Pedestrians and bike-riders have new paths to explore in Huntersville, and more connectivity than ever. NCDOT’s I-77 express lanes project near Exit 23 in Huntersville links greenway segments on both sides of I-77.
The 300-foot-long tunnel itself holds what might be a surprise for some visitors. The projected artwork, “State of Flow,” by Adam Buente of Project One Studio, brightens the walls of what would otherwise be a dark, damp tunnel 30 feet under I-77. (Well, it will still be damp! The tunnels along the Mecklenburg County Greenways, and the greenways themselves, are drainage areas. That’s one of the purposes of the greenways — keeping overflow water away from other properties.)
Read more about the art project, which was a project of Arts & Science Council, here.
Check out this list of 50+ walks and hikes near Charlotte!
Fast Facts
Where is the tunnel? The tunnel is right next to Huntersville Gateway Park and Ride, at 10312 Compass Street, Huntersville, NC. The Park and Ride is on the east side of I-77.
Can you park at the Park and Ride? Well, the sign at the Park and Ride says that parking is just for CATS customers. However, Mecklenburg County’s map of the greenway indicates that there’s parking for the greenway there.
Where else can you park? There is a small parking lot on the west end of the new greenway, at Rosedale Nature Park, 9519 Rosewood Meadow Lane. There is also street parking on Rosewood Meadow Lane, near the park.
How long a walk is it from Rosedale Nature Park to the tunnel? It’s about a .65 mile walk, and it’s flat.
But can I get a milkshake after the walk? Why, yes! There’s a Cook Out in the same shopping center as the Park and Ride. The address of the Cook Out is 425 Huntersville Gateway Blvd, Huntersville, NC. It’s right off of Statesville Road.
New Section of Torrence Creek Greenway
The new section of Torrence Creek Greenway was developed by Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Town of Huntersville. It extends the greenway from Rosewood Meadow Lane through the tunnel, to the Huntersville Gateway Park and Ride at Compass Street.
It’s part of Carolina Thread Trail and will also connect with Huntersville’s Future Downtown Greenway. It will connect to 12 miles of current and future greenways. Read more about the project on parkandrec.mecknc.gov.
This greenway is fully paved and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
In addition, it starts at Rosedale Nature Park, 9519 Rosewood Meadow Lane, a park that opened in 2022. The park features big slides, wheelchair-accessible play equipment, zip lines and more. There are restrooms available in the park.
The greenway meanders through the woods, and the slight height of the walkway provides a great view of the trees and keeps some of the bugs at bay. Most of the greenway is shaded. You can’t miss the formation of large boulders to your right, if you’re walking toward the tunnel.
As you enter the tunnel from the greenway, you might think you’re at the wrong place, because you can’t see the art until you enter!
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