Discovering Spring Creek Trail in Fort Collins is like being surprised with a hot fudge sundae with all the works—whipped cream, nuts, cherry on top. We actually just happened upon it glancing over a free city map we picked up at a Visitor’s Center. “Looks like a good long paved bike path,” my husband said. We assembled the family biking machine (me with a tagalong bike for the five year old and my husband with the seat on the back for the two year old) and rode a few blocks down to the start of the path around Overland Trail and Drake.

Thus began our long affair with Spring Creek Trail. The route links together so many parks our expert kids can’t even keep count anymore. Every trip we see friendly dogs, rollerbladers, pedestrians, strollers, and other bicyclists. Everyone shares the trail respectfully and joyfully. Off the trail we get close to horses, frogs, ponds, and other stray wildlife. We learned where tennis courts are, where dirt bike and skate parks are, and even swimming pools. As newbie residents this trail provided us with free education. Suddenly Fort Collins was no longer just a “best place to live” but a living, breathing network of healthy activity.

On a solo journey one sunny afternoon I took the trail East—to see how far it went. Eventually I found its “end” which meets up with another trail (the Poudre River trail—I believe). Recreational bicycling literally has no end in this city. People new to Fort Collins have to experience it to believe it. The Spring Creek Trail will surpass any expectations. Ride it, walk it, paw it, roll on it, this path brings happiness to all who share it.