Lick Run Greenway - Image 1

Lick Run Greenway

Roanoke, United States

A revitalized urban waterway transformed into a thriving green space, offering a peaceful escape with scenic trails for biking and wildlife viewing.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Best wildlife sightings

CrowdLow
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Lick Run Greenway - Image 1

Lick Run Greenway

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Best wildlife sightings

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A revitalized urban waterway transformed into a thriving green space, offering a peaceful escape with scenic trails for biking and wildlife viewing.

"An urban oasis that's truly wonderful, offering a beautiful green space and a revitalized ecosystem."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚴 Bike the Greenway

Rent ebikes or bring your own for a scenic ride, spotting deer and enjoying city views.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Ideal for walking, biking, or even exploring the underground sections if you're adventurous.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Revitalized Waterway

Revitalized Waterway

Lick Run Greenway

Witness a transformed ecosystem where a former concrete sewer line now supports diverse aquatic life and cleaner water.

Instagram
Scenic Biking Path

Scenic Biking Path

Lick Run Greenway

Enjoy a picturesque ride through the city, spotting wildlife like deer along the way.

Instagram+2
Urban Nature Escape

Urban Nature Escape

Lick Run Greenway

Experience a surprising urban oasis offering a peaceful retreat with city views and natural beauty.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Urban Oasis

Discover Lick Run Greenway, a revitalized urban waterway offering a refreshing escape. Once a concrete channel, it's now a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life, perfect for a peaceful stroll or bike ride. Instagram+1

Timing is Everything

While beautiful year-round, consider visiting during warmer months for optimal wildlife viewing and comfortable outdoor activities. Weekday mornings offer the fewest crowds for a serene experience. Instagram

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Best wildlife sightings
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall weekends
Why
Beautiful autumn colors
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@olddominionexposed
3K likes • 52.9K views

🚴 Bike the Greenway

Rent ebikes or bring your own for a scenic ride, spotting deer and enjoying city views. Instagram+2

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Ideal for walking, biking, or even exploring the underground sections if you're adventurous. InstagramReddit

Join us for our final river clean-up of the season at the Lick Run Greenway next to Brown-Robertson Park! Stay tuned for our announcement of our special guests! 🗓️ Sunday, September 21- Stay tuned for weather updates! ⏰ Time: 4-5 pm 📍Meet-up location: Under the covered shelter at Brown-Robertson Park 🩴 Bring: Water shoes if you'd like to go for a wade and help clean the riverbanks. We hope yo...
terrymcguireforroanoke
53 likes • 1.1K views
A few days ago, I decided to explore the new Lick Run Greenway. It is a beautiful green space between Queen City Ave and Westwood Ave. I never thought this would become an urban oasis, but it is truly wonderful.
smwartmann
7 likes • 67 views

💧 Check Water Levels

For underground exploration, be mindful of water levels and conditions. Reddit

📸 Capture Nature's Beauty

The greenway offers great opportunities for nature photography, especially during wildlife sightings. Instagram

Lick Run is a transformed ecosystem that feeds cleaner, filtered water directly into Mill Creek. This tributary was once a concrete encased tributary that was more of a sewer line disconnected from the community. Now the water is filling up with organisms that have called this place home. Taking students out searching for bio indicators in the water is a highlight of this resurged asset of the com...
millcreekalliance
83 likes • 1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚴 Bike the Greenway

Rent ebikes or bring your own for a scenic ride, spotting deer and enjoying city views. Instagram+2

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Ideal for walking, biking, or even exploring the underground sections if you're adventurous. InstagramReddit

💧 Check Water Levels

For underground exploration, be mindful of water levels and conditions. Reddit

📸 Capture Nature's Beauty

The greenway offers great opportunities for nature photography, especially during wildlife sightings. Instagram

🌳 Explore Brown-Robertson Park

This park connects to the greenway and is a great starting point for your adventure. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Lick Run Greenway as a surprisingly beautiful urban oasis, highlighting its successful ecological transformation and its appeal for biking and nature observation. While generally well-received, some may find the underground exploration aspect requires extra caution.

What People Like

Revitalized urban ecosystem
Scenic biking path
Wildlife sightings

What People Dislike

Underground exploration caution

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lick Run Greenway is accessible from various points, including Brown-Robertson Park and Queen City Ave. Many visitors access it by car and find parking near the park entrances. It's also a popular spot for biking, so consider cycling if you're in the area. Instagram+1

Parking is generally available near the access points, particularly around Brown-Robertson Park. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. Instagram

While specific public transport routes directly to the greenway might be limited, you can check local Roanoke transit schedules for buses that stop near the park entrances or surrounding neighborhoods. Instagram

Absolutely! Lick Run Greenway is a fantastic spot for cycling, offering a scenic path that stretches from the city center to Huff Lane Park. Many visitors enjoy biking here. Instagram+2

While not always advertised, keep an eye out for community events or organized clean-ups that might offer guided insights into the greenway's ecosystem and history. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Lick Run Greenway is a public park and is free to access. You don't need any tickets to enjoy the trails and natural beauty. Instagram+1

As an outdoor public space, Lick Run Greenway is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to check local park advisories for any specific closures or maintenance. Instagram

There is no admission fee to enter or explore Lick Run Greenway. It's a community resource for everyone to enjoy. Instagram+1

While the greenway is an outdoor public space, it's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to best appreciate the natural surroundings. Instagram

Community groups sometimes organize events like clean-ups or nature walks at Lick Run Greenway. Following local park or environmental organizations on social media can help you stay informed. Instagram+1

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, biking, birdwatching, and simply appreciating the revitalized urban ecosystem. It's a great place for a peaceful outdoor escape. Instagram+3

Yes, visitors have reported seeing deer and various aquatic organisms, indicating a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Instagram+1

Some adventurous visitors have explored the underground portions, but this should only be done with caution, awareness of water levels, and proper preparation. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at connected parks like Brown-Robertson Park. It's advisable to check park amenities beforehand if this is a priority. Instagram

The paved sections of the greenway are generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, offering a smooth surface for easy navigation. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the revitalized waterway, diverse plant and animal life, and the contrast between urban nature. Early morning or late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful. Instagram+1

Yes, with patience, you can photograph the wildlife that inhabits the greenway, such as birds and deer. Remember to maintain a respectful distance. Instagram

The greenway offers unique urban landscape photography opportunities, blending natural elements with the city's backdrop. Instagram+1

Drone usage is typically subject to local park regulations. It's best to check with the Roanoke Parks and Recreation department for specific rules regarding drone operation. Instagram

Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most flattering light for photography, enhancing the natural beauty of the greenway. Instagram

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