Trail sections to be open for vehicles Sunday afternoon

The Jefferson County Conservation Board will host its annual Trail Drive-Thru from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday allowing people to drive on the trails and see the sights.

'It's a good opportunity for people who haven't been able to see the trails and bridges to see these things,” said Ron Meyers, a former Jefferson County Park host, who helped organize the first event in 2005. He explained a trail user often brings out family members or neighbors who are not physically able to get out and use the trails any other way.

This year, the drive starts at Maasdam Barns on the southside of Fairfield and heads west. This trail section is part of the Fairfield Loop Trail that more or less parallels Highway 34. It features a Snake Alley-type hill with sharp twists and turns.

Once on the Cedar View Trail, drivers will head west, cross over the Highway 34 Bypass bridge and the Cedar Creek bridge, one of the largest trail bridges in the county. They will have views of the Cedar Creek Wetlands and the Cedar Creek Timber.

The exit is at 223rd Street. If the weather is dry, participants will have the option of following 223rd to Hackberry, which is a dirt road, and out to Hemlock, all of which are part of Cedar View Trail.

Drivers are not to drive off the trails, park along the trails, block traffic or turn around. Traffic is one-way. If someone spots something they would like to explore, they should plan to walk the trail at a later date. Those who cannot walk can call the Jefferson County Park Nature Center at 472-4421 to arrange a ride in the electric cart.