Sneak peek: Tollgate Greenway
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The Tollgate Greenway is the latest jewel in the area's greenway crown.
Why it matters: The 1.2-mile greenway is set to cut the ribbon April 27, per the Land Trust of North Alabama, providing a safe off-the-road route for cyclists and pedestrians up Monte Sano Mountain.
Zoom in: The route follows a segment of the historic Toll Gate Road on Monte Sano, dating back to the 1800s, connecting the Land Trust's parking lot on Bankhead Parkway to Monte Sano State Park.
- It connects to several other trails along the route, where benches are plentiful.
- The Bankhead Trail parking lot was redone as part of the project, too.
Catch up quick: Work started last September on the $1.7 million construction project, which turned the old roadbed into a paved asphalt walkway.
- It's the brainchild of Dr. Noel Estopinal, who moved to the area for a job 40 years ago.
- "We stayed here because of the quality of life in the community, and this type of project only builds on that," Estopinal said.
💠Derek's thought bubble: Dennis Madsen and I walked it last week as we talked about the city greenways for the start of what I'm hoping to make a regular greenway "walk-and-talk" series.
- I was impressed.
- It's a nice walk, and the infrastructure is substantial, with large culverts and a wide paved walking path. It's got some slope for sure, but its' not too taxing of a walk.
- It took us right at an hour to go from top to bottom and back again.
- While there are no expansive views, it crosses a secluded mountainside with mature trees and the classic rocky Monte Sano hillside scenery.
The bottom line: Which greenway should I do next? Hit reply and let me know!