Years ago at our annual Tree Stewards retreat we decided to see if we could spearhead a shelved Greenway development. We first got Virginia Tech to develop a four-and-a-half-mile trail on paper. We then presented this to both the Town and County officials since it would run through both entities.
The trail runs from the Visitors Center, down Main Street to Luray Avenue, and then proceeds down to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. From there it travels along the river for about a half mile, then passes under a railroad overpass and proceeds up through the woods to where it presently stops in front of the Skyline High School. Taking the trail in the opposite direction from the Visitors Center one can easily find a macadam path running from Main Street to South Street and from South Street to Criser Road near the library.
The trail continues a short distance from Skyline High School to the intersection of Route 340 and Criser Road. And then about a half mile along Criser Road to Happy Creek. That completes the loop.
There is much to see along the Royal Shenandoah Greenway. There is an arboretum replete with a variety of labeled trees and shrubs that the Tree Stewards maintain. A stroll along the South Fork of the Shenandoah, is sublime with spring bluebells providing bright and restful color. The Town has installed two kiosks – one in the Arboretum and the second, funded by the Beautification Committee, at the Visitors Center – providing information about tree care and current events. The Trees Stewards maintain these kiosks.
And now the trail is taking on a life of its own. As the result of a Boy Scout project there is a book box by the river where one can read at leisure, take a book home and later return it along with other book donations. Eastham Park, through which runs the river section of the trail, has two dog parks (large and small) and soccer fields. An extractible toilet is in a section of Eastham Park that is in the flood plane. This is being built by the Blue Ridge Technical Center, an incredibly refined and diverse unit of the Warren County School system. The entire building can be removed in times of flooding.
The Royal Shenandoah Greenway is a trail for hikers, bikers, walkers, and baby strollers. But it is greater than the sum of its parts. Many organizations, public and private, and individuals have contributed financially to its creation. It is a living vibrant confirmation of the spirit that makes our community such a wonderful place to live.
— written by Jim Huttar, 2015