Updated: 8/2/07

The park development that was in progress when this section was first put together a few years ago is pretty much complete at this time. Since the original description, the trail was extended from the northern end and linked via trail-head with Beach Rd at Amity Rd. Secondary trails have been marked as well.

DESCRIPTION

The trail in this park is best described in two sections. Parking access can be had either off SR 142 at the Whispering Oaks area or off Amity Rd at the Darby Bend Lakes area. The trail is hard-pack gravel and is suitable for running and cycling.

1. From Whispering Oaks, it is about 2.6 miles south to the trail-end just north of 
I-70.  This section of the trail is a rolling run through open prairie meadows and some lightly wooded areas. It ends in a turnaround with the sounds of the freeway just behind the trees.

2. North from Whispering Oaks, the trail climbs a bit and then crosses the Darby Creek via a long inclined trail bridge. At the top, it splits with one spur trail going to Amity Rd. (Marked) and the other continuing around a large lake and down into the Darby Bend Lakes area. Here is snakes between the lakes crossing on a bridge over a narrow isthmus between them. The trail curves around and rises as it passes to the north. It looks to be considerably less used here and after about a half-mile through field and woods, it ends with a trail head entrance off Beach Rd at the intersection with Amity Rd.

IMPRESSIONS

I can't really envision this trail as being a destination trail for cyclists for a couple of reasons. While it is a good up and down workout, the gravel surface is considerably less suitable than, say, any of the nearby local roads with their paved surfaces and shoulders, for any kind of speed work. There is the automobile factor to consider but traffic along Amity or Beach is, from my observation, fairly light. Also, the trail is just over four miles end-to-end. For off-road work, there are a lot of better dirt trails in the area. I think a short touring ride, with the scenery, might be in order, though.

On the other hand, I think that for the runner who likes the softer gravel surface but doesn't like the steep ups-and-downs of Highbanks (or the constant tree canopy) this is a nice run. The gravel is mostly small particle although there are some rougher, larger gravel sections especially where the trail has been repaired. There are a few challenging short hills to keep thing interesting as well.

The split at Whispering Oaks gives two out-and-backs of around 5 and around 4 miles each of two really different characters. The south direction is open prairie, to the north are nice lake vistas which allows you to vary the scenery some. There are comfort facilities at the two parking areas I visited. There is a third access, Sycamore Plains, on the east side of the river, which does not have access to the trails.

The main trail also intersects several other trails of varying lengths and surfaces. There are bridal paths and some cross-country ski paths as well. All are marked. Pets are limited to one mile of the main trail.

MAPS

The map below as assembled from aerial photography which was taken between 1 and 5 years ago. The lighter (right) photography shows more advanced work on the Prairie Oaks part than the darker (right) photography. The map below is a reduced file version for quick loading. The thumbnail to the right will bring up a FULL SIZE version. The file size may be very large. To the left is a repro of the Metroparks park map.

PHOTOS

The Greenway Trail access from the Whispering Oaks parking area.	The main trail. South to I-70 or north to Darby Bend Lakes.	A typical trail section south of Whispering Oaks. Prairie with short stands of woods.	.A side trail for bridle and skiing but not hiking--as per the sign.	The coneflower loops allow for variations in running routines	Typical trail and scenery on this leg.
Another typical trail scene south of Whispering Oaks.	The trail does have it's woodsy sections.	Another view.	And its wide open spaces.....	And its rolling rises. Note the concrete drain. There are a few of these.	The southern end of the trail.
Just in case you get to the end and wondered where all that automobile noise is coming from......	Back at the Whispering Oaks access point looking north.	The trail climbs up briefly and then drops.	And crosses the Big Darby Creek.	Uphill (going north) on this long trail bridge.	At the top, you reach a fork and have a great view of one of the lakes.
To the right, there is an access trail to Amity Rd. (No parking facilities)	To the left, the main trail continues.	Typical scene in this section of the park. The trail wends around these lakes.	Another view.	Approaching the Darby Bend Lakes parking access area. The trail slides left towards the lake.	Another view in this area.
The trail cross a narrow isthmus.	Not your typical trail-side item.	North of the lake area, the trail passes into the wooded area.	Typical trail. Note the condition which indicates low use.	The trail approaching its northern end.	The northern trail head at the intersection of Beach Rd and Amity Rd.
Along the northern edge of the Darby Bend Lakes area.	Another view at the northern end of the trail.	There are a number of other trails throughout the park. Some, like the Mound Trail are undeveloped.

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06/02/2008