Thomas Rouse

The Thomas Rouse Trail celebrates Newcastle’s coal-mining history. It runs south from Bellevue’s Coal Creek Trail through Newcastle Commons to the Golf Course Trail, crossing Newcastle Commons Drive at the Central Square. A block north of the Square, a history display area marks the access to the Coal Creek and Primrose trails. A block west is the Newcastle Monument (brick sculpture, history, restaurants). A block south, the trail climbs to an overlook and turns southeast, now a footpath. It descends to cross a street, ascends on steps, and rejoins NC Drive near the YMCA (and historic Thomas Rouse Road). For an easy shortcut (no steps), follow NC Drive east from the Square.