Charlotte, January 14, 2026
Mecklenburg County is advancing its greenway network with recent openings and constructions that enhance recreational access and alternative transportation routes. Significant projects include the reopening of the Liz Hair Trail and new trail segments such as the Paw Creek Greenway. These improvements reflect the county’s commitment to community connectivity and outdoor activities, with a long-term goal of expanding the greenway system to 308 miles.
Charlotte
Mecklenburg County Accelerates Greenway Network Expansion with Recent Openings and Active Construction
Mecklenburg County’s extensive greenway network is undergoing a significant expansion, with several new and improved sections recently opened to the public and numerous projects actively under construction. These additions are enhancing recreational opportunities and providing alternative transportation routes across the county, reflecting a sustained commitment to connecting communities and promoting outdoor activity. Currently, the county boasts 74 miles of completed greenway trails, with an additional 20 miles presently under construction, signifying robust progress towards its long-term development goals.
Recent Achievements in Greenway Development
Major Reopening: Liz Hair Trail
A significant milestone was achieved in March 2025 with the reopening of the Liz Hair Trail section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. This highly anticipated section underwent an extensive three-year, $18 million renovation. The improvements now provide an uninterrupted 16-mile trail that stretches from the South Carolina state line in Pineville all the way to Cordelia Park in NoDa. This completed segment significantly bolsters the connectivity of the county’s greenway system, offering a continuous pathway for residents and visitors.
New Trail Segments and Improvements
April 2025 saw the opening of approximately 1.5 miles of new paved greenway trail, which has improved pedestrian access to Primm and Oakdale roads. This development was accompanied by two miles of crucial stream improvements. Concurrently, efforts are underway to enhance existing paths within Oak Hills Park and to establish a new parking lot at Oakdale Road, with both improvements anticipated to be completed by summer 2025.
Connecting Neighborhoods: Paw Creek Greenway
The Paw Creek Greenway officially opened to the public in summer 2025. This 1.5-mile segment, extending from Little Rock Road to Loy Court, marks the first funded phase of the Paw Creek Greenway and serves as a vital link connecting Robert L. Smith Park with its surrounding neighborhoods. Plans include the installation of wayfinding signage for this greenway, expected to be in place by summer 2025, further aiding public navigation.
Stewart Creek Greenway Enhancements
Further expanding the county’s trail offerings, new sections of the Stewart Creek Greenway opened in March 2025. These additions include a 0.5-mile path along Stewart Creek and a one-mile trail along the Stewart Creek Tributary, both located at Luther King, Jr. Park, providing more options for local recreation.
Expanded Connectivity: McAlpine/McMullen/Four Mile Creek System
In December 2025, a key greenway trail project was completed, which expanded the combined McAlpine, McMullen, and Four Mile Creek greenway system to a total length of 7.5 miles. This project also included the addition of a new parking lot, enhancing accessibility for users of this interconnected trail network.
Current Construction and Future Outlook
Briar Creek Greenway’s Phased Approach
Construction on Phase 1 of the Briar Creek Greenway, which will span from Bay Street in Chantilly to Monroe Road, began in summer 2025 and is projected to be completed by mid-2026. This phase is expected to add 0.5 miles to the greenway system. The entire Briar Creek Greenway project, connecting the existing greenway at Masonic Drive to Monroe Road, is designed to provide 1.6 miles of new greenway. This project has been strategically divided into three phases to facilitate efficient land acquisition and ensure coordinated development with other major infrastructure initiatives, including the NCDOT Highway 74 and CATS Silver Line projects.
Reedy Creek Greenway: Integrating Nature
The Reedy Creek Greenway is presently under construction, with plans to add approximately 3.25 miles of trail. This new section will connect the community to the Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve. Due to its passage through a nature preserve, the project requires meticulous attention to protect the natural environment, and its construction is anticipated to be complete by summer 2025.
The Broader Impact of Mecklenburg County Greenways
Community Demand and Prioritization
The ongoing expansion of Mecklenburg County’s greenway system is a direct response to consistent and widespread community demand. Surveys conducted over several years have consistently shown that residents prioritize greenways as their most requested amenity, with over 76% listing them as their top choice for recreational facilities. Organizers are actively prioritizing the demand for green space, especially given that an estimated 16 million people are projected to visit park and recreation amenities across the county.
Health, Environment, and Economic Benefits
Greenways offer a multitude of benefits beyond recreation. They serve as valuable linear parks that connect people and places, fostering opportunities for physical activity, providing alternative transportation options, and enhancing overall fitness. Environmentally, these trails function as vegetated natural buffers, which are crucial for promoting water quality, helping to reduce the impacts of urban flooding, and providing essential wildlife habitats. Moreover, greenway development also contributes positively to the local economy.
Long-Term Vision and Strategic Planning
Mecklenburg County holds an ambitious long-term vision for its greenway system, aiming for a comprehensive network totaling 308 miles as outlined in its master plan. The county has set a goal to construct at least 10 miles of greenways annually to steadily advance towards this objective. To ensure cost-efficiency and streamline development, county planners are now integrating greenway planning into early stages of urban development. This involves coordinating with city rezoning efforts to ensure that future parks and greenways are considered from the outset, which helps to manage land acquisition costs effectively. This forward-thinking approach is crucial for achieving a fully connected and accessible greenway system that benefits all residents for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the current total mileage of completed greenways in Mecklenburg County?
- Mecklenburg County currently boasts 74 miles of completed greenway trails.
- How many miles of greenway are currently under construction?
- An additional 20 miles of greenway are presently under construction in Mecklenburg County.
- When did the Liz Hair Trail section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway reopen?
- The Liz Hair Trail section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway reopened in March 2025.
- What was the cost of the renovation for the Liz Hair Trail section?
- The renovation for the Liz Hair Trail section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway cost $18 million.
- How long is the uninterrupted Liz Hair Trail section now?
- The Liz Hair Trail section now provides an uninterrupted 16-mile trail stretching from the South Carolina state line in Pineville to Cordelia Park in NoDa.
- When did the Paw Creek Greenway open to the public?
- The Paw Creek Greenway opened to the public in summer 2025.
- How long is the newly opened section of the Paw Creek Greenway?
- The newly opened section of the Paw Creek Greenway is 1.5 miles long.
- What is the anticipated completion date for Phase 1 of the Briar Creek Greenway (Bay Street to Monroe Road)?
- Phase 1 of the Briar Creek Greenway (Bay Street to Monroe Road) is anticipated to be complete by mid-2026.
- What is Mecklenburg County’s long-term master plan goal for greenway mileage?
- Mecklenburg County’s long-term master plan goal is to achieve a comprehensive greenway network totaling 308 miles.
- What is the annual construction goal for greenways in Mecklenburg County?
- The county’s objective is to construct at least 10 miles of greenways annually.
Key Features of Mecklenburg County Greenway Expansion
| Greenway Project/Feature | Key Detail | Completion/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Completed Greenway Mileage | 74 miles of trails | As of current reporting |
| Overall Greenways Under Construction | 20 miles of trails | Ongoing |
| Liz Hair Trail (Little Sugar Creek Greenway) | Uninterrupted 16-mile trail from SC state line to Cordelia Park; $18 million renovation | Reopened March 2025 |
| New Paved Greenway Trails | 1.5 miles, improved pedestrian access to Primm and Oakdale roads; 2 miles stream improvements | Opened April 2025 |
| Oak Hills Park & Oakdale Road Parking | Improved existing paths and new parking lot | Anticipated completion Summer 2025 |
| Paw Creek Greenway | 1.5-mile segment from Little Rock Road to Loy Court, connecting Robert L. Smith Park | Opened Summer 2025; signage by Summer 2025 |
| Stewart Creek Greenway & Tributary | 0.5-mile along Stewart Creek, 1-mile along Tributary at Luther King, Jr. Park | Opened March 2025 |
| McAlpine/McMullen/Four Mile Creek System | Expanded to 7.5 miles; new parking lot included | Opened December 2025 |
| Briar Creek Greenway Phase 1 (Bay Street to Monroe Road) | 0.5 miles added | Construction began Summer 2025, anticipated completion Mid-2026 |
| Reedy Creek Greenway | 3.25 miles connecting to Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve | Under construction, expected completion Summer 2025 |
| Master Plan Greenway Goal (Mecklenburg County) | 308 miles of comprehensive network | Long-term objective |
| Annual Construction Goal (Mecklenburg County) | At least 10 miles of greenways | County objective |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte’s Community Development Insights for South Carolina
Charlotte Experiences Heavy Rainfall Leading to Flash Flooding
New Section of Stewart Creek Greenway Opened in Charlotte
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
