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Building Connections: The Briar–Little Hope Greenway

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Park & Recreation has officially opened the Briar–Little Hope Creek Greenway, delivering a much-anticipated boost to south Charlotte’s growing trail network. This 1.5-mile, 10-foot-wide paved path stretches from Keystone Court to Manning Drive, passing through Marion Diehl Park and connecting directly to the Cross Charlotte Trail north of Tyvola Road.

More than just a trail, this greenway represents a major step forward for equitable mobility, environmental restoration, and access to greenspace in our city.

Trail Highlights: A Blend of Design and Nature

The new greenway is made up of two distinct segments:

  • First segment (~0.92 miles): Winds through Marion Diehl Park along Little Hope Creek from Keystone Court.
  • Second segment (~0.35 miles): Travels along Briar Creek, passes under Park Road, and ends near Manning Drive.

Key infrastructure features include:

  • Two pedestrian bridges
  • A scenic 350-foot combination boardwalk and truss bridge
  • A boardwalk through wetland areas
  • Six neighborhood access points with Y-line connections
  • Structural supports such as segmental and soil-nail retaining walls for trail stability

Environmental Stewardship in Action

This project isn’t just about paving paths — it’s also about protecting the environment.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services is actively restoring about 700 linear feet of upstream Briar Creek between Lila Wood Circle and Moncure Drive. These improvements, including streambank stabilization, in-stream habitat features, and rock deflectors, will reduce sediment runoff and enhance aquatic habitats.

The greenway’s layout also accounts for seasonal stream fluctuations, helping the corridor remain resilient and functional throughout the year.

Why This Greenway Matters

Connecting to Nature & Active Travel

The Briar–Little Hope Creek Greenway bridges a key gap in Charlotte’s pedestrian and bike network. It links directly to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway — the longest greenway in the county — and expands access to the Cross Charlotte Trail and beyond.

Environmental Impact

With intentional stream stabilization and stormwater-conscious design, this project advances regional goals for habitat protection, flood mitigation, and urban ecology.

Equity & Neighborhood Access

Six access points along residential streets and proximity to Queens University athletic facilities make this trail a valuable asset for nearby communities — supporting recreation, safe travel, and community connection.

Building Regional Momentum

This greenway is one of six new trail sections completed in 2024. Combined, these projects represent 16.3 miles of new trails under construction, with Mecklenburg County steadily progressing toward its 2030 goal of 300+ miles of greenway. Already, 117 miles are funded.

What’s Next: Fall 2025 Maintenance & Signage

A short section of trail near the Little Sugar Creek Greenway and the Briar Creek bridge will undergo reconstruction to address erosion and trail wear. Construction and detours began July 28 and will continue into early fall 2025. Trail users can expect posted detour signage and alternate routes during this time.

Additionally, new wayfinding signage is being installed to guide users to nearby parks, trails, and neighborhoods.

Stay informed by checking updates through the Park & Rec Public Input Portal.

Your Role: Support a Greener Charlotte

Greenways are more than infrastructure — they’re community lifelines. Here’s how Sustain Charlotte members can support:

  • Visit the trail and share your photos or stories to celebrate its impact.

  • Advocate for trail-friendly development in upcoming zoning and planning decisions.

  • Volunteer for greenway cleanups, plantings, or community engagement events.

The Briar–Little Hope Creek Greenway is now welcoming walkers, bikers, nature lovers, and neighbors alike. With its thoughtful design, environmental improvements, and strong community connections, this greenway is a shining example of how sustainable infrastructure can enhance quality of life — one step, ride, or roll at a time.

Let’s keep Charlotte moving forward, together.

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