November 6, 2012 Centennial Trail KERA WILLIAMS/ Standard-Examiner Workers with Advanced Paving & Construction pave the final section of West Haven and Marriott-Slaterville's portion on the Centennial Trail recently. The 3 1/2-mile stretch between the two cities nearly completes the trail. West Haven, Marriott-Slaterville stretch gets paved By ANITA KERSEY Standard-Examiner correspondent WEST HAVEN — Those who love Utah's wilderness, and a step back into history to go along with it, may want to explore Weber County's best-kept secret. The portion of the Centennial Trail through West Haven and Marriott-Slaterville is a 3 1/2-mile stretch between the two cities. With the recent paving of the final mile, the trail is nearly completed. The Centennial Trail is a 27-mile trail in Weber County that follows the Ogden and Weber rivers and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail connecting Ogden and Weber canyons. "The trail system is a wonderful asset to so many county and city residents," said Brock Randall, director of Parks and Recreation for West Haven. "With the addition of the new section in West Haven and Marriott- Slaterville, folks in all of Weber County are now connected via bridges across the river to trails east and west of 1-15." This portion of the trail is unique to Weber County, as it has three sections. The first section runs east and west from the 21st Street pond along the Ogden River north to where the two rivers meet or south to Fort Buenaventura. The trail winds and curves through a natural landscape of trees and bushes that are home to many species of wildlife that can be seen by people on the path. "The scenery is spectacular year round," Randall said. Tucked just off the trail are shaded picnic areas complete with tables and benches. There also is a bowery that can be used for parties and school activities. This section of the trail is where a lot of history took place, and markers describing the events have been placed along the trail. The confluence of the two rivers was the location of the winter camps for both the Shoshone and the Ute Indian tribes. The spot also marks where a trapper's lodge and trading post once stood. "Every day, there are fishermen fishing from the shore of the rivers or off the bridges, couples are walking, families are riding bikes, and joggers are jogging on the trail," Randall said. "Some people are even kayaking on the river." Marriott-Slaterville resident Chad Meyerhoffer said the trail has been convenient because he lives close to it. "I like to ride my bike to work when I can, and since the trail is so close, I can jump on it and enjoy the scenery as I go," he said. "I've seen deer out there and just recently saw three big bucks." Randall said the trail system has 107