Nothing to do? Take a hike!
By JENNIFER WILSON
News editor
There's no doubt about it: Marion County is full of walkers.
They're out early in the morning, during lunchtime, and late in the evening. They're grasping dog leashes, pushing baby strollers, and bee-bopping with walkmans. They come in groups of twos and threes, and they go out solo.
They're everywhere.
And if you're one of the area's die-hard walkers, you've probably got your routine down to science. You know exactly when you want to walk and exactly where you want to go.
How about a little variation?
You don't always need to stick to the same old streets as you take your regular stroll. Change your routine a little — try a new walking spot the next time you lace up those Nikes.
Here are a few choices.
Reservoir nature trail
Do you want to leave concrete completely behind? Then head for the Willow Walk Trail at the Marion Reservoir.
The Willow Walk trailhead is located inside the Cottonwood Point camping area, northeast of the shower building and immediately east of campsite No. 93. The dirt path wends its way under tree cover, providing shade during the hot summer months.
The trail heads west and hugs the curves of the lake's edge. It's one mile for the entire trail, which winds around and ends back at its starting point, but those looking for a shorter hike can turn at the half-mile cutoff.
Bicycles aren't allowed on the trail, but pets are — as long as they're on a leash.
Butterfly Garden
For beauty in a more residential setting, try the walking path that winds around a section of northern Goessel.
The highlight of the walk is the Butterfly Garden, which is located in a courtyard behind Bethesda Home. It's maintained by the Town and Country Garden Club.
If you start your stroll in the garden, you'll first meander west along Marion Street, then head northwest across a grassy area complete with gazebo. Continue in that direction along the path behind the Emma Creek Meadows duplexes. Feel free to stop and sit awhile at one of the many benches.
Once you hit Cedar, head south to Kansas Avenue, then follow the footpath that crosses the bridge back up northeast to the Butterfly Garden.
Hillsboro railroad trail
If you live in Hillsboro and want a walking path free of traffic, head for the site of the old railroad line.
It's a grassy area that's been considered for a proposed "Rails for Trails" pathway. The route runs east-west, running between the backyards of houses on First and Second streets.
The path starts between the post office and Boucher's Antique Barn, heads east between Central National and Hillsboro State banks, then crosses Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Madison before ending by the E.V. Lutheran Zion Cemetery. That distance is a little more than a mile.
If you want to head further east, the path will let you — through a grove of trees, out into the countryside.
County lake
Whether you want a flat surface for a leisurely stroll or some rougher hills for more of a hiking experience, you can find both at the Marion County Lake.
Keep to the blacktop that surrounds the lake, and you'll find a smooth path with gently sloping hills. Watch out for the occasional car, and be sure to wave at the driver.
But if you want the heart to pump a little faster, stick to the gravel and dirt roads that are situated next to the water's edge and picnic shelters. That's where you'll find some steeper grades guaranteed to make you break a sweat.
One complete loop around the lake on the blacktop is nearly three and a half miles. For a shorter route, go from Kingfisher's Inn to the heated dock for just about eight-tenths of a mile.
