On the trails

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With spring finally here, people may want to get outside and exercise and Jamestown has many trails ready for them.

According to a recent survey for Jamestown Parks and Recreation, more than 50 percent of people said they want more biking opportunities and more than 20 percent said they want more jogging opportunities.

In fact, Jamestown has plenty of trails — more than 35 miles of them.

“Depending on what you’re looking for, we have trails available that would satisfy a lot of people,” said Doug Hogan, Jamestown Parks and Recreation director.

In total there are 14 trails in and around Jamestown with everything from paved surfaces in parks to secluded hikes far from any sidewalks.

Three trails in the Jamestown area are considered challenging nature trails. They include unpaved paths, hills and are at least five miles long.

“It’s nature, you’re going to see some birds and some wildlife,” Hogan said. “You’re basically there by yourself.”

Pipestem Dam is home to two of those trails. The entrance to Pipestem Dam Trail, also referred to as the Pipestem Creek Trail, is at the south side of the office, and the entrance to the North Ridge Trail is north of the office.

The third trail is the White Cloud Nature Trail, where the entrance is the McElroy Park Veteran’s Memorial Bridge.

“One nice feature with Pipestem (Dam Trail) is there isn’t one part of that trail that isn’t a mile from the start,” Hogan said.

If looking for some casual paved trails, those are scattered throughout Jamestown.

Nickeus, Klaus, McElroy and Meidinger parks all have paved walking trails that are considered easy and maintained all year. Some trails like the one in Meidinger Park have signage explaining how far the distance is.

“Obviously a harder surface is easier to negotiate,” Hogan said.

All trails will serve bikes along with walkers or joggers.

However, it’s important to take some precautions depending on the trail. For example, it’s always a good idea to carry water and drink it often. Stretching before any physical activity is also wise.

For some of the nature trails, it’s also probably a good idea to bring bug repellent because of mosquitoes. Ticks are also present, so check yourself, your family and any pets when done with a walk.

“It’s not a bad thing,” Hogan said of bugs. “You just need to be aware of that and take the necessary precautions.”

Not only is taking advantage of the trails a good family activity but it’s also a benefit for mental and physical health, said Amy Walters, chairperson of the Jamestown Healthy Lifestyles Coalition.

“Walking is one of the best forms of exercise because most of everyone can do it and it doesn’t require a lot of equipment,” Walters said.

Walking and cycling also improve cardiovascular health as well as breathing capability and are good weight-loss techniques.

“For pretty much every chronic disease, exercise decreases your probability of getting that disease,” she said.

Walters recommends 60 minutes of exercise a day for everyone, and it doesn’t all have to be at once.

More information on Jamestown’s walking and biking trails can be found in a brochure available at the Jamestown Hospital Wellness Center or the office of Jamestown Parks and Recreation.

“Really what the most important thing is that people get out there and move,” she said.

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by e-mail at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, bike, trails