Hiking enthusiasts may want to attend an Aug. 19 open house on the final phases of the Big Creek Greenway.

From 5 to 7 p.m. at Sawnee Elementary School, Forsyth County staff will field questions and review plans for the greenway, the final phases of which are scheduled to open in 2011.

The last sections include a seven-mile, 12-foot wide, multi-use trail from Bethelview Road to the Sawnee Mountain Preserve and Visitor Center on Spot Road.

Before that come the first three phases of the project, stretching along Big Creek, which are scheduled to open soon.

Funding for the Big Creek Greenway comes from a $100 million parks, recreation and green space bond, as well as impact fees collected on new development.

Initial construction on the trail at McFarland Road began in July 2008, with the second and third phases starting about the same time.

Residents will be able to access the trail at McFarland, Union Hill and Bethelview roads, with parking available at these points.

The trail will be open to the public during daylight hours.

After all five phases of the trail are complete, the project will total 15 miles.