This route is remarkably secluded for being so close to the center of town. Going east from Dix Park the route passes through the Washington Elementary tunnel and by Mt. Hope Cemetery. The Walnut Creek and the Rocky Branch trails are linked by Fayetteville St. to the east, and Varsity Greenway to the west. Much of the ride goes through land that formed the original 2500 + acres of the Dix Hospital grounds.
Near Lake Wheeler Rd. on the Walnut Creek Trail, a short spur leads to the North Carolina State Farmer’s Market. On the east side of the loop, the route follows Varsity Greenway and campus roads to reach The Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, with subsequent linkage to the Rocky Branch Trail. Most of the route follows creek beds, and so, is basically flat. The Cathedral is near the highest point of the ride, so expect some huffage and puffage as you approach it, especially from the south.
The Link
There are a few ways to link Varsity Greenway to Rocky Branch Trail. This 1.1 mile link is the most direct and follows the Centennial Campus roads and Bilyeu St. to the Rocky Branch Trail along Western Blvd.