Patrick County’s newest trail, the Hidden Roads Trail in Meadows of Dan, is scheduled to open Sunday, and you are invited. The trail was created through a Rotary International Grant. Rick Cole, president of Stuart Rotary in 2019/2020, initiated the grant process. Matching funds from the Stuart Rotary Club and local donations were tapped to help complete the project. Located on Jeff Shelor’s property, just behind the Meadows of Dan Fire Department/Vesta Rescue Squad facility, the four tenths mile natural surface trail features a gravel parking area, a kiosk, and interpretative signage. Trail users can enjoy an invigorating walk with views of rolling hills and occasional wildlife. During the spring and fall migrations, this is a bird watcher’s paradise. The Rotary Club of Stuart is indebted to multiple partners who helped to create this Hidden Roads gem -- the Stuart Rotary Club membership, Jeff Shelor and the Shelor Family of Meadows of Dan, the Meadows of Dan Fire Department/Vesta Rescue Squad, DL Harrell Construction, Blair Clark, Brett Helms Landscaping, the Patrick County Historical Society, Nathan Harrell/New Leaf Energy, One Family Productions, DRBA, the Homestead Hikers, PCHS Horticulture, and Jorge and Barbara Jo Newton at Village Trim. The reveal will be held Sunday, June 27, at 2 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine. The Hidden Roads Trail is available for non-motorized foot traffic from dawn to dusk and leashed pets are welcome. For all concerned, hikers are asked to respect the landscape, refrain from littering, and remove any errant litter present.
