Wanna see ruins in the middle of Charlotte?
Plus: The news of the week — City council members mum on police chief settlement; Amazon to build N.C. campus; Swim teams want more pools in Charlotte; Costco is under construction in Indian Land
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Off the Beaten Path: Follow a quiet stretch of Campbell Creek Greenway to discover the overgrown remains of a Depression-era gristmill — plus a crumbling dam, wild bamboo and plenty of photo ops along the way
Editor’s note: This occasional series is devoted to discovering the hidden corners and unexpected stories in Charlotte and the surrounding region. Have a suggestion? Contact series editor Doug Miller at coach@millerswimming.com
by Daniel Larlham Jr.
Tucked in the woods between several southeastern Charlotte neighborhoods, the remnants of a nearly century-old grist mill still stand along the Campbell Creek Greenway.
These now dilapidated brick ruins have been slowly encroached upon by local flora, giving it the look of a site out of time, or one ripped straight from a dark-fantasy novel.
The hardest part is finding a good place to park. A Google search for “Campbell Creek Greenway” will likely point you to the Lockmont Drive trailhead, located at the end of a cul-de-sac with virtually no parking.
A better option is the entrance at the end of City View Drive, near the Hindu Center of Charlotte — just over a mile from the ruins.
For the shortest walk, try the Margaret Wallace Road entrance, which is only about 0.2 miles from the grist mill.
The walk to see what remains of a Great Depression-era mill is as enjoyable as taking in what remains after a fire in the 1970s. (Daniel Larlham photo)
Heading downstream, you can’t miss the large, dilapidated gristmill on your left. A small plaque facing the building offers some background:
The mill was built during the Great Depression by Dr. Charles Lucas, a prominent tumor specialist who moved his family from New York City to Charlotte. What remains today is all that survived a fire in 1970.
A narrow dirt path leads to a clearing on the creek bank for a closer view. Step carefully across a few creek rocks for a peek inside the vine-covered ruins. That’s about as close as you’ll get — the site is fenced off with chain-link.
There’s another hidden gem nearby: Head upstream about a tenth of a mile from the gristmill to find the remnants of an old dam. There’s no plaque, but the far side has been knocked down and is now covered in graffiti.
Two short paths lead closer to the dam — one takes you down to the creek bank, while the other brings you nearly level with the top, offering views from both sides.
But the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. The paved trail and shady tree canopy make the Campbell Creek Greenway a cool, accessible walk, even in the summer heat.
The air hums with frogs, crickets, and flowing water — otherwise quiet, aside from the occasional passing car or fellow trail-goer.
Several bridges cross Campbell Creek, and along the way, you’ll spot wildflowers and even a hidden patch of bamboo among the dense woods.
Whether you’re hunting for new Instagram backdrops or simply a peaceful place to explore, these two historic spots make the greenway worth a visit. And if you’re up for a longer outing, cross Margaret Wallace Road to connect with McAlpine Creek Greenway — perfect for an extended walk, run or bike ride.
Daniel Larlham Jr. can be reached at larlhamjr@gmail.com
Related Ledger article:
“Check out 8 trails less traveled” (July 2024)
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This week in Charlotte: Parents protest departure of Ardrey Kell principal, commissioners approve budget, Brooklyn Village in jeopardy?, Wells Fargo punishment ends, reviewing Carowinds’ new swim-up bar
On Saturdays, The Ledger sifts through the local news of the week and links to the top articles — even if they appeared somewhere else. We’ll help you get caught up. That’s what Saturdays are for.
Education
Graduation switch: Because of a potential Charlotte Checkers playoff game, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has switched the location of next Friday’s graduations for four schools away from Bojangles Coliseum. Instead, South Mecklenburg, Palisades, Mallard Creek and Garinger will hold their graduations at PNC Music Pavilion. (WSOC)
CMS board member defends Ardrey Kell principal suspension: (WBTV) The vice-chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education defended the district’s handling of the departure of Ardrey Kell High principal Jamie Brooks, after more than a dozen parents and teachers demanded answers at a school board meeting on Thursday.
Politics
Silent on controversial settlement: (Ledger) A majority of Charlotte City Council members declined to explain their votes on the controversial $305,000 settlement reached between the city and police Chief Johnny Jennings.
Council member wants outside investigation: (WFAE) Charlotte City Council member Victoria Watlington says she won’t participate in a city-led investigation of her comments last month that there were “illegal and immoral” acts in city government, an apparent reference to a closed-door vote on a settlement with the police chief. She’s requesting an outside investigator.
County budget approved: (WCNC) Mecklenburg commissioners approved a $2.5B budget that raises property taxes by $36 a year for the typical homeowner, increases funding for education but cuts other expenditures.
Local news
Paul Simon to close women’s store: (Biz Journal, subscriber-only) Longtime Charlotte retailer Paul Simon Co. is closing its women’s store after 30 years and using the space to open a boutique for lifestyle brand Johnnie-O.
House party shooting: (Associated Press) One person was killed and 11 were injured in a shooting at a house party early Sunday morning outside Hickory, an hour northwest of Charlotte.
Business
Brooklyn Village project in jeopardy? (Ledger 🔒) The Peebles Corp. is seeking an extension to demolish the old Board of Education building for the long-delayed Brooklyn Village redevelopment in uptown Charlotte, citing the discovery of asbestos, WFAE reported. That’s prompting skepticism from county officials and raising the risk of legal conflict.
Wells Fargo unleashed: (Ledger 🔒) Federal regulators agreed to remove the cap on Wells Fargo’s assets, a punishment instituted after the bank’s fake-account scandal. The removal of the cap will allow Wells to grow. The Ledger looked at the growth of the bank’s competitors since 2018.
Big tech investment: (Associated Press) Amazon is investing $10B to build a cloud and AI campus in Richmond County, about 75 miles east of Charlotte, bringing at least 500 jobs and major infrastructure upgrades to the rural community. Officials say the project is one of the largest in state history.
From the Ledger family of newsletters
Monday
Swim teams say Charlotte needs more pools. Plus: tips to avoid getting scammed, podcast with entrepreneur Grace Weisiger
Wednesday (🔒)
Ledger writer Caroline Willingham reviews Carowinds’ swim-up bar. Plus: Crickets released during county commissioners meeting, CVS to close 2nd store in uptown, The Pearl medical innovation district celebrates its opening
Friday (🔒)
A new friend-making app called Mesh has launched in Charlotte. Plus: a Charlotte man offers worthless baseball cards for Savannah Bananas tickets, drones to deliver Walmart orders in Charlotte but no details yet
Real Estate Whispers (🔒)
A new tenant signs the biggest lease yet at South End office tower 110 East, providing momentum to Charlotte’s office market. Plus: Inside the new Moxy hotel uptown (with video!), top commercial building permits for May, the scene at the upcoming Costco in Indian Land, and more!
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