Coleman is always wanting to go Bye Bye. He loves to spend time hiking 🥾 at The Anne Springs Close Greenway (ASCG). For our Thursday outing we went to the Blue Star Entrance of the ASCG. The ASCG is located behind the Y Complex. From the beginning of the trailhead there are two choices one can choose the hike. The Paradise Loop and the Blue Star Trail.
For our traversing I chose the Paradise Loop for us to hike. Coleman wanted to go on the Blue Star Trail. He got upset when I said we were not hiking 🥾 that trail. We had only hiked that trail before and he needed to hike the Paradise Loop to help complete all the trails on his trail passport.
Coleman by the Paradise Loop trail post
The trail is full of ups and downs, curves, tree 🌳 roots, and rocks 🪨. Not a smooth trail, more of a medium level for hiking 🥾 status. Trail markers are placed every 1/4 mile along the trails. Around Trail marker B5 you can choose to traverse on the Avery Loop. The Avery Loop is 0.4 miles long and loops back into Paradise Loop.
Avery Loop with Coleman
Avery Loop is surrounded by plants and flowers close on each side of the trail. The trees and plants provide a cooling canopy that is calming to the soul.
Coleman watching ants 🐜 on the ground Along Avery LoopStream reflections
Hiking 🥾 back to the car (his mom’s car) Coleman is tired and ready to go to the grocery store so we could get him more Lactaid Milk. when he gets tired, he wants to stop every few minutes on the trail and wants to sit anywhere he can find to sit. When he’s tired I keep encouraging home to keep moving, that we’re almost “back to mommy’s car.)
Coleman Hiking 🥾 back to Mommy’s Car
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Welcome everyone. I’m glad you could join me today.
On our Monday Meanderings, Coleman and I returned to the Anne Springs Close Greenway (ASCG) for some hiking 🥾. Coleman is my two (2) year old grandson. He has been 🥾 with my for approximately a year and a half (1 1/2) now. He recently has decided he wants to earn his certificate for completing his trail passport. The passport contains a list of twenty-six (26) trails which span a total of thirty-six (36) miles within the ASCGreenway.
Coleman hiking 🥾 from the Adventure Road Entrance
Coleman loves to be outdoors. He loves to visit the Greenway. Does he get tired on the trail? Sometimes yes. Does he have fun on the trail? Yes, he definitely does.
Today, we parked at the Adventure Road Entrance. We began our meanderings on the Trekker Loop. We first spotted Lake Crandall and a group of young boys which are a part of the fishing 🎣 day camp offered to youth at the ASCG. He immediately went down towards the water 💦. He grabbed a stick and tried mimicked their fishing 🎣.
Coleman at ASCG prosiding towards Fern Forest 🌳 Trail
Along the Archers Loop/Trekkers Loop trail we view the beautiful Lake Frances. He sorta got muddy as he was approaching the water 💦. He enjoys putting his hands 🙌🏼 (if not his whole body) in the water. When he stood up, his one hand ✋ and arm was all muddy.
We went along Fern Forest 🌳 and then back to Archers Loop hiking 🥾 back towards the car. Today was rather a short hike. But there is no place he would rather be than out on a trail hiking 🥾.
Coleman taking a break having a few sips of his juice
We always bring bottles of water 💦 and juice 🧃 for us to drink along the trails. It can get hot, sweaty, and thirsty hiking 🥾 along the trails. We always remember to stay hydrated. That is very important when you go hiking 🥾.
God bless. Hope you’ll visit with us again on our next adventure. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
I have an older Canon Rebel T3i that I was using on Saturday when I went to the Greenway with my grandson, Coleman. My battery is weak, even though it was fully charged before leaving home, it did not last very long. So, it seems like it is time for a new battery (I cannot afford a new camera right now).
These pictures were taken after we came to Lake Frances after hiking at the beginning of Archers Loop at the Adventure Road entrance of the Anne Springs Close Greenway.
Lake Frances Lake Frances Coleman trying to use my hiking stick as a fishing pole.Fishing on Lake FrancesLake Frances Fishing
God Bless. Thank you! I haven’t used the camera for a little while, it’s been packed away and I recently unpacked it. I hope you’ll enjoy the photos. I appreciate y’all.
Today my hiking 🥾 buddy, Coleman, and I drove to the Adventure Road Entrance of The Anne Springs Close Greenway. We parked near the doggy park, Mary Warner Mack Dog Park, and proceeded on Archers Loop which begins to the side and behind the dog 🐕 park.
H52 Archers Loop
At various points along the trail are markers letting you know which trail you are on and at which point along the trail.
Coleman H51 Archers LoopColeman H51 Archers Loop
Coleman had a fun time hiking 🥾 and running 🏃♂️ along the trail.
H50 Archers LoopH49 Archers Loop
Coleman discovered the outdoor learning classroom.
Chalkboard with Numbers Outdoor Classroom
God bless. Thank you! Numbers are everywhere, you just have to be observant. Remember I appreciate y’all.
Today, Saturday June 4, 2022, is National Trails Day. National Trails Day is recognized to be the first Saturday in June. The day recognizes all the wonderfully incredible benefits the federal, state, and local trails provide for our recreation and exposure to God’s beautiful nature. In the United States, events are held nationwide to help and promote awareness for the numerous varieties of services the trail systems offer. The day encourages people from all walks of life to discover their local trails, become active concerning trail issues, and share their excitement for the outdoors.
Anne Springs Close Greenway Lake Haigler
On National Trails Day many people think first and foremost of hiking, however, trails offer so much more than just hiking. The trails provide access to various waterways for canoeing, kayaking, and paddling trips. Trails are also fantastic places which Birders may find excellent opportunities for birdwatching. It is also a great opportunity for those seeking to test their abilities to observe and study geolocation and enjoy geocaching. The trails are also used by cyclists and horseback riders. No matter which activity you choose, each activity pursued creates an opportunity to spend time in the vast outdoors and generate an excellent cardiovascular workout. Trail lengths vary per trail, most of the time I hike with my two-year-old grandson, so I tend to hike between 1.5 – 2.5 miles one way. When he is not with me, I might hike between 5-8 miles in a day.
National Trails Day Anne Springs Close Greenway 1,000 Mile Challenge
Besides the tremendous opportunities trails provide us, On National Trails Day take the time to thank the many volunteers, land agencies, trail developers, park employees, and rangers for all they do in helping develop and maintaining the trails.
National Trails Day is sponsored by The American Hiking Society. Take the opportunity to visit your local trails. It is a great opportunity to bring a friend along for some great fellowship. Try something new, you just might be glad you did. Go to a Greenway, national, state, or local park and discover new trails or activities. Be sure to show your appreciation to those that make all the trails systems possible. Always Remember to Leave No Trace, if your pack it in, pack it out. #NationalTrailsDay.
On this National Trails Day I chose to go to my local greenway, Anne Springs Close Greenway, to hike and participate in their 1,000 Mile Challenge. Anne Springs Close Greenway is located in Fort Mill, South Carolina. It has 36 miles within 26 trails that one can choose to hike, mountain bike, or adventure on horseback. This year the Greenway presented a challenge to all its members and the surrounding communities, to log a combined total of 1,000 or more miles of activities for #NationalTrailsDay. Those miles also include those who chose to do their activities on the water using a canoe or kayak.
Anne Springs Close Greenway 1,000 Mile Challenge
The last word I received (around 4pm); the Greenway logged over 1,365 miles across the Greenway and still more miles we to be logged in before end of day. Great job for #NationalTrailsDay!
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all. Visit your local trails. Get outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Thank you, Debbie Zinsky Kiggans, for organizing and leading hikes today for #NationalTrailsDay and all year long.
Photos and collages are mine (c)2022@DebbieLWaters. The Photo of the 1,000 Mile Challenge I borrowed from the Anne Springs Close Greenway’s Facebook page.
This is Love the Greenway month for the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Today, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time at the Greenway with my grandson, Coleman. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, with no rain in sight. It was truly a blessing to get ourselves outdoors to enjoy nature and do a little bit of hiking.
Coleman — my hiking buddy
Anne Springs Close Greenway has 2,100 acres to enjoy and explore. It is a natural preserve that offers activities such as hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnics, and much more. They have 36 miles of hiking trails that can be used for hiking, biking, and /or horseback riding.
The Greenway also has a 28-acre lake. Lake Haigler has a fishing dock for those who like to fish. If you wish to fish at the lake, you must possess a South Carolina fishing license. The lake has beautiful views to enjoy, Geese swim freely upon the lake and occasionally come out of the water to greet you. You can observe turtles sunning on logs, or you can rent a kayak for an adventure of your own on the lake.
The top ten things to do at the Greenway for an enjoyable day with friends, family, or by yourself are as follows:
Eat at the Greenway Canteen – The canteen features a seasonal menu and offers local beer and wine for your dining pleasure. One can dine indoors or outdoors in the covered patio area. The canteen is located at the Lake Haigler entrance. The food is excellent, and I highly recommend it.
Live Music and Events (Seasonal) – Every Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-9 pm feature Sunset Sessions with live music on the Greenway lawn. Bring a lawn chair or bring a blanket and sit on the grass and relax and enjoy listening to a variety of live music. The Greenway holds special events like the Blue Star Blitz and Earth Day Celebrations. A fun time can be had by one and all.
Yoga – Yoga is offered two to three days a week. The workouts are taken place at the Amphitheater. Sessions are $12 for non-members, and 50% off for members.
Hiking – 36 miles of hiking trails ensure you will not get bored hiking at the Greenway. The trails range from beginner to intermediate and there are various points of interest to see as you hike. There are a few swinging bridges along the trails. The most popular Swinging Bridge is located at the Lake Haigler Entrance. The Loop around the lake is the most popular trail for hikers and is easily maneuvered by the young and old alike. My two-year-old grandson manages it quite nicely.
Mountain Biking – There are mountain bike trails for every level of bikers. You can bike on your own, take a beginner clinic, or have a private lesson. Just grab your bike, come on down and get to riding the trails. All the mountain bike trails begin at the Adventure Road Entrance. To ride your bike on the trails you must be a member of the Greenway or pay a minimal fee at the trailhead kiosk.
Mary Warner Mack Dog Park – This park in the Greenway features 12 acres of enclosed natural space for dogs of all sizes to play and socialize. It is located at the Adventure Road Entrance and is open seven days a week. At this time, it is open to Greenway members only. Amenities include a Dog-washing station, Hydration stations, and a mile-long off the leash trail.
Kayaking & Paddle Boarding – Located at the Lake Haigler Entrance. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available on weekends beginning in June. The cost is $15 dollars (Prices subject to change) for non-members and 50% off for members. If you own your own kayak or paddleboard, you are more than welcome to bring it on down and spend some quality time on the lake. Please only non-motorized are allowed.
Fishing – Offered exclusively for Greenway members.
Horseback Riding – The Greenway offers equestrian summer camps, group riding lessons, guided trail rides, and lead line rides. We took my two-year-old grandson on a lead line ride just before he turned two. He thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to do it again.
History – Nations Ford Road, and The Graham Cabin both hold significant historical ties to the area. When you come to visit you can learn more about their history.
Our afternoon hiking in the Greenway took place at the Lake Haigler Entrance. We started our hike by the canteen and proceeded walking down to Lake Haigler. It was a beautiful sun shiny day. We walked part way around the lake, past the kayaks, and over to the spillway, traversing the Billy Walk and Wagon Loop trails. We took a short jaunt on Muscadine Trail and back to Wagon Loop and Billy Walk. Then we hiked over to the Swinging Bridge where my grandson ran back and forth across the bridge. The swinging didn’t faze him at all this trip. The first time he walked on it he was scared, but that was a year ago.
God Bless. Get outdoors. Stop by the Anne Springs Close Greenway if you get to the Fort Mill, South Carolina area. If you, do you won’t be sorry. You’ll have a fantastic time. Thank You for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 