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Endor Iron Furnace Greenway runs along Big Buffalo Creek on the west side of Sanford, which sits about 40 miles southwest of Raleigh. The paved trail begins at Kiwanis Family Park, which offers a playground and picnic tables. From there, it meanders north for a little over a mile to end near Douglas Drive. Within easy reach of the trail, you'll find shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.
As its name implies, the trail is planned to link to the Endor Iron Furnace, a historical site from the Civil War that lies along the Deep River. Other hopes include expanding the trail east to Central Carolina Hospital and the city's downtown.
Parking is available at Kiwanis Family Park (1800 Wicker Street) on the trail's southern end.
As mentioned, parking areas are somewhat hard to find. You have a couple of options for parking - park in the very back of the Timberwood Apartment Complex located off Wicker Street. There is also a parking area close to the intersection of Carbonton Rd and Halifax located at approximately 700 Carbonton Road. You may also choose to connect from the Kiwanis Parking area located off of Wicker Street (this connection is tricky to find and is not rollerblade friendly). There are also random locations along the trail that offer an opportunity to connect. The trail runs along the back side of Applebees, First Bank and Frank Theatres Spring Lane.
In terms of rollerblading - I would probably only do the section from 700 Carbonton and head NW (along Carbonton Road and under the overpass). The section from the Timberwood Apts. to 700 Carbonton is a little rough. It is definitely doable, but not the smoothest riding.
Its a good trail. There are some road crossings to be aware of and it does run through the shopping center. All-in-all it works as a nice paved trail. If blading, please keep in mind there are some hills along the trail. Please be sure to have good brakes and know how to brake properly down hills.
Happy Trails!
I had a hard time finding the trail head as there were no signs marking it and being from out-of-town, I didn't know where you could park to get on it. I happened to find a gentleman who was helpful enough to get me on the right direction. The trail itself is nice, except going through the shopping center and crossing a busy road. They have done a nice job on most of the trail making it look nice except the shopping center part.
If you are parking at Kiwanis Park, use the entrance off Carbonton Road. That parking area is adjacent to the Endor Trail and also the park's .6 mile greenway.
If you use the entrance off Wicker Street, note that you will have to go through the park to reach the Endor Trail, and signs are posted that BIKES ARE NOT ALLOWED in the park. No problem if you're walking, but not cool if you're biking.
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