News : Spend Some Time on the Old Creamery Nature Trail

Old Creamery Nature Trail

By Randy Scheel

Recently, I was at a community event when a good friend approached me to let me know he had ridden the Old Creamery Nature Trail (OCNT) and how much he liked the trail. In addition, he commented how he understands the trail is to be promoted for others to use, yet appreciates how it is often a "hidden secret" in our county and state. He really likes the quiet and solitude along the trail. This seems to be a typical conversation I have had many times regarding the OCNT.

The Old Creamery Nature Trail is 14 miles long and connects Vinton, Garrison, and Dysart. It has a limestone base which is perfect for walking, jogging, biking (trail bikes, fat tires, or hybrids are recommended), and a variety of other activities. Originally this was a rail line established in the 1870's that was converted to a nature trail nearly 120 years later. It is rich in history and has 13 bridges along the way. If you stop in Garrison at the rest area, you will be able to see signage near the pavilion that describes the history of that site. Our goal is to add more signage along the trail in upcoming years.

We are working on improving the trailhead in Vinton. Thanks to the kindness of John Anderson and family, we now have a new trailhead on West 13th Street just west of the New Century FS Plant in Vinton. There is space to park vehicles, and the new portion of the trail runs north to connect with the current trail. We are working with the City of Vinton to create a safe crossing of Highway 218 (actual crossing location has yet to be determined) to allow better access to this new trailhead. In the meantime, the current trailhead at West 8th Street will remain open until we have this project completed. Our goal is to provide the safest way to cross the highway to encourage more trail use by all ages.

The next trail event will be held on Saturday, July 19th in Garrison as part of the town's Fun Days. A 5k will be held with registration starting at 8:15 am and the run/walk to start at 9:00 am. This will all start at the rest area where you can also enjoy breakfast served by the Library Board if you are rooting on your favorite runner. Registration information can be found on the Old Creamery Nature Trail Facebook page.

Take time to enjoy this valuable resource in Benton County! Along the way don't be surprised if you see deer, chipmunks, turkeys, a large variety of birds, squirrels, other animals, and occasionally other trail users. There are places and benches to rest along the way. In addition, each town has services nearby. In Dysart, the trailhead is near Casey's ( just a few blocks to the downtown area). In Garrison, the Hitchin' Post has recently reopened and serves food and beverages, not to mention a bike fix-it station and water at the rest area. In Vinton, there are a variety of services within blocks of either trailhead.