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Home > Blog > NOCO’s Best Rivers, Lakes and Trails

NOCO’s Best Rivers, Lakes and Trails

June 25, 2020 by jfeeney Leave a Comment

 Viestenz-Smith Mountain A Park Re-Born  

 

Loveland, Colorado is a city full of surprise and Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park is re-born adding yet another gem to the area. Not to mention, out of the 46-parks and recreational spaces there’s a place for everyone to enjoy. After years of developing the natural area affected by the notorious flood of 1976 on the Big Thompson River. In this article we help our readers get re-acquainted learning about this fantastic re-opening and all its benefits.  

 

Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park
Buying a Home Near Recreational Areas is a Big Benefit for Homeowners

Homeowners and the economy enjoy parks and recreation. Not to mention the greenways provide neutral areas for the community to meet and enjoy together. Living close to parks and rec centers increases home value from property taxes. When you invest in property near a healthy recreational space, you help create social bonds and civic pride. Viestenz-Smith Mountain park is a newer hot spot where fitness, relaxation and active lifestyles are prominent. Other than logistics, there’s plenty of other reasons to visit Viestenz-Smith at Big Thompson Canyon.   

The Viestnz Smith Mountain Park is Re-open
The Re-Birth of Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park

Mature Trees, Flowering Plants Landscape this Northern Colorado Gem

The Big T runs parallel to these trails and along the US-34. The paved trails at Viestenz-Smith head South. The landscape is lush with plenty of mature trees where you can imagine the show of colors with changing leaves in the Fall. No matter what time of year you’ll visit and can enjoy sun or snow. Either way, there’s a nice variety of flowering plants and other forest foliage where animals wonder in from time to time.   

Natural Areas Provide a Sanctuary for a Variety of Animals

Animals you’ll find are the usual Northern Colorado suspects such as deer, weasels and squirrel. While those seem innocent and rarely pose a threat, there are predators such as mountain lion and bear on some trails. We’re in their territory where we always need to be cautious. It’s a rare event, but you may come across Elk and Rams when they are crossing through where you’ll want to stay back if you have such a fortune. Mostly, there’s heavy traffic keeping most of the critters away. One thing you may want to remember is to watch for rattlesnakes during Spring and Fall as these reptiles frequent most of the natural areas.   

https://www.realestateinnortherncolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Benefits-to-Homeownership-and-Living-Next-to-Recreational-Spaces.mp4

Three Trails With a Different Levels of Difficulty for Hiking

Speaking of trails, you have a selection at this park which will make your time at Viestenz-Smith even more enjoyable. Sheep Mountain, Dome or and Round Mountain also known as Summer Adventure Trail Mountain layout the terrain with impressive views of the vista and the Big T. Sheep and Dome are the most invigorating with 9-11 miles of hiking fun. While Round Mountain provides a shorter hike, it’s classified as easy and one where you can take the family and the pups providing, they’re on a leash.  Hikers rate Dome as “Hard” where more experienced hikers find more challenging as reports of loose rock could pose a threat to those hiking rookies. No matter which you choose, there won’t be a dull moment.   

“A perfect escape from the city or busy work life, there’s no chance to be disappointed unless it snows or rains.”   

Homes near these trails will be closer to either Loveland or Estes Park as the area is still desolate. You will find a few properties along the 34 where they sit off the road a way but still have easy access to the major drag even in winter months. However, if you’ll find an extensive selection of properties with and without parcels of land in either of the more populated cities. Both towns provide incredible real estate from log cabins to mountain estates. It pays to know the area and to work with an agent who will navigate the many properties available. It’s always a thrill to see the unique styles and amenities that come with each individual home.   

Flowering Plants and Blooms at Viestenz-Smith

Other than a nice variety of homes, you’ll also enjoy the park the scenery while on a stroll or hike. From bridges to rock formations, every step is worth a thousand words. During the springtime you’ll see blooms of flowering bushes and plants like Long Leaf Floxx or Fairy Trumpets full of purple and red character. You may also run into an Alpine Bistort or a Creamy Thistle. When it’s the right time of year, a camera is a must bring along to these mountains.   

After a long day hiking, stop off at the pub for a cold drink
After a Day of Hiking, Stop into One of Loveland’s Pubs for Drinks

After the day is done and you’re coming off the mountain, it’s good to rest your ‘Dogs’ at one of the local pubs in Loveland, Colorado. The Windjammer of Carter Lake is a fun spot to relax, and it’s only a 18-minute drive to get there. However, if you stay East on US-34, you’ll the Wapiti Pub, which is a landmark for both locations of Estes and Loveland. For those of you who may not know, Wapiti is Shawnee language for American Elk. Either pub is a scant distance and a welcoming spot for uploading those Lbs. you just burned along your hike.   

Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park

A NOCO’s Best Trail rejuvenating the natural areas of our Colorado Rockies. With 3-hiking trails and lush forest scenery, you will fall in love with this one of a kind of park. Not to mention, this is a magnificent place to take the kids for some nostalgia and history. Once called the Loveland/Idylwilde Hydroelectric project is now remnants. It goes to show, Coloradoans are resilient even after a one of the biggest floods of US history. Home’s value more with so many new parks erecting and rebuilding. Not to mention, there’s a ton of health benefits while lowering your medical bill when you partake in physical activity such as walking or hiking.   

If you have time to see this re-born recreational space, let us know. We want to hear from you! 

Filed Under: Loveland Real Estate, Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park Tagged With: Adventure, Animal Sanctuary, Benefits for Homeowners, best parks in Colorado, Colorado, Colorado Recreation, community, Deer, Elk, Find a Home in Colorado, Fishing in Colorado, Flowering Plants, FOCO, Health and fitness, Health and Fitness in Colorado, Hiking in Northern Colorado, Homes in Colorado, Living near recreational spaces, Loveland, mountain homes, Natural areas in Colorado, NOCO, Northern Colorado, Parks and Recreation, Property Taxes, Ram, Recreational spaces, Rocky Mountain National Park, Social Gathering in Colorado, Viestenz-Smith Park

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