Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapIt has been said that it takes a village to build a rail-trail. In the case of the 1.8-mile V&E Greenline, the village in question is the Vollintine-Evergreen neighborhood. Banding together in the mid-1990s to transform the abandoned railroad corridor into a public green space, this Memphis community continues to maintain and improve the popular trail. During regular Spruce up the Greenline days, volunteers remove debris, rake leaves, plant trees and tend community gardens along this verdant route.
A perfect outlet for those seeking a quiet retreat from city life, the trail provides a safe haven for walkers, runners and cyclists. The route comprises eight contiguous sections: the Springs, the Cut, the Gardens, the Arbors, Lick Creek, Utility Park, West Creek and the West End.
From the east, the shady Springs segment runs between Springdale Street and Jackson Avenue, emerging from the tree canopy on the Cut, a sunken segment where native plants and invasive kudzu do battle.
Across McLean is the Gardens, where more than 30 flower varieties reach their colorful best between February and November. Stop and smell the flowers before continuing to the Arbors, which boasts 15 tree species. Volunteers transplanted many of the latter in July 2003 after hurricane-force winds destroyed hundreds of area trees.
Next in line, Lick Creek, Utility Park and West Creek center on manmade highlights. Adjacent to Auburndale and Evergreen streets, Lick Creek Bridge was built with local help by Keeler Iron Works to replace the original span, which was removed when the railroad stopped running.
Utility Park is an oak-dotted flat that borders a Memphis Light, Gas & Water pumping facility. West Creek Bridge runs behind the Woodmont Towers apartment complex, providing residents with easy trail access.
The route ends at Watkins Street and North Parkway in West End, where residential homes line flanking slopes. Take a stroll along this leafy oasis and you'll understand the parental pride of its urban keepers.
The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) public transportation system provides access to the trail. Visit the MATA website to use their trip planner feature. Refer to the TrailLink map for detailed directions to the trailheads and to find the most convenient bus stop for your trail adventure.
There is no parking designated for the trail.
Looking for trails to use my new Kickbike. It's as if the Kick bikes were designed for rails to trails exploring. http://www.bikemania.biz/catalogsearch/advanced/result/?manufacturer[]=1356
They are completely renovating the old Art Deco Sears into a vibrant business district. Seems a good destination for the Valentine/Greenlaw trail.
Looking for trails to use my new Kickbike. It's as if the Kick bikes were designed for rails to trails exploring. http://www.bikemania.biz/catalogsearch/advanced/result/?manufacturer[]=1356
They are completely renovating the old Art Deco Sears into a vibrant business district. Seems a good destination for the Valentine/Greenlaw trail.
This is a wonderful walking/jogging trail with the ability to ride a bike as well-just don't expect smooth asphalt!
Complete community volunteer efforts and funding make this old rail line a treasure. Rhodes College at one end, and the massive Sears building at the other, anchor this tucked away trail.
Cinders still mark the bed and the occasional rail-tie shows up by the roadside showing its history. The trail crosses two creeks on fine metal bridges donated by local companies. It also has a stretch where the original line was dug below the surrounding land so that now the trees tower above and arch over the line.
A great amenity for the surrounding neighborhoods!
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
