Anne Springs Close Greenway

I'm in South Carolina for two weeks for work and making the best of the extended southern summer to keep up with my marathon training.  Today I went to the Anne Springs Close Greenway, which is a large network of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails in Fort Mill just south of Charlotte.

It took me some time to find the trailhead to the section that I wanted to run, but once on the trail, I was in heaven.  So much so that I developed a theory that trail half marathons may be my calling.  I don't know if that's true, but this was a great trail. 

I made it about 2.5 or 3 miles into the Blue Star trail when I missed a marker and went the wrong way for a while.  I didn't care.  I doubled back, found the proper way again, and continued on.  I loved the woods.  I loved the suspended bridges over the creek.  I loved the hawk that took flight right in front of me with a snake in its beak.  I loved the little country landmarks like the old mill and the train trestle.

Because of my little detour, I decided to turn around before reaching the southern most terminus of the Blue Star trail.  But I plan to go back tomorrow and start at the opposite end to run the piece that I missed.  If you love trail running, this is a fantastic system.  With summer rain filtering through the trees and damp leaves brushing past my legs, I ran with a smile on my face and felt amazing.

Here is a link to the trail map.  I started at the top of the map at the Dairy Farm and Greenway Headquarters (letter G on the map) and took the Blue Star trail south to the east.  I turned around near the Webb Grist Mill (letter J).

I may have to find a trail race in Michigan after the Chicago Marathon is done.  So much fun!