Four Mile Creek Greenway
A scenic greenway featuring picturesque boardwalks, a tranquil lake, and abundant nature, perfect for walks and family outings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, easy parking
Four Mile Creek Greenway
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, easy parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic greenway featuring picturesque boardwalks, a tranquil lake, and abundant nature, perfect for walks and family outings.
"Beautiful gem! Great walking path with lovely boardwalks and lake views."
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking can be scarce on weekends. Arrive early or consider weekdays for easier access.
👟 Watch for Muddy Spots
Sections can flood after rain. Be prepared for muddy areas, even on paved paths.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Picturesque Boardwalk
Along the creek
Winding wooden paths over water create a serene, immersive nature experience.
Meadow & Lake Views
Towards the end of the trail
The trail opens up to a breathtaking meadow leading to a tranquil lake.
Wildlife Sightings
Throughout the greenway
Keep an eye out for deer and other local fauna often seen close to the path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Trail Conditions & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking can be scarce on weekends. Arrive early or consider weekdays for easier access.
👟 Watch for Muddy Spots
Sections can flood after rain. Be prepared for muddy areas, even on paved paths.
🚴♀️ Cyclist Courtesy
Bikers, please announce 'on your left' to walkers for a safer experience.
stroller Friendly
The paved paths and boardwalks are great for strollers and young children.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking can be scarce on weekends. Arrive early or consider weekdays for easier access.
👟 Watch for Muddy Spots
Sections can flood after rain. Be prepared for muddy areas, even on paved paths.
🚴♀️ Cyclist Courtesy
Bikers, please announce 'on your left' to walkers for a safer experience.
stroller Friendly
The paved paths and boardwalks are great for strollers and young children.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Good walking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore after rain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Four Mile Creek Greenway for its beautiful boardwalks, serene lake views, and family-friendly, stroller-accessible paths. It's a highly regarded spot for nature walks and connecting with the outdoors. Some find parking challenging on busy weekends and note that cyclists should be more vocal when passing.
"Beautiful greenway, love the boardwalk, very stroller friendly ❤️ parking is limited and crowded during the weekend, recommend to visit early or on weekdays."
Sunny Gu
"This is a fairly nice trail! There is little highway noise and has some good sights. It does have a tendency to flood with heavy rain and often gets a bit muddy, even though it is mostly paved or with raised, wooden paths. My only real complaint, is that people on bikes rarely say “on your left” or give any sort of audible warning. So, be conscious and stay to the right. I have been startled quite a few times with cyclists that zip by without warning."
Klaatu
"Beautiful gem!
Great walking path."
NY Gent
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main access point is at 1102 E John St, Matthews, NC 28105. It's well-connected to other greenways like Lower McAlpine Creek and McMullen Creek, offering extended routes. 
Yes, there is parking available, but it can be limited, especially on weekends. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday is recommended to secure a spot.
Absolutely! It connects to the Lower McAlpine Creek and McMullen Creek Greenways, and also has an offshoot to the Ballantyne Corporate Park.
Yes, the greenway is very stroller friendly, featuring paved paths and raised wooden boardwalks, making it ideal for families with young children.
The greenway is accessible from E John Street in Matthews, NC, and connects to areas near Trader Joe's and Ballantyne Corporate Place.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Four Mile Creek Greenway is a public park and is free to enter and use.
As a public greenway, it is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Specific park hours may vary, but it's typically open year-round.
No advance booking or tickets are required to visit Four Mile Creek Greenway. It's a public access area.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions beyond standard park rules. Dogs are welcome but should be leashed.
While the greenway is accessible during daylight hours, it's best to visit during daylight for safety and to fully enjoy the scenery. It's not typically lit for night use.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The greenway features a mix of paved paths and raised wooden boardwalks, offering a comfortable walking surface. However, some sections can become muddy after heavy rain.
You'll find beautiful forested trails, picturesque boardwalks over water, open meadows, and a serene lake. It's a very scenic and varied route.
Restrooms are available within the park, often located near the playground and picnic areas.
Yes, biking is a popular activity here. Just be mindful of other users and give audible warnings when passing.
The greenway boasts a beautiful boardwalk section, a tranquil lake, and is known for occasional wildlife sightings, including deer.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk sections over the creek, the open meadow leading to the lake, and areas with abundant trees offer great photographic opportunities.
Yes, it's excellent for nature photography, with opportunities to capture wildlife like deer, diverse plant life, and scenic water features.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, while mornings can provide soft, diffused light. The changing seasons also offer unique photographic subjects.
Drone usage may be restricted in public parks. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area.
The transition from the wooded trail to the open meadow and the lake itself are particularly scenic and popular for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Keep in mind that parking can be limited on weekends, so an early start is recommended. The trail's varied scenery, from wooded areas to open meadows and a lake, keeps younger visitors engaged. It’s a safe and enjoyable environment for a family outing, offering both activity and a connection with nature.
+1🏃♀️ Runners & Cyclists
+1 The greenway's connectivity to other trails, like the Lower McAlpine Creek and McMullen Creek Greenways, allows for extended routes, perfect for longer workouts. Be aware that sections can get muddy after rain, so check conditions if you're planning a run or ride immediately after heavy precipitation. Also, remember to practice trail etiquette: cyclists should give audible warnings when passing walkers to ensure everyone's safety.
🚶♂️ Leisure Walkers & Dog Owners
While generally peaceful, be mindful of cyclists and give them space. The limited parking on weekends means an early or late visit might be best for a more serene experience. The boardwalks and lake views offer lovely spots to pause and enjoy the surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Greenway Network
This connectivity is a major draw for locals and visitors alike, offering miles of continuous paved and natural surfaces. The greenway also features an offshoot that leads to the Ballantyne Corporate Park, enhancing accessibility for those working or visiting the area. This interconnectedness means you can plan longer excursions, perhaps starting near Carmel Road and ending up in the Ballantyne area, or vice versa. The trails are designed to be multi-use, accommodating walkers, runners, and cyclists. However, it's important to be aware of trail etiquette, particularly for cyclists who should announce their presence to walkers to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for everyone.
For those looking to explore beyond the immediate Four Mile Creek path, understanding these connections is key. It transforms a simple walk into a comprehensive exploration of the local green infrastructure, showcasing how these trails promote active lifestyles and provide access to various parks and amenities.
A Nature Lover's Paradise
This unique feature provides a different perspective than a typical paved trail, making it feel more secluded and tranquil. The sound of running water and the surrounding greenery create a calming atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful escape.As the trail progresses, it opens up into a breathtaking meadow that eventually leads to a serene lake. This transition from dense woods to open space offers a dynamic visual experience. It's also a prime spot for wildlife viewing; many visitors have reported seeing deer grazing peacefully near the path, sometimes coming quite close to people.
+1 This proximity to nature, even within an urban setting, is a highlight for many who visit.Whether you're an avid nature photographer or simply someone who appreciates the outdoors, Four Mile Creek Greenway offers ample opportunities to connect with nature. The diverse scenery, from the creek and boardwalks to the meadow and lake, ensures that each visit can offer new sights and experiences.
+1
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