For a quick, easy walk with flat terrain, the trolley line is a perfect easy trail, with a mix of suburban path, country road and trail through the woods along a creek. On a sunny and brisk March day, my husband and I and two dogs enjoyed the fresh air, smell of pine needles warmed by the sun and almost alien sounds of frogs in the creek that runs beside the trail.
The boardwalk is not yet complete but looks almost ready and until then, Maple Street is not a busy road and easy enough to walk for about 100 meters to the start of the path. Keep track of the progress on the Ashland website.
We parked at the Carter Park pool, crossed Ashcake Road (at the crosswalk) and used the paved trail that runs behind Lance and Bridle neighborhood. A short stint on the road and then it was onto the trail; the most enjoyable part. I’m excited to see the trolley line in a few weeks when the leaves pop in Virginia. The trees provided a nice block for the chilly wind and will also provide needed shade in the heat of summer, making it particularly nice for dogs and younger kids. The trail would not be stroller friendly but a jogging stroller would handle it well, if young ones aren’t too sensitive to the slight slant.
The walk from Carter Park pool to Gwathmey Church Road is .75 miles, but to enjoy a longer stroll, continue north on Center Street that runs along the train tracks into Downtown Ashland. Stop for a drink or lunch at the Caboose, or a craft beer at Origins, or go to Ashland Meat Company in the old Cross Brothers Grocery to get a Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwich.
