South Meadows Trail

The South Meadows Trail is a paved level walking path that circles a wetlands pond area in the midst of a newer South Reno development.

Built primarily to offer accessible green space to residents of the area, there are numerous access points though surprisingly very few with adjacent public parking available. Once on the trail, the path is wide and generally level with scenic views across the wetlands seeminly no matter which direction you're facing. The wetlands themselves provide shelter for migratory birds and some of the ponds offer colorful reflections of the sky and surrounding mountains if you catch it at the right time.

Benches and dog waste bags and trash cans are located sporadically along the trail. Views of Mt Rose and the Virginia Range grace either side of the valley. 

There are two problem areas of the trail that are worth noting. One is the stream crossing at the northeast side of the hike beside Double Diamond Elementary School. The path across the stream is grass and cement, however during periods of higher water flow in Whites Creek, the cement portion may become submerged making it impossible to cross here (at least without getting wet). In those times, it may be possible to cross by walking across rocks and stumps between the path and Sutterbrook Way, but you may have second thoughts if pushing a stroller or carrying a bicycle here.

The second problem area is where the paved path reaches the intersection of Double Diamond Pkwy and Double R Blvd. It's possible to walk on the grass for .85 mile to reconnect to the northern portion of the trail, or you can cross Double R and continue on the paved sidewalk on the other side. Either way the section of the trail is along a semi busy 4 lane road, and you might consider doing this hike as an out-and-back in order to avoid this section.

There is limited public parking beside the trail. The best we've found is along the street at the south end of Laruen Ct. There are no bathrooms or water along the hike.