Mial Plantation Road to Sam’s Branch Greenway Trailhead
June 4, 2024. This hike was an out-and-back, for a total of 13.5 miles.
And the whole hike was so pretty!
Johnston County, here I come!
I crossed under two roads: Mial Plantation Road and later, Covered Bridge Road.
There was a sizable Cliff Swallow colony nesting under each bridge.
Lots of shade for a Happy Hiker!
I thought I would pass by more farmland today, but it was mostly greenway right along the Neuse River.
I kept to a very strict every-45-minute hydration schedule, which really helped with the heat and humidity.
And we’re only at the very start of North Carolina’s summer, so keeping well-hydrated will be critical.
Especially when the shade disappears!
The Riverwood development had four different access points to the greenway. I’m sure they enjoy having this public resource nearby.
I popped down to the Neuse River to look for birds, but mostly I found…mosquitoes.
Hasty retreat!
Crossing the Neuse on a very sturdy pedestrian bridge.
It’s nearing 10:30 a.m. and getting hot, especially in these open stretches.
The town of Clayton is constructing a large water reclamation facility here.
Not scenic–but vital infrastructure for this growing community.
YES!!!!
I might not have noticed the berry bushes, but ahead of me on the trail I watched three children spend some time there—so I checked it out once I got to that spot.
Isn’t this nice? This was one of my favorite turnaround spots. A Wood Thrush was singing away, and a comfortable place to sit in the shade!
And of course on the way back I stopped for another handful of yumminess!
My.Bird.Walks. 