December Discoveries: Silverbell Trail

This story is the seventh in a series of posts called "December Discoveries". Through the eyes of our staff and a few guest bloggers, the posts will shed light on fun activities to enjoy, new exhibits to experience and the interesting stories behind some of our local businesses. Whether you are discovering these attractions for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, we hope that you enjoy the series.   

Have you ever noticed a beautiful flower sculpture located on Church Street in Uptown Martinsville? The sculpture is representative of the Carolina Silverbell, the namesake of the Silverbell Trail. The piece marks the Church Street entrance to the trail.

The Silverbell Trail is a paved, rolling trail that connects to the intersection of the Dick and Willie Passage Rail Trail and the Uptown Connection Trail. It allows visitors and locals alike to easily access points of interest such as Virginia Museum of Natural History, J. Frank Wilson Park, and Uptown Martinsville shopping, dining, and entertainment.

There are interesting features to enjoy as you take a walk, bike, or hike on the Silverbell Trail. A favorite feature of the trail is the wooden boardwalk. While functional, it is wonderful and interesting change to the landscape and atmosphere of the trail. The mere sound of the board clapping under your feet can add a sense of relaxation and rhythm to your stride down the trail.

Another feature, which is unique to the Silverbell, is a collection of eight bronze animals along the path. When on an outing with children, the Silverbell offers an opportunity to play "hide-and-seek" for these animals which are all native to this area. For those young and young-at-heart, it is a blast to walk down the trail and try to locate the eight different animals. The animals featured include a quail, dove, snake, bunny, grasshopper, trout, frog, and turtle. Can you find them all? 

Take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Silverbell Trail on your next visit to Uptown Martinsville. It is full of wonderful surprises to delight all ages.