the Raleigh Little Theater. From the top of the steps I could see a see of rose beds with about sixty different types of roses in full bloom.