CENTERVILLE ó Sometimes itís easier to take to the mountains when youíve got your friends and neighbors hiking beside you. Encouraged by the success of the group hikes organized earlier this spring, the Centerville Trails Committee is planning on leading three more hikes stretching throughout the end of this summer and into the fall. Though the committee requests that those interested in the hike sign up at Centerville City Hall ó a count helps the hike leaders plan more effectively ó participation is free of charge. ìWe had such a great response from the community for our first series of hiking classes,î said Denise Cox, a member of the Centerville Trails Committee who is helping with the hikes. ìWeíre always looking for ways to give people the chance to enjoy our beautiful mountains and get some exercise at the same time.î##M:MORE##

The summer and fall hikes are slightly more challenging than the longer spring set, starting right off with the trail that Cox considered the hardest of the original set. That trail, Deuel Creek, will be the target of the hike on Aug. 16 at 8 a.m. Participants are asked to meet at the top of 100 South (850 East 100 South).

Next on the list will be Barnard Creek, which is currently scheduled for Sept. 13 at 8 a.m. The meeting spot for this hike will be at the top of Chase Lane (610 East 1000 North), while the meeting spot for the last hike, Parrish Creek, will be at the top of Parrish Lane (700 East 400 North). That hike is currently scheduled for October 14 at 9 a.m., the only weekday hike scheduled out of the current series.

ìItís a great way to get outside and enjoy the scenery,î Cox said. ìI love having the chance to just get away from life and enjoy nature.î

Committee members recommend that those interested in the hikes wear good shoes and bring sunscreen, water and a hat. They also request that pets, which are more susceptible to the heat, be left at home.

Hikers are also welcome to bring a walking stick if they so choose and turn around at any point on the hike and head back to the trailhead. In fact, Cox admits that this might end up being a necessity for some hikers, since none of the trails have restrooms along their routes.

More information on the trails, sign-ups and meeting places can be found by calling the Centerville Trails Committee at either 298-3021 or 295-6288. A complete map of the cityís trail system is also available at the city offices, and committee members are hoping to encourage resident interest in the trails in any way they can.

ìI just donít think theyíre publicized much,î said Cox. ìPeople around here donít know how to access them, but weíre hoping to help change that.î

jwardell@davisclipper.com