Hopping Along the Greenway Clues
Week One Clues
This week our FROGs are exploring the western portion of the Walnut Creek Greenway and Rocky Branch Greenway which is a tributary of Walnut Creek. The clues are listed from West to East, but you can explore the greenway in whatever direction you like!
Think like a FROG as you search:
#1 The Walnut Creek trail on the west side of Avent Ferry is a smooth, but unpaved trail, lots of likely FROG habitat here. This means that you will need to cross the road, from Lake Johnson Park for quieter FROG habitat. Most Frogs like the lakeside of the Path.
#2 Continuing from West to East on the Walnut Creek Greenway, cross Lake Dam Rd as Walnut Creek becomes a burbling stream. Keep your eyes peeled, our Frogs love lakes so the closer you get to Lake Raleigh the more likely you are to find the next one. Our frogs also like magnolias so look for a cluster. (stop by the Raleigh Bike Library—open weekends-- they have clues, snacks, bikes to rent and bike repair.)
If you use the Raleigh Greenway Explorer (or Google maps with the biking layer activated) you can find the best greenway routes to get over to Rocky Branch Trail.
#3 Near the Gatekeepers Cottage Visitor Center there is parking at Dix Park. These beautifully restored 100 year old buildings include restrooms, lovely landscaping and the Attun sculpture to view. (insider tip: The Gipson Play Plaza will be opening within the next 60 days.) Just a quick Hop down the hill to Rocky Branch Greenway. Which way to go? I think our Frog is curious about those new apartments so maybe he is headed that way.
#4 Need a clue or a break? It might be time to grab a coffee and fabulous pastry at Boulted Bread @ 328 DuPont Circle 27603 in Boylan Heights—they have bonus clues for all 4 frogs!
Week Two Clues
In the first week,some of the Frogs were checking out lakes: Lake Raleigh and Lake Johnson. This week most of our Frogs are near bridges and are on along either House Creek or Crabtree Creek Greenways.
This week our direction is West to North as we explore Greenways around the City.
#1 This Frog, Fran, is afraid of heights so (s)he is not going to be hoping across the bridge to the Art Museum. Instead (s)he is going to cruise down along the House Creek Trail. Definitely stopping someplace before getting to Horton St.
# 2 This Frog, Flora, loves House Creek Greenway and will bravely hop along for a while in order to get to the beautiful and restful Marshall Memorial Park. There is a monument where you read about the military history and contributions of Lt. Col. George Marshall, part of the “greatest generation”. There is also a pergola and a granite path to House Creek. We know frogs love water.
# 3 Not too far past Marshall Park the House Creek Greenway joins up with Crabtree Creek Greenway—Head West on Crabtree, under Edwards Mill Rd and over the bridge at Galax. Just down the path our Frog, Fritz has found a spot to rest.
# 4 There is lots to explore as you continue West on the Crabtree Creek greenway; it goes all the way to Umstead park. But before you get that far there is a really cool suspension bridge, the Todd Delk Memorial Bridge! This frog, Flora #2, is a bit hefty so he might not try hopping across the bridge. Look for him on the eastern side of the bridge.
Week Three Clues
This week, we are continuing eastward and north as we explore Raleigh Greenways!
Clue #1: Frog on Crabtree Creek Greenway - Our first Frog is hanging out on Crabtree Creek Greenway, passing the McDonald’s near Crabtree and close to Mile Marker 12 (near the Glenwood bridge).
Clue #2: Frog on Crabtree Creek Greenway - As you continue along Crabtree Creek, the DOT is working on the 440 bridge that passes over the Greenway. The detour is a very steep hill—we wouldn’t do that to you! But just a short way up that detour, you’ll find Frog #2.
If you’re exploring on a weekend, the road probably won’t be blocked, but keep following along!
Clue #3: Frog on Mine Creek Trail - For Frog #3, do a short backtrack and head north up the Mine Creek Trail towards Shelley Lake.
Carefully cross N. Hills Dr and check out the painted sewer caps as you go along. Head a mile or so up this trail, and you’ll find a Frog before you get to Shelley Lake!
Clue #4: Frog on the Shelly Lake Trail = For Frog #4, continue along the east side of the Shelley Lake Trail. When the trail “T’s,” take a right along the East Fork of Mine Creek, towards Lynn Rd.
There is a tunnel under Lynn Rd. Not too far past the tunnel, Frog #4 will be hiding!
Week Four Clues
This week we are continuing eastward along Crabtree Creek Greenway as we continue to explore Raleigh Greenways.
#1, Flora, is hanging out near Kiwanis Park on Crabtree Creek Greenway. She’s near where the bridge crosses Crabtree Creek. Kiwanis Park is a great place to explore. There is a Community Center, a playground, and a dog park…..it is just down a short path off the greenway, but Flora is along the greenway.
#2, Fred, is a hefty fellow and doesn’t look like his other Frog friends, but he is key to our line-up. He is a brave soul and made it across Atlantic heading to some nice wet ground. You don’t have to cross the traffic on Atlantic because the Greenway goes under the road!
#3, Fritz is heading towards Frog heaven, the swamp and he has almost made it there. The boardwalk over the swamp is a great place for seeing heron, turtles, and of course frogs! It can be a bit rickety, so if you see a loose board don’t hesitate to reach out to seeclickfix.com and let folks know!
#4, Fran has made it across Raleigh Boulevard….whew….and that’s an accomplishment for both Frogs and People. You will have to walk along the bridge, and then cross Raleigh Blvd to get to a beautiful part of Crabtree Creek. Keep heading east and between Mile Marker 5.5 and 5, you will find Fran on the Creek side of the path. Keep going down the greenway if you want to check out Lockwood Park, a sweet little playground. And if you are feeling strong, head out to Anderson Point, the confluence of Crabtree Creek with the Neuse River.