Big Creek Greenway: Take a walk on the wildlife side
Published: Mar 17, 2009
Escape the concrete canyons for Big Creek Greenway's concrete path in the woods. It will get you up close and personal to nature in a way that that will cure cabin fever for sure.
Even city dwellers can snatch an intimate look at nature. It's just beyond the mall, across from a school building and nestled next to neighborhoods — you've just got to know where to look. And outdoor enthusiasts can tell you that the Big Creek Greenway in Alpharetta is an easy way to soak up all that nature has to offer.
Nestled within the preserved wetlands of Big Creek is a 6.15-mile paved trail, a wood-chip path and dirt mountain bike and hiking trails. Visitors to the greenway are encouraged to walk, run, rollerblade, bike or even bring their pets (leashed, of course) out on the trail.
There are plans to extend the greenway into other Atlanta-area cities, such as Roswell. For now, it runs parallel to North Point Parkway, from north Webb Bridge Road to the south end of Mansell Road in Alpharetta.
Here you'll find all sorts of wildlife, native wetland plants and trees. (Please stay on the designated paths, and don't cross onto the surrounding soil or into the creek). Sighting bucks, does, blue herons, rabbits, ducks, Canada geese, chipmunks, lizards and wild turkeys is not uncommon.
Feeders are set up along one boardwalk area in order to maximize viewings of wild birds, such as bluebird, brown thrashers and cardinals. There are several bridges which pass over the creek to give heightened views of the water and marsh lands.
Because the paved path is about 12 feet across, it remains passable for the most part of the year, even after heavy rains (although certain times of the year will find large "Do Not Pass" signs placed on the path by authorities). Good footwear is recommended . Depending upon where you enter the greenway, portable toilets and bathrooms are available.
- by Christine Foster, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro
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