Reedy Creek Nature Preserve to Rocky River loop

The route primarily uses paved greenways, specifically sections of the Reedy Creek Greenway and the West Branch Rocky River Greenway. To connect these greenway segments into a loop, you'll also ride on public roads. While the greenways are generally flat and easy, the connecting roads can vary in terrain and may have typical urban/suburban road cycling conditions, including some areas with a 45 mph speed limit.

This road cycling loop is approximately 55 kilometers (about 34 miles) long. On average, cyclists can expect to complete it in around 2 hours and 18 minutes, depending on their pace and stops.

Generally, dogs are permitted on the paved greenway sections and public roads that make up this loop, provided they are kept on a leash. However, always check specific regulations for any areas within the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve or Sherman Branch Nature Preserve that you might enter, as rules can vary.

You can typically find parking at access points for the Reedy Creek Greenway or the West Branch Rocky River Greenway. For specific parking locations within the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve area, it's advisable to check the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation website (mecknc.gov) for official parking lots and access points.

The loop offers scenic views of natural habitats, including forests, fields, small lakes, and streams. You might spot white-tailed deer, owls, softshell turtles, and various bird species. The West Branch Rocky River Greenway section winds through Piedmont alluvial forest, providing shade from trees like sweet gum and tulip poplar, with opportunities to see frogs and other amphibians near the Rocky River.

Spring and fall are generally the best times to cycle this loop due to milder temperatures and pleasant scenery. The forested sections offer shade, which can be a relief during warmer summer months, but always be prepared for varying weather conditions.

No, there are no entrance fees or special permits required to access the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve or to cycle on the public greenways and roads that form this loop. However, cycling within the preserve itself is restricted to designated paved and gravel paths, not natural surface hiking trails.

The paved greenway sections are generally considered easy and suitable for beginners due to their flat terrain. However, the overall loop includes connecting public roads which can introduce varying terrain, traffic, and elevation changes, making the full loop a moderate difficulty. Beginners should be comfortable with road cycling and traffic before attempting the entire route.

Yes, the route utilizes sections of the Reedy Creek Greenway and also passes through segments of the Piedmont Spur, Sherman Branch (New), and Hector Henry Greenway Carolina Thread Trail, among others.

Within the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, you can find artifacts dating back to the Woodland period and the remains of the Robinson Rock House from the late 1700s. The preserve also hosts the Dr. James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies, highlighting its ecological significance.

For this moderate road cycling loop, it's recommended to bring plenty of water, snacks, a helmet, appropriate cycling attire, a repair kit for your bike, and sun protection. Given the mix of greenways and public roads, a phone for navigation and emergencies is also advisable.