Anne Springs Close Greenway - Adventure Road
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Anne Springs Close Greenway is a vast natural preserve offering extensive outdoor activities primarily focused on hiking, mountain biking, and general nature exploration. It provides scenic beauty, diverse trails ranging from easy to intermediate, historical points of interest (old plantation house), opportunities to see horses, and family-friendly lawn games like cornhole and ring toss. It is well-regarded for its natural setting and the variety of ways to engage with the outdoors. *Crucially, the provided customer reviews do not mention 'Kayaking for Kids' or any specific kayaking activities related to 'Adventure Road'. Insights below pertain to the general Greenway offerings as described by reviewers, not specifically to kayaking.*
Key Highlights
- ✓Gorgeous place for photos with beautiful scenery, including Haigler Lake and a swinging bridge at the creek.
- ✓Extensive network of hiking trails, with options for easy, short walks or longer, intermediate-level hikes.
- ✓Variety of activities beyond hiking: mountain biking (especially in the Adventure Road entry area), disc golf (small 9-hole course), visiting an old plantation house, viewing horses, and lawn games (cornhole, ring toss, ladder ball).
- ✓On-site navigation aids like maps from the gate house and QR codes on trails help prevent getting lost.
- ✓Dog-friendly environment: leashed pets are allowed on trails, and there's a large 13-acre dog park available for members.
- ✓Handicapped accessible in some areas.
Standout Features
- ⭐Expansive natural preserve providing a sense of escape and diverse outdoor recreation.
- ⭐Variety of activities caters to different interests (hiking, biking, disc golf, historical site, animals, lawn games).
- ⭐Pet-friendly policies allowing leashed dogs on trails.
- ⭐Availability of annual and monthly memberships, making it cost-effective for frequent visitors.
- ⭐Maps available at the gatehouse and QR codes on trails for navigation assistance.
- ⭐Visitor's center with rocking chairs (implied coffee available) for relaxation.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Confirm current entry fees before visiting:** Day pass prices are inconsistent across reviews ($5, $12, $14 per person, $12 for short visits). Check the official website for up-to-date rates based on age and member/non-member status.
- →**Consider a membership for frequent visits:** Annual memberships (Individual Annual $72/yr, Family Annual $144/yr) or monthly options (Individual $6.50/month, Family $13/month - 3-month minimum) can significantly reduce costs and offer free parking.
- →**Be prepared for shared, narrow trails:** If hiking, be vigilant for mountain bikers and be ready to step aside quickly. This is especially important when supervising children.
- →**Utilize provided navigation tools:** Grab a map at the gatehouse upon arrival and use the QR codes posted along trails to help with wayfinding and prevent getting lost.
- →**Bring plenty of water and snacks:** Detailed information on food amenities is limited, so it's best to come prepared for longer outings.
- →**Keep dogs leashed at all times** if bringing them on the trails.
- →**Understand dog park restrictions:** If planning to use the dedicated dog park, be aware that it's for members only, requires a separate membership, and has age (16+) and dog limits.
- →**Seek external information for kayaking:** These reviews provide no insights into 'Kayaking for Kids' or any related activities. Parents interested in kayaking would need to inquire directly with the venue or consult other sources.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Confusing and often perceived as high entry fees or day passes, with multiple conflicting prices reported across reviews (e.g., $5, $12, $14 per person for a day pass, $12 for a short visit near sundown).
- ⚠Trails are narrow and shared with mountain bikers, requiring hikers to constantly step aside to avoid collisions, which can be challenging or a safety concern for families with small children.
- ⚠Navigation can be tricky; some visitors reported getting turned around despite using maps and QR codes.
- ⚠Crowd levels are contradictory: one review noted 'lightly trafficked' even on weekends, while another described 'car loads of people and large groups' compared to its past as a 'quiet, hidden gem'.
- ⚠Some trails are reported as 'worn,' and suggestions were made for more investment in trail maintenance, activities, a garden area, or expanded indigenous plant markers.
- ⚠The 13-acre dog park has strict entry rules: only accessible to members, requiring a separate membership, minimum age of 16 for dog owners, and limits of 2 dogs per visit/4 per membership.
- ⚠The provided reviews offer no information or feedback regarding 'Kayaking for Kids' or any specific kayaking activities at Adventure Road, so parents cannot assess that aspect based on these reviews.
Price & Value
The pricing structure is somewhat complex and inconsistently reported across reviews, suggesting parents should verify current rates. Day passes are reported as $5 (Review 1), $12 for Adults 13+ and $6 for Youth 5-12 (Review 2), $14 for the day (Review 4), and $12 for a walk near sundown (Review 5). This wide range indicates a need for careful checking. Annual memberships are available at $72/year for individuals and $144/year for families, with monthly options (minimum 3 months). Memberships offer significant value by providing free parking and access, making them cost-effective for frequent visitors. However, some reviewers feel the day pass fees are high, especially for short visits or if not utilizing all amenities. The dog park requires a separate membership. The overall value for money depends heavily on frequency of visits and utilization of the diverse offerings.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Handicapped accessible (Review 1). No further specific details like sensory-friendly hours or staff training for specific needs are mentioned.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No explicit food policy is mentioned in the reviews. One review mentions the desire for coffee at the visitor's center, implying basic refreshments might be available. Another reviewer suggested a 'garden area' implying a lack of extensive food options. Given the nature of the venue and lack of explicit restrictions, bringing personal snacks and water is likely permitted and recommended for sustained visits.
🚗Parking Info
- •Ample parking is available ('lots of parking' - Review 1).
- •Parking is included with entry fees for non-members (e.g., $12/person for adults, $6/person for youth 5-12).
- •Parking is free for members (Review 2).
👥Crowd Levels
- •Contradictory reports: One review states 'lightly trafficked trail, I've rarely come across other hikers even on the weekends' (Review 2). Another review from a long-time visitor states it has gone from a 'quiet, hidden gem' to 'car loads of people and large groups' (Review 5). Parents should be prepared for varying crowd levels, potentially higher on peak days or times.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Pets are required to be on leash at all times, contributing to general safety and wildlife protection.
- •QR codes on trails assist with navigation, which can enhance safety by preventing visitors from getting lost.
- •No other specific safety features like staff supervision of play areas, first aid stations, or entry/exit tracking systems are mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you expect wide, paved, or dedicated walking trails completely separate from bike paths.
- • If you are specifically seeking a kayaking experience for children, as the provided reviews do not cover this aspect of the venue.
- • If you prefer a completely solitary and tranquil nature experience, as the Greenway can experience 'car loads of people and large groups,' especially on weekends (though reports vary).
- • If you are solely looking for conventional playgrounds or splash pads, as these are not mentioned in the reviews.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Fall Artisan Market
Saturday, October 4
Parking: $5 per vehicle for members, $15 per vehicle for non-members.
Vibrant outdoor marketplace featuring seventy local vendors on the Greenway Gateway lawn. Features a festive photo-op, Greenway Canteen open with loose-leaf teas, lattes, special lunch menu, and seasonal cocktails.
🍎Food Policy
- • Outside alcohol is prohibited.
- • Glass containers are not allowed.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • In case of emergency, dial 911.
- • Obey all directions given by Rangers and Staff or posted on signs.
- • Swimming is prohibited in lakes and streams.
- • LSC is committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment free of racism, discrimination, and harassment; violations may result in revocation of membership/guest status.
- • Participation in activities carries inherent risks including injury, illness, permanent trauma, or death.
- • Participants assume full responsibility for risks, including those from other individuals (e.g., communicable illnesses like COVID-19).
- • All motorized vehicles, including e-bikes, are prohibited on the trail system.
- • Hunting and possession of firearms is prohibited.
- • Open fires are prohibited.
- • Dogs must be leashed at all times and waste must be picked up and removed.
- • Do not harm wildlife or the Greenway landscape; stay to designated trails and paths.
- • Do not scratch, injure or deface trees; pick flowers, cut branches, remove plants or dig into Greenway soil.
- • Professional photography by permit only; no drones allowed.
- • All photo subjects must be fully and appropriately clothed.
📅Booking Policy
- • Photography sessions must be reserved in advance through the Greenway website.
🚗Parking Information
- • Fall Artisan Market parking: $5 per vehicle for members, $15 per vehicle for non-members.
- • Designated horse trailer parking at Lake Haigler Entrance only.
- • General designated parking areas for visitors; walk to desired destinations from parking.
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Pricing can be high (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Scarlet “McGirl” McGuire
2 weeks agoGorgeous place for photos. Lots of hiking trails, swinging bridge at the creek. Horses, old plantation house to visit. Dog park. Just a grrat way to get outdoors for the day. $5 day pass gives you access to all areas. The gate house has a map of all areas you can access. Games on the lawn. Cornhole, ring toss, ladder ball...lots to do. Pets allowed on leash at all times. Handicapped accessible and lots of parking.
Kate Magee
a week agoThis place is amazing. There are multiple trails here and I've hiked a couple different ones so far. I even got the Annual individual membership for $66/year ($6/month) to save money on parking. Parking for Non-members Adults age 13+ ($12/person) youth age 5-12 ($6/person), for members (free). Some trails are easy and short, some long and intermediate. You can even start on one trail and the veer off onto another trail to make your hike longer. This is not like a normal Greenway. It is nerrow and like your actually hiking. It is also a mountain bike trail as well so you have to move off to the side when avoiding them, trails are not wide enough for them to pass you. It is a lightly trafficed trail, I've rarely come accoss other hikers even on the weekends. It is leashed dog friendly and has a 13 acre dog park as well (16+years to enter Dog Park, No more then 2 dogs visit and no more that 4 dog/membership). That is a separate membership and the park is for members only. Price Update: Individual Annual $72/yr, Family Annual $144/yr, Individual Monthly $6.50/month, Family Monthly $13/month (Minimum of 3 months required for monthly membership)
Laura Robinson
6 months agoReally enjoyed the hike around Haigler Lake. Beautiful!! I can tell that anywhere you could wander would be a delight. Want a membership just to have a coffee and sit in a rocking chair at the visitor’s center, enjoying creation. 😊
Melissa De Yoe (Meli55a)
5 months agoI did not realize you had to PAY to use the trails, so I didn't like that. ($14 for the day) I got turned around a few times and was constantly looking at the map. The QR codes saved me. At first, I was not deterred to learn that the Adventure Road entry area was mostly for bikers because I figured the trails would be wide enough for both. Wrong. They are only wide enough for one person or cyclist, so you're constantly stepping off to get out of the way. It did make me want to get into mtn biking. I enjoyed the small 9 hole disc golf course, and Lake Crandall was very peaceful. But I probably wouldn't go back unless I had a car full of mtn bikes.
C Marsh
a year agoThe Greenway is a nice nature preserve, and we have been hiking the trails since we moved here 20 plus years ago. I enjoy going from spring til fall, but it has gotten expensive to just swing by and go for a walk. I think they should have all day passes and half day passes for the afternoon. 12.00 is a lot these days to just go by near sundown to get a bit of fresh air. When we first moved here, it was a quiet, hidden gem of a place to visit. Now, it's car loads of people and large groups. Seems like they've sold out, and the entrance fees are more important than creating a peaceful, tranquil place to get away from suburbia. If they're gonna charge so much, maybe invest in more activities and clean up the trails for they are worn. A garden area would be nice. Expanded markers for indigenous plants would be nice.