Great outdoor adventures in urban setting
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail.
I have many fond memories of playing baseball as a youngster. I can still recall playing in the Little League at the Hot Springs Boys Club, although 45 years have since transpired. And I continued playing at the facility into my young teenage years.
Of course, I most enjoyed the competition. However, I still recall many practices, as well. I always enjoyed the opportunity of taking several swings before taking the field, and the thrill of occasionally watching as the ball sailed over the fence.
Hitting a home run during practice, “back in the day,” did not come without a price. The number of baseballs we had was limited. So, it was essential that we retrieve each one that whizzed out of the park.
The brush was thick on the opposing side of the fence and Hot Springs Creek was only feet away. The drainage area wound through a lush understory and beneath the shade of a thick forest canopy. It was the perfect environment for those reptiles folks love to hate. That’s right, as much time was spent scanning the area for snakes as was dedicated to searching for baseballs.
The landscape has certainly changed since my childhood. I’m elated to report that the baseball fields are still there and youngsters are still enjoying what was once referred to as “America’s Favorite Pastime.”
The backdrop, on the other hand, is noticeably different. The area that was once thick with vines, brush and trees is well groomed. In fact, this piece of land that once appeared useless is now enjoyed by many as part of the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail.
The trail system is a work in progress. And although a portion of the route has been in use for several years, more designated path is already planned and will be completed in the future.
About 2.5 miles have already been completed, lending to an opportunity for folks to who traverse the path and return to the beginning point to experience about a 5-mile journey.
The trail is designed to accommodate both hikers and bikers. I have previously hiked the route. But I find the trail a perfect place to ride my bike. I have certainly ridden paths that were more physically demanding and technically challenging. However, there are times when I would rather embark upon a pleasant and scenic ride than push myself to the brink of my abilities.
The first segment of the route, the Transportation Plaza section, begins at the plaza and ends a quarter of a mile away, just before crossing Grand Avenue.
This section of the designated path is very level, while making its way along a wide concrete substrate. A jaunt along this particular segment of the path lends to some very interesting scenery, as several sculptures are dispersed along the right-hand side.
I usually take this portion of the journey slow, as I can’t think of a better way to begin the ride than enjoying and admiring the artwork. The view to the left is also soothing, as Hot Springs Creek cascades along a rocky substrate.
The Transportation Plaza segment crosses a long wooden bridge spanning Hot Springs Creek just before crossing Grand Avenue and tying into the Valley Street segment. This portion of the route continues alongside the creek, which is now on the right. But the lefthand side consists of a steep bank on the opposing side of the stream.
The path eventually veers to the right and crosses an old railroad track just before making a slight dogleg across the bridge at Runyon Street. The path then turns back to the left and continues to follow Hot Springs Creek’s edge, which is now on the left-hand side.
But before long, the trail veers to the left and makes its way across yet another wellbuilt wooden bridge spanning the creek. The final leg of the Valley Street segment continues straight for a short distance, eventually ending its half-mile journey at the Belding intersection.
Crossing the bridge at Belding and making a hard turn to the left, the path then ties in with the Friendship segment of the trail. This seems to be one of the more popular sections of the trail system, and for good reason.
The path meanders along the backside of the Hot Springs Boys & Girls Club fields, which are on the right-hand side. And as one might suspect, the creek is also near, on the path’s left.
The Friendship segment eventually runs beneath the old railroad trestle that spans Shady Grove Road. The three-quarter-mile stretch of path continues alongside what I consider the most scenic section of Hot Springs Creek. Evidently, others also recognize the creek’s beauty, as a couple of picnic table are situated between the creek and the trail.
This is actually the section where, as a youngster, I waded into the heavy understory in search of baseballs. It’s hard to imaging how the substrate along this section once appeared, as it is now a serene setting.
A beautiful flower garden has also been added to this section of the path. In fact, I noticed several showy flowers blooming in the garden just a few days ago.
The Friendship segment ends upon crossing Hollywood Avenue, and the Hollywood segment begins. Hollywood Park is certainly one of the most convenient access points to the entire trail system, as there is ample parking and restrooms are on site.
After crossing Hollywood Avenue, the path continues alongside the creek and within eyeshot of the Hot Springs Bark Park. This facility is yet another example of a city making good use of a small piece of land that might otherwise prove useless.
I always enjoy watching the dogs run and play as I pedal within sight of the park. In fact, there’s a wooden platform within a few feet of the trail from where folks can kick back and enjoy the scenery around them.
However, upon biking past the Bark Park, I usually focus on gathering speed, as the only significant climb on the entire path lurks just ahead. The ascent from the Dog Park is not actually too bad. But be aware that the climb on the way back from the trail’s end is a great deal steeper and longer. But it’s not so bad that it should be avoided.
After topping the hill, the route provides riders with a few small “S” curves, which are fun to maneuver as the bike rushes down the hillside. But before long, the path once again levels out, crosses yet another wooden bridge and makes an abrupt turn to the left, continuing alongside the creek as it runs behind the city barn.
The Hollywood segment ends its half-mile journey soon thereafter at the intersection of Adams and Chelsea streets. In fact, this is where the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail currently ends.
However, construction of the newest section of trail has already begun and I look forward to the time when I can experience yet another half-mile of path before returning to my vehicle.
In fact, I’m already anticipating the day when the entire Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail is complete and I can embark upon a round trip consisting of about 8 miles.