MST-22

River Bend Park to Hedingham Blvd/Corporation Pkwy

May 10. This was 5.5 miles each way, for an 11-mile hike. The MST follows the Neuse River Trail south until the route veers west into suburbia.

River Bend Park was established just a few years ago and has a cute little playground and a public restroom.

. . . and also a bike repair station!

Back to the Neuse River Trail. The STOP sign is for bikes–just in case another cyclist is zooming along. Today’s section was relatively quiet, even for a Friday morning.

Three miles of asphalt, bridges, riverside, and wetlands. Very nice!

I heard Common Yellowthroats, Eastern Phoebes, and Great-crested Flycatchers in the marshlands.

Another way to enjoy the lazy river!

Not a mis-spelling! Buffaloe Road comes from a family name, with roots in Wake County from the early 1800s. 

Section 10 of the MST ran mostly southeast, but Section 11 is almost all due south.

The MST crosses the Neuse River on a very sturdy pedestrian bridge.

From Vic’s obituary, just last month. “In his second career, Vic became the Greenway Planner for the City of Raleigh. He and his team helped grow the greenway system from 20 miles to over 100 miles. He loved his work at the City. It allowed him to do what he was truly great at: observing the details and advocating for our environment, while crafting spaces for others to enjoy nature and connect together.”

Thank you, Mr. Lebsock, for your vision and leadership!

The Skycrest Suspension Bridge leads back across the river. Impressive!

Because of this greenway closure, the next two miles of the hike are not so charming…

The MST exited at the Abington Lane Trailhead, then sent me out onto the Hedingham golf course, and then into the suburbs.

And after two miles of sidewalks, this intersection was my turnaround point. Through the woods is a Walmart Superstore, where I’ll park next time.

I went all the way back to the Abington Lane trailhead to take a snack break.