Mary Carter Greenway Trail

The trail offers various access points with parking. One notable area is near Park and Rafters. Given its length, you can find parking lots at different points along the route, particularly near major parks and trailheads in Littleton and Englewood. Always check local signage for specific parking regulations.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help maintain the trail's cleanliness and preserve the natural environment for all users.

The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fall colors being a particular highlight along certain stretches. Summer can be warm, so an early start is recommended. Winter hiking is also possible, but be mindful of potential icy spots on the paved sections.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Mary Carter Greenway Trail itself. The trail runs through South Platte Park, which is generally open to the public without charge. However, always check the City of Littleton website for any specific regulations or temporary closures that might apply to certain areas within the park.

The primary path is a 10-foot-wide paved concrete pathway, making it largely flat and easy to navigate. In some sections, there are also crushed stone paths adjacent to the main trail, specifically for pedestrians and wheelchair users, allowing cyclists to remain on the paved surface. You'll also find various side trails through forests and along the river for a more natural surface experience.

While komoot classifies the full 32.6 km route as difficult due to its length, the trail itself is largely considered easy with minimal elevation gain. The main paved path is flat and accessible, suitable for a wide range of users, including families and those with strollers or wheelchairs. The difficulty primarily comes from the distance if you choose to complete the entire route.

The trail offers diverse scenery, winding through lush meadows, past serene lakes like Eaglewatch Lake, Redtail Lake, and the South Platte Reservoir, and along the South Platte River. You can also enjoy lake views and the Centennial Pond Sunset View. A unique landmark is the SpaceX Falcon 9 First Stage Booster B1021.

The trail traverses 880 acres of open space, providing opportunities to observe diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, elk, and coyotes, as well as various bird species that frequent the river and lake areas.

Yes, the Mary Carter Greenway Trail is a vital link in the Metro Denver trail system. It connects with the Platte River Trail and allows access to other popular routes like the Bear Creek Trail, Lee Gulch Trail (intersecting at Lee Gulch and Mary Carter Trail Intersection), and the High Line Canal Trail. The route itself also passes through sections of the South Platte River Trail, Littleton L2, Littleton L12, and Littleton L6.

Yes, the trail features rest areas with amenities. You can find restrooms and drinking fountains at various points along the route, particularly in the larger park sections. Shaded picnic areas are also available for breaks.

Absolutely. The main paved, 10-foot-wide concrete pathway is largely flat and well-maintained, making it highly accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Some sections even offer adjacent crushed stone paths specifically for pedestrians and wheelchair users, ensuring a smooth experience.