The Nonconnah Greenbelt Park and Entrance on Shelby Drive & Forrest Hill Irene Rd. In Memphis, TN

It's well known by many that Memphis has some really great trail systems and parks for it's residents and visitors alike. The city has put a lot of money into the beautiful greenways and greenbelts that crisscross the city and countryside, and the Nonconnah Greenbelt is no exception. But did you know about the quiet, nicely kept entrance to the greenbelt on the corners of Shelby Drive and Forrest Hill Irene Road in Memphis? It's definitely worth checking out.

The entrance is right on Forrest Hill Irene Road, once you pass underneath the highway bridge coming from Shelby Drive, right across the street practically from a Shell gas station that has a tasty Subway inside. There is a very welcoming way about this particular entrance on the outskirts of town here.

Pull into the driveway that has an entrance and exit side, and you are immediately greeted by pretty landscape and plantings that require little upkeep it seems. Drive on up the short driveway and choose from one of the dozen or so parking spots in the circular shaped parking lot.

Sit, perhaps, and enjoy your lunch as it seems so many people do who visit this spot, and rightly so because the view even from your car is quite lovely - it's of two ponds, on either side of the parking lot down a short hill, filled with blossoming lily pads in the spring and early summer months, as well as other water-loving plants artfully and tastefully placed throughout the water.

Are you ready to get out of your car and take a walk? Cross through the small field and cross a pretty footbridge and let the trail begin... or you may just want to hang out on the bridge to enjoy the view. Or perhaps you may even want to simply enjoy the stone terraces built into the grassy hillside of one of the ponds, like a sort of amphitheater.

A lot of people come here to give their dog a nice walk, some even coming from the pretty apartment complex across the road behind the Shell station. But don't worry, there's not much doggy poo to be found... seems as though when a doggy does his business, it's never in the open or else the rain washes it away before anyone has a chance to step in it. But you may want to watch out, just in case, if you do decide to walk in the grass.

Some days, you can even see a group of bicycle riders rolling through the area, usually one or two in the group exclaiming delight as they see this unknown beauty spot in the countryside. Sometimes they'll even stop to admire the pond, taking a sip from their water bottle while they do.

But don't you be a stranger to this place. Come check it out, and see one of the rare gems left in the area, unspoiled by too many people.