More and more folks in Martinsville and Henry County are learning about the trails of the Smith River Trail System and checking them out. Today I paid a visit to the Fieldale Trail on South River Road in Fieldale.
To give a little background information, this 2.3 mile long trail is operated by Henry County Parks & Recreation (HCPR). It was developed by the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) with major funding provided by the Dominion Foundation, and is currently supported by volunteers in DRBA's & HCPR's Adopt-A-Trail Program known as "Friends of the Fieldale Trail."The first phase of the trail a 0.9 mile section of trail leading upstream of the parking lot was built in 2007, and the newest addition is a 1.3 mile stretch leading downstream.
When I pulled up into the parking lot at 5:30 this afternoon, it was packed! Over 30 people were enjoying the trail after work. I saw walkers, people with dogs, bicyclists, and fishermen. One biker was even practicing for the upcoming Smith River Mini-Triathlon to be held on June 13th.
It was an incredible sight just to see all of these people enjoying a simple path through the woods. Even though the sun was shining and it was warm out, a gentle breeze from the Smith River kept us cool. This is definately a testament that "if you build it--they will come!"
Martinsville and Henry County is on it's way to becoming a recreational destination for both residents and tourists to enjoy. If you would like more information on the Smith River Trail System, or the Adopt-A-Trail Program please contact me at 276-634-2545 or drba.va@danriver.org. Happy Hiking!
Jennifer Doss- Rivers & Trails Project Manager
All was cool until.....
Oops -- the dog does not like water.
Jack would not get back in the kayak -- he rock hopped back to the canoe.