Trails provide natural connection

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — Residents and visitors alike can get lost in nature by taking advantage of the more than 26 miles of trails that wind through the community’s green belt areas.

Whether jogging, biking, walking for exercise or looking at wildlife and enjoying the fall foliage, walking on one of the Village’s many trails can make it seem like civilization is miles away. The trails are secluded in the green belt areas, which comprise nearly one-fourth of the community’s 26,000 acres and will never be developed residentially or commercially.

Among new resident surveys, trails consistently rank among the top desired amenities. The Trails Committee members regularly walk the pathways to keep maintenance personnel apprised of situations that need to be addressed, and the committee also updates a five-year capital plan to expand the trails system and eventually make connector strips.

As the more sparsely populated areas of the community are developed, plans call to have

trails connecting them, with a long-term goal of having a network of trails that expand the full 15 miles of the Village, from the West Gate to the East Gate.

The trails also serve as venues for specific events, including the Village Walk for Cancer Research, organized bicycle rides and other fundraisers. They also serve as paths for golfers to get to nearby courses with their golf carts, as opposed to driving on the roads.

The network of Hot Springs Village trails includes:

• DeSoto multipurpose trail,

3.5 miles.

• Sonora, Emperado, Calella multipurpose trail, 0.7 mile.

• DeSoto Marina multipurpose trail, 0.7 mile.

• Santa Maria cart/bicycle lane, 1.3 miles.

• DeSoto Park Nature Trail,

0.4 mile.

• DeSoto Spillway Trail, 0.8 mile.

• Barcelona cart/bicycle lane, 1.2 miles.

• Carmona cart/bicycle lane,

1.1 miles.

• Hernando Trail, 8 miles. This trail is in the heart of the community and parallels DeSoto Boulevard. Long-term plans call to expand the trail further as well as have other paths constructed to connect it with other trails.

• Lake Coronado Boat Ramp Trail, 0.3 mile.

• Cedar Creek Nature Trail,

3.1 miles.

• Magellan Beaver Dam

Trail, 0.7 mile.

• Lake Balboa Spillway Trail,

1.6 miles.

Maps and trail surveys are available in boxes at most trailheads.

Pets are welcome on the Village trails but must be leashed, cleaned up after and under positive control of the owner.

There is a 15 mph speed limit for multipurpose trails.

Pedestrians have the right of way.

When possible, hikers should not walk alone or let someone know where they can be located.

Hikers should know their limits, and keep distance, direction and time in mind.