A perfect nearby family destination awaits at Salem Pond, located in the heart of Salem, Utah County. Following the shoreline of these peaceful blue-green waters is a relaxing trail; and those who explore this route will see a bounty of views along the way.
The pond has a wheelchair-accessible paved path and several docks that give anglers easier access to the water.
This park is nicely maintained by the city, offering picnic sites and a large pavilion.
For those who watch carefully, these clear waters will often reveal trout, catfish, bass or grass carp. General urban fishing regulations apply here, although grass carp must be immediately released, allowing them to help control the underwater vegetation. Check the 2005 fishing proclamation for information. This is a great location for young anglers with short attention spans. If fishing is slow, a brightly colored playground awaits.
The primary hiking route has a quiet northern half. The southern loop encompasses the rest of this 11-acre pond and shares a quiet road. Visitors see area residents pushing strollers or riding bicycles. The crown jewel of this pond and trail system is a magnificent bridge that spans the middle section of the pond.
Dogs are welcome, but no vehicles or horses are allowed around the park path. Elevation changes are less than 100 feet, making this route reasonable for almost anyone.
Finding the trailhead: Take the I-15 Spanish Fork exit 260 and turn onto Main Street. Follow Main Street for approximately 2.1 miles, where it becomes U-198. Continue approximately 3 miles, crossing over one arm of the pond, and turn left onto 300 West.
Take a left at the next intersection, where you will see the park. Abundant parking is available along the southwestern arm of the pond, near the restrooms.
Length: Less than 1 mile.
The trail: Follow the paved path, located north of the white fence to the west, where you soon pass a shallow duck pond. Farther down the path and to your right you will see the popular playground area and may smell an enticing barbecue aroma coming from the shaded hillside pavilion.
As the trail turns north, anglers fish along the shoreline or the nearby fishing docks, which provide improved wheelchair access. Kids ride their bikes or feed ducks along this area, and your journey begins to head east.
Benches await for those who want to relax, but more views lie ahead, and the path heads south again, allowing the showpiece bridge to come into view. An opening in the white fence will give you an option to complete the first loop at the restrooms, or you may begin the southern trail loop by hiking along the quiet roadside. Parents should watch children carefully as vehicles often travel this section.
Passing by the bridge and following the road south, various fishing spots are revealed along the way.Another picnic site is visible where the road reaches the south end of the pond. From this point, the trail heads north again, returning to the bridge.
Brian Brinkerhoff hosts "Backcountry Utah: Utah's Outdoor Radio Magazine," which airs 9-11 a.m. Saturdays on AM 630 KTKK. He is author of "Best Easy Day Hikes: Salt Lake City," published by Falcon Press. For more information, visit his Web site at www.backcountry-magazine.com.