Gary Shell Cross City Trail System in Wilmington
BIKING TRAIL SYSTEM NEAR POPULAR COASTAL RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
Over the last few decades, a common trend in America has been the spread of urban sprawl. Cities have become chaotic webs of highways and neighborhoods. This has lead to a steep decline in pedestrian friendly spaces. However, some municipalities have taken steps to reverse this stressful trend. A shining example is the coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina, which has seen a recent boom in its pedestrian population.
With its pristine coastline, natural habitats, and thriving city center, Wilmington has become one of the best places to live in the South. People are moving here for the fresh air, great weather, Atlantic Ocean views, and all of the wonderful perks that come with natural outdoor living. Residents here enjoy fishing, boating, golf, surfing, and other outdoor sports. The Wilmington NC communities are a breathtaking place, with an active community of people, and the future holds much more in store for those who call it home.
A recent addition to Wilmington is an extensive nature trail that takes you through the city on foot. The Gary Shell Cross-City Trail is a pedestrian only, multi-use trail for people and bicycles. This connects three municipal parks to the Heide-Trask Drawbridge, where you may cross the water, and carry on as far as Wrightsville Beach. It will also make up part of the East Coast Greenway, a multi-use path that will run all the way from Maine to Florida and will be like an "urban Appalachian Trail."
This is part of a grander plan for a city-wide web of nature trails that are safe, convenient, and that people will use as a healthy alternative. With such great weather and scenery, Wilmington has become a haven for pedestrians. Points of interest along the Gary Shell Cross City Trail include parks, museums and schools, extensive trails for walking and biking, dining and entertainment. The trail will touch:
- James E.L. Wade Park - .5 mile multi-use trail and restrooms
- Halyburton Park - 1.3 mile multi-use trail and restrooms
- Empie Park - contains 2 acre dog park, FIXIT Station and restrooms
- Anne McCrary Park
- Cameron Art Museum
- Barclay Place
- Alderman Elementary
- Independence Mall
- Hanover Center
- Cape Fear Center for Inquiry
- UNC Wilmington
- Autumn Hall
- Lumina Station
- Landfall Center
- Wrightsville Beach
- River to the Sea Bikeway
- Military Cutoff trail
Conceived by Gary Shell, the trail has been a tremendous success for Wilmington residents. Shell, a former Director of Parks and Recreation, used his love and knowledge of natural spaces to envision this for the city. Now, he and the city are looking to connect more places with nature trails. This is part of the "Walk Wilmington Plan" to accommodate pedestrian culture, bring life to the city, and create a more healthy environment. Already one of the best places to live in the South, Wilmington is a model city for other cities to follow.
For families, the are a number of diverse Wilmington NC communities. The city also boasts top-class coastal retirement communities. Whether you prefer to live on the beach, on fresh water, or in a championship golf community, Wilmington has neighborhoods for everybody's liking. New homes and homesites in Wilmington NC communities range from under $100,000 to over $2,000,000. If you are interested in the area's coastal retirement communities, explore Wilmington at the most beautiful time of the year. It's the perfect time to tour the master planned communities, go for a comfortable walk, and enjoy yourself outdoors.
If you're exploring Wilmington for the first time, ask for our free Wilmington North Carolina relocation information.
