GREENVILLE GREENWAY SYSTEM
Greenville’s Greenways are an inner-city oasis spanning over 9 miles throughout the city. This is the perfect location to walk, run, or bike along the Tar River, around ECU Campus, and through many of Greenville’s parks. The Greenway is also a great place for your furry friends, with miles of paved trail to explore and an Off-Leash Dog Park about half a mile from Town Common. Find other hidden gems like the FROGGS Shade Garden, a dock to enjoy the view, picnic tables, and more throughout the Greenway!
* If wheelchair bound or living with a disability, find handicap parking and trail access at Green Springs Park and Town Common.
South Tar River Greenway
The first section of the Greenville Greenway System is named the South Tar River Greenway. About 4 miles in length, this trail runs from Thomas Foreman Park, towards Town Common, the community Off-Leash Dog Park, and ends at Green Springs Park. We recommend starting at either Town Common or Green Springs Park for more parking opportunities, including handicap-accessible spaces. This section of the park takes you on a scenic journey along the Tar River, featuring multiple river access points and stops to relax and enjoy the beautiful view.
Greenville Town Common
While you can enter the Greenway at any of the trail access points, we think that the Greenville Town Common is the ideal place to start your journey. This park features 21 acres of open green space right in Downtown Greenville along the Tar River, amenities at the park include a public boat launch, an accessible and inclusive playground, the Sycamore Hill Gateway Plaza Memorial on the African American Cultural Trail, and the Greenville Toyota Amphitheater- home to many live music performances year round!
Throughout the year you can find annual or recurring community events at Town Common such as PirateFest, Sunday in the Park Summer Concert Series, Greenville's Independence Day Celebration, Bites on the Bridge, Greenville Pride, and much more. Some smaller community events such as group painting, pay-what-you-can yoga with Purple Blossom Yoga Studio, and paddle tours with Knee Deep Adventures and Riverside Recreation also meet at Town Common.
Off-Leash Dog Park
A little over a half-mile walk from Town Common is Greenville's Off-Leash Dog Park. Containing separate areas for large and small dogs, this is the perfect place to take your furry friend. The dog park is open to the community from 7am - dusk, for park rules and regulations click here.
FROGGS Community Shade Garden
Across from the Off-Leash Dog Park is the Friend's of Greenville Greenways (FROGGS) Community Shade Garden. This garden has a picnic shelter, river access, various native plant species, and a short nature trail.
Khalil Ross Jefferson Memorial Dock
A few minutes past the dog park and community shade garden is the Khalil Ross Jefferson Memorial Dock. This is a popular fishing spot where you can often find families or groups of friends relaxing.The dock was repaired and renamed in honor of Khalil Jefferson in October 2023 with support from the Friends of Greenville Greenway System.
Green Mill Run Greenway
After roughly 4 miles of walking along the South Tar River Greenway, you will run into Greensprings Park, where the trail turns into the Green Mill Run Greenway. The Green Mill Run section of the Greenway winds through the city, passing by Elm Street Park, East Carolina University’s main campus, and ending at Evan's Street Park. This beautiful section of the Greenway is a tree-covered oasis for those looking for an escape into nature.
Greensprings Park
Greensprings Park is one of the best spots to hop on or off the Greenville Greenway System. Connecting the South Tar River Greenway with the Green Mill Run Greenway, this park has plenty of open space to catch some sun, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the fresh air. This park has amenities such as a shelter with picnic tables, a Little Free Library (take a book/leave a book), and plenty of parking.
Elm Street Park
Elm Street Park is one of the most popular parks in Greenville, with activities and amenities for every age and ability. This park features lighted tennis and pickleball courts, Stallings Stadium (home to the Little League Softball World Series), a fully accessible baseball field, lawn games, and picnic shelters. There are also two playgrounds at this park, and one is fully accessible so every child can play!
Evans Park
Evans Park is located at the end (or beginning depending on which way you start!) of the Greenway. This park features 4 lighted tennis courts, 2 lighted softball fields, and an archery range. You can also find picnic shelters and restrooms at this park as well.
More on the Greenway
Bike Repair Stations
There are 2 DIY bike repair stations on the Green Mill Run Greenway, one near Elm Street Park and one near the Blount Sports Complex.
Public Art on the Greenway
While on the Greenway, find four unique public art installations that are a part of the Down East Sculpture Exhibition!
Town Common - Bouquet of Sunflowers, Jonathan Chandler
Jarvis Street - Steel Saguaro, Joe Chirchirillo
Stancill Drive - Color Tree, Carl Billingsley
Harding Street - Reclaimed Tension, Kevin Vanek
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FROGGS (Friends of Greenville Greenways)
FROGGS is a nonprofit that works closely with the city to care for, expand, and advocate for the greenways. Run by community members who believe that the Greenway plays a crucial role in improving quality of life and health, enhancing neighborhoods, providing transportation corridors, and protecting our natural ecosystem. If you would like to become involved with FROGGS, click here.
Make it Your Nature
We are proud partners in the Outdoor NC Alliance, a statewide movement committed to preserving and protecting NC’s beloved outdoor spaces. We invite you to Make it Your Nature and become a steward of NC’s outdoor spaces.
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