Roanoke Parks and Recreation is proud to announce the opening of the brand new Read Mountain Greenway. This scenic section of greenway is nearly two-thirds of a mile long and the first in Northeast Roanoke.
“It is the start of a connection into Northeast via Tinker Creek Greenway that will bring bicycle and pedestrian connectivity from Northeast to the rest of the City and greenway system,” said Renee Powers, Roanoke Parks and Recreation Trails and Greenway Coordinator. “This connection will allow for bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to Blue Hills Industrial Park and be another connection to Roanoke County when complete.” Along with Powers, Josephus Johnson-Koroma with the Engineering Division and Sean Adkins with Economic Development played major roles in the completion of this project. City and grant funding made this project possible.
“It’s always exciting to start a brand new greenway!” Powers commented. Read Mountain is the seventh greenway in PLAY Roanoke’s system. “This section is probably the most scenic in our entire system.” In fact, that’s likely what users will first notice. The greenway is surrounded by rolling hills and provides an unobstructed view of Read Mountain. It is far enough off the beaten path that the only sounds you’re likely to hear are birds singing and insects chirping.
While this new greenway is currently freestanding, there are plans to connect it to the Tinker Creek Greenway at Mason Mill Park and Read Mountain Preserve in Roanoke County. Construction on this project began in 2019 and included not only the greenway, but also an expansion of Blue Hills Drive through the industrial park. Businesses along the Blue Hills Drive now have access to safe recreation right outside their buildings.
The Department is working on GPS coordinates and a map and will post those as soon as they’re available. In the meantime, the greenway is located at the end of Blue Hills Drive, and on-street parking is available.
