Poole Street Trailhead to Mial Plantation Road Trailhead
May 31, round-trip was 14.6 miles. Longest MST hike so far!
Ambitious, but the weather was really lovely, with low humidity and cooler temperatures.
My drive time is still under one hour, if I don’t try to compete with Raleigh’s morning rush hour. The parking lot was very close to the Neuse River Greenway, where I picked up the MST route heading south.
No detours today–100% on the established pathway.
The path was often right alongside the Neuse River, with nice views.
I am a happy hiker.
Look at all this wonderful shade!
All the bridges were numbered.
Near here there was a work crew trimming back branches on the edges. Greenway maintenance that’s appreciated, but easy to take for granted when you don’t see the workers in action!
When the Greenway was first being established, homeowners were reluctant to cede any property or easements to the city–mostly due to fear of trespass and vandalism.
But research has shown no increase in crime, and actually the desirability of being near a place to exercise has been a selling point for homeowners.
Win-win!
And suddenly, I’m in open farm country!
I mean, we’re talking Eastern Meadowlarks out there singing!
What a change of scenery!
And I was glad it wasn’t very hot, because my shade disappeared, for sure.
I started seeing all these caution signs when the path left the open country and descended into the woods…
. . .but it was hard to imagine what kind of traffic would be coming from down there at any speed!
I’m in the last two miles of the MST’s Wake County portion, but I won’t cross that border until the next hike.
Here’s my turnaround point at Mial Plantation Road Trailhead.
Parking lot to the left, MST continuing to the right.
I found a rock to sit on for refreshment before heading back.
As usual, I break out a page from the Valley of Vision to help enrich the return journey.
And that’s something worth pondering for a mile or two!
My.Bird.Walks. 