Martinsville, Virginia

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Get Active in 2013

How have you been doing with your new year resolutions? Don't give up...get active! There are many ways to creatively get in your exercise in Martinsville-Henry County. Try these suggestions to get moving and accomplish your goals this year.

  • Hit the Trails- There are more than 20 miles of trails to hike, bike and run in BikingMartinsville-Henry County. Walk by the peaceful rippling waters of the Smith River on the Fieldale Trail, bike the smooth paved Dick and Willie Passage Rail Trail or tackle the rugged hills along Doe Run Trail or Rhododendron Trail at the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve. A wide variety of trail surfaces and scenery awaits you. 
  • Borrow a Bike & Bring It Back- The Bike Barn is a free bike loan program providing both residents and visitors the opportunity to ride the Dick & Willie Passage. If you don't have a bike and want to get out and pedal the 4.5 miles of the beautiful trail, stop by The Bike Barn on Doyle Street to borrow one. The Bike Barn officially opens for the season on April 1, 2013!
  • Hit the River- Enjoy a kayak or canoe paddle along the 45 miles of Smith River in Martinsville-Henry County. Ten river access points with sections of varying skill levels makes paddling accessible to everyone. If you are new at paddling or are traveling without yours, Three Rivers Outfitters can provide the equipment and guide services that you need for a fun day out on the water. 
  • Climb Higher- If you enjoy rock climbing, practice your skills and technique on the bouldering wall at Collinsville Jaycee Park. This double-sided curving structure is safe for kids to enjoy but can provide a really great workout for bouldering and climbing enthusiasts too.  
  • Bowl a Few Frames- Go bowling at Sportlanes or Druid Lanes and burn calories while Sportlaneshaving fun. Did you know the average adult bowler burns 240 calories per hour while bowling and throwing 3 games is equivalent to walking a mile? Pick up coupons for Sportlanes at the Visitor Center!
  • Join the Mall Walkers of Liberty Fair Mall-If you are looking for a comfortable, climate-controlled, environment to get your walking done, Liberty Fair Mall invites you to walk laps inside the mall. The mall opens its doors early every morning for Mall-Walkers to stretch their legs- Monday-Saturday the mall opens at 8 a.m. and Sunday at 12 p.m. After you get your walking done, be sure to visit JC's 5 Star Outlet, Rack Room Shoes, Suit City and the other great stores. 
  • Hit the Gym- If your hotel or campground does not have a gym, YMCA passes for visitors are available at the Visitor Center. Stop by and see us at 54 W Church Street for your complimentary Guest For A Day pass to the Martinsville YMCA, located only 0.62 miles from the Visitor Center. The YMCA also offers a variety of different classes open to members and non-members. If you want to try something new, the first class is always free. Contact the YMCA for more information.
  • Participate in Miles in Martinsville- Make 2013 the year to walk/run your first 5K, 10K or Half Marathon. Races include: Martinsville Half Marathon, 5K & Relay, Girls on the Run 5K and Spring Celebration, Tuff Strutter 5K Trail Run at Rooster Walk 5, Helgramite Hustle Mud Run at the Smith River Fest, Harvest Moon Run 10K and Dancing on Depot, Turkey Day 5K and Family Fun Run and Girls on the Run 5K and Fall Celebration.
  • Skateboard- The J. Frank Wilson Memorial Park is home to a great skate park. If you Disc Golfare a fan of fun on wheels or a skateboard enthusiast, be sure to visit the park to master the ramps and practice your boarding tricks.
  • Disc Golf- Try your hand at the 18 Hole 60 PAR Disc Golf course at the J. Frank Wilson Memorial Park.
  • Kick It!- Enjoy a round of Adult Pick-Up Soccer on Mondays and Thursdays at the Smith River Sports Complex. 
  • Golf- Practice your swing at one of the area's three public golf courses- Bassett Country Club, Forest Park Country Club, Beaver Hills Golf Course or practice your putting skills at Laurel Park Mini Golf.
  • Skate- Skating and rollerblading offers a fun way for the whole family to squeeze in a little more exercise at Roll-A-Bout Skating Center.

Did we forget your favorite activity? Tell us about it below. We'd love to hear how our fans are 
staying active while enjoying the amenities of Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia!