CENTERVILLE – Although Centerville has been known as a farming community, it actually has several trails, particularly on the east bench, that many local residents consider a tremendous amenity.

Those residents who serve as members of the trails committee, which recently began meeting again and planning activities post-pandemic, are passionate about this great resource. On July 8, several of them participated in a project to create switchbacks at the beginning of the Sunset Trail. They hope to add some more switchbacks to the trail on Aug. 5 to make it more family friendly. 

“Our plan from here on out is to do these projects on a regular, hopefully a monthly-basis during the season,” said Sherrae Phelps, a new member of the committee and organizer of the July 8 service project. A trail runner, Phelps joined the committee because she runs the trails four or five times a week and wanted to be more involved. She also hopes to work to maintain access to the trails and ensure that existing private land that provides access is not developed, she said.

Along with maintenance projects, the committee provides input to the city council on possible trails that could be developed in the future. “The Centerville trails are organic and a bit creative,” Phelps said. “There’s not many ‘official’ trails up there but there’s a whole lot of trails up there.”

“I feel there’s a need for more trails for our community as the community’s interest in hiking and mountain biking and trail riding continue to grow,” said Mike Remington, Trails Committee chair. “I would love to see more hillside improvements to facilitate the growth of these activities in our area.”

An avid hiker, trail runner and mountain biker, this is Remington’s second term as chair of the committee. 

“We’ve got a lot of great existing hiking trails,” Remington said. “Deuel Creek is probably one of our most popular hikes as it provides a lot of shade during the hike.” 

Current Trails

(Information courtesy of Centerville City)

1. Bowl Area Trails: This is an open space area of dirt and rock used by ATVs and hikers, approximately 0.2 mile long, with rolling hills around its perimeter. 

2. Deuel Creek South Trail: This trail which begins at the north end of the bowl area follows Deuel Creek, crossing several small, rustic, log bridges. The trail traverses rocky terrain and passes an unusual waterfall. This trail connects with the Deuel Creek North trail. 

3. Deuel Creek North Trail: This trail begins with a fairly steep climb just off the Fire Break road. The trail levels and passes a campsite, then descends to the creek side and continues up the canyon where it merges with the Deuel Creek South trail. 

4. Parrish Canyon Trail / Bonneville Shoreline Trail Access: Several switchbacks provide a steady climb of about 2,500 feet without becoming too steep. About 3 miles up, the trail reaches Centerville Peak. From the peak the trail continues another 3 miles to Skyline Road. 

5. Parrish Sunset Trail: The trail is approximately 0.75 mile long and somewhat steep. It begins just off the Fire Break road about 300 yards north of the Parrish Canyon Trail parking area. 

6. Rockwood Trail: This trail is 0.2 mile of relatively steep terrain. It connects to the Fire Break road. 

7. Ford Canyon Trail: This trail is a family-friendly half-mile loop with two bridges that cross Ricks Creek. There is a picnic area with two tables and plenty of shade. 

8. Freedom Hills Trails: Freedom Hills Park is circled by two paved walking path loops of 0.4 mile each that interconnect in various places. The switchback trail climbs the face of the mountain for half a mile before linking with the Fire Break road. 

9. Centerville Community Park Walking Path: This paved path takes walkers around the perimeter of the park. 

10. Bamberger Parkway / Southwest Trails: This urban trail is a network of pavement and sidewalks which connect the surrounding neighborhoods to the Centerville library and Porter-Walton Park. 

11. Legacy Parkway Trail: Cyclists and pedestrians share this paved trail that parallels the Legacy Parkway from Farmington to North Salt Lake. 

More information can be found on the committee’s Facebook page at Centerville City Trails (This is a private group) or by emailing [email protected]. A complete map of current trails is available on the city website at https://www.centervilleutah.gov/DocumentCenter/View/215/Trails-and-Bikeways-Map-PDF.