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Following its namesake waterway, the Four Mile Creek Greenway connects downtown Matthews, Squirrel Lake Park, and the surrounding neighborhoods in the Town of Matthews. A joint project between the town and Mecklenburg County, the greenway is part of the Mecklenburg County Greenway System. The nearby Lower McAlpine Creek, McMullen Creek & Four Mile Creek Greenways (a separate trail) are also part of the same network.
Winding through a mixed pine forest and wetlands, this paved 2.3-mile greenway has a few sections of boardwalk. The initial portion of the trail from the northeast end (1102 E John St, Matthews) is boardwalk. The route also crosses the creek several times via pedestrian bridges and there is a section of boardwalk just north of the neighborhood connector to Country Place Drive.
Along the route, there are a number of very short spur trails which provide access to the greenway from the surrounding neighborhoods. These neighborhood entrances can be found on Brenham Lane, Woody Creek Road, Country Place Drive, Privette Road, Greylock Ridge Road, Rockwell View Road, Clearbrook Road, and Matthews Estate Road.
The northwest end of the trail is accessible from South Trade Street, just south of the road's intersection with Main Street in downtown Matthews. From this entrance to the greenway, the route runs southeast along the sport fields of the elementary school. A natural-surface connector path heads north to the Matthews Community Center before the greenway curves more sharply south to pass through Fountain Rock Park (311 S Trade St, Matthews). Although the other spurs and connectors providing access from the nearby streets are paved, the natural-surface connector path linking the Matthews Community Center to the greenway is not wheelchair-friendly.
The southwest endpoint is accessible from Brenham Lane but just slightly farther south and east, Squirrel Lake Park (1631 Pleasant Plains Rd, Matthews) is perhaps the preferred access point. A short and paved connector trail provides access to the greenway from the 36-acre park, which has a small lake with a dock, a playground with swings, a 12-hole disc golf course, additional park trails, picnic tables and shelters, outdoor grills, drinking fountains, restrooms, and parking. Despite its name, the park is quite popular with ducks (though there squirrels as well). The scenic woodlands and wetlands are home to a variety of wildlife including beavers, deer, numerous bird species, and more.
The non-motorized trail allows pets on leashes and is popular with families. In addition to offering numerous recreational opportunities, the Four Mile Creek Greenway also serves as a vital transportation link for the surrounding communities—providing a safe and efficient route for pedestrians and bicyclists to access local businesses, schools, parks, and other amenities.
Parking is available at Squirrel Lake Park (1631 Pleasant Plains Rd, Matthews) and at the Matthews Community Center (100 E McDowell St, Matthews). Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.
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