Listed in Order of Importance*
- The path which starts at the intersection of Rosemont and Julia, then goes to Cleveland to Princeton (btw 223 &229 Cleveland) then continues to climb from Cleveland to Princeton (239 & 247 Princeton). The lower section of the path is heavily used. It is passible, although it could use some maintenance. The upper section is not well marked, and the exit onto Princeton is not easily visible or accessible (there is a “Keep Out” sign which we believe was placed by the nextdoor homeowner). This is the most direct path down for residents at the southern top of Almonte hill.
- To the northwest, there are connecting easements which go from the top of the hill on Stanford Avenue all the way down to Stadium Avenue, potentially creating and excellent walking route directly to Tam High School. However, the quality of the sections differ widely. The path from Stanford (btw 135 and 145 Stanford) to Harvard (btw 131 to135 Harvard) to California (btw 130 to 132 California) there are remnants of the old stairs and path, but it is heavily overgrown, and there is no obvious exit onto California. On California (btw 115 and 131 California) and the intersection of Morning Sun and Stadium, the easement is heavily overgrown, but there does not appear to be any fences or other structures that would impede a path.
- The path which goes between Morning Sun (btw 189 and 191 Morning Sun) and Almonte Blvd (btw 180 & 178 Almonte). This path drops right down to the edge of Tam High School and would be heavily used by students walking to school. Currently, it is inappropriately gated by a homeowner on the upper portion. Although it is not easily visible or accessible, it is passible if you know it’s there. The lower part of the path was heavily overgrown but a few years ago it was cleared and cleaned up, unfortunately at this time it is in need of more care.
- The path from Morning Sun (btw 250 & 252 Morning Sun) and Greene Street (btw 251 a& 255 Greene) is important for evacuation for the southern portion of the hill. This path is well maintained, accessible and visible (it has the only remaining “Public Path” sign that we found up on the Greene Street entrance). There is potentially a continuation of this path on an easement from Greene Street (btw 258 and 260 Greene) up to Cleveland Avenue (btw 2 Hidden Lane & 261 Cleveland) but we couldn’t find any obivious entrance on the Greene Street side. This would need significant county involvement.
- An easement between the intersection of California and Cleveland and Morning Sun (btw 170 & 172 Morning Sun) is currently closed by a fence on the California Street side. There is a gate in the fence that would appear to grant access, although it enters to what looks like a private backyard. On the map, this easement would then continue onto Lark Lane, which eventually connects down to Tam High School. However, Lark Lane no longer connects to Morning Sun and a house has been built in that space. Still it would appear that there is a space that would allow for a path to be built skirting the house and connecting to Lark Lane. This could become a great school route to Tam High, starting from the center of Almonte.
- The easement between the intersection of Gibson and Morning Sun and Greene Street (btw 271 & 273 Greene) is very overgrown and impeded by cars parked on the Morning Sun side. It would require significant work to bring back a path. This path would be important for evacuation from this side of the hill.
Condition of the Almonte Steps, Lanes, and Paths:
Most of the above listed easements for the Almonte Steps, Lanes, and Paths would require work to make them useable and allow for easy and safe passage. Some require fairly basic maintenance, while others requires removal of significant vegetation, building of stairs, and removal of structural impediments.
*Please note that the conditions of the Steps, Lanes, and Paths described above are based on 2007 observations and are subject to change.