Four Mile Creek Greenway

The Four Mile Creek Greenway is a highly accessible, multi-use linear park system nestled in the heart of ⁠Matthews, North Carolina, functioning as both a recreational escape and a vital neighborhood commuter link. Managed as a joint infrastructure project between the ⁠Town of Matthews and Mecklenburg County, this scenic trail seamlessly connects local residential neighborhoods from E. John Street to S. Trade Street, which sits just steps away from the bustling amenities of downtown Matthews. Along the route, visitors gain direct entry to ⁠Squirrel Lake Park, a 36-acre community destination equipped with a playground, a fishing pier, restrooms, and a disc golf course. Structurally, the greenway is engineered to accommodate walkers, runners, cyclists, and strollers alike. It utilizes a durable, low-impact combination of ⁠elevated wooden boardwalks and smooth asphalt pathways that guide visitors through a sensitive, protected wetland corridor.

This unique corridor winds through a rich, low-lying floodplain forest dominated by a towering canopy of native Loblolly and Shortleaf Pine trees. The damp, shaded ecosystem serves as a crucial urban wildlife refuge, supporting local fauna such as beavers and white-tailed deer, alongside a diverse array of migratory songbirds, woodpeckers, and herons. For hikers opting to begin their journey at the modern ⁠Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews, a highly convenient and popular route starts right at the stadium’s west gate. From there, the trail crosses over the moving waters of Four Mile Creek, opening up into a gentle, flat loop around the complex’s meticulously maintained athletic fields 1 through 11. With its minimal elevation change and multiple neighborhood spur connectors, this easy-rated path provides an approachable outdoor experience. It features broad, well-marked paths, highly visible directional signage, and generous, paved public parking lots right at the main trailheads