Providing over a mile of trail between the Kent County communities of Smyrna and Clayton, the Smyrna-Clayton Bike Path is a nifty recreational asset that offers a nice path for outdoor exercise as well as links for residents to important area destinations like schools and parks.
The bulk of the trail runs along the woods behind the Smyrna Middle and High School campus, with segments connecting to Duck Creek Parkway and Smyrna Clayton Boulevard, providing an important off-road connection between the busy roadways and the schools. The asphalt path is narrow but smooth and flat, making it a great option for strollers, runners, and family bike rides.
Parking is available near the trail at the George C. Wright Municipal Park, at 325 N Main Street in Smyrna. Additional parking may be available along the trail route; be sure to follow any posted signs and regulations.
Actually a small network of multi-use trails, the Smyrna-Clayton Bike Path gives residents of both of these communities a great alternative to walking or biking along busy local roads.
The trail is comprised of two main branches, starting from Duck Creek Parkway on either side of the High School and Middle School campus. The northwest branch separates the high school from adjacent mini-storage facilities and a residential subdivision, while the northeast division follows a powerline that runs along a branch of Duck Creek and connects to the west side of Smyrna via a footbridge. Both branches of the trail wrap around the campus and converge just south of a small cow pasture. The trail continues southeast of here, crossing the creek on a footbridge and ending at the intersection of Routes 6 and 300.
In addition to giving local residents a chance to enjoy nature, the trail gives students at the high and middle schools a safe means to walk to and from school . Unfortunately, I noticed some minor deterioration on the footbridge northwest of the Route 6 and 300 intersection. People who are sensitive to loud noises should also be aware that the local fire company's emergency alert siren is just north of the junction between the northwest and northeast branches of the trail.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!