07/21/2026
Join us on Friday, July 24th @ 5:30 pm for the Smoky Row Trail Dedication! Before, During and After: Taking a stroll down memory lane of Smoky Row Trail - April 28, 2016 - Longtime Smoky Row resident, James R. Lockridge donated the old Milwaukee Railroad spur right-of-way to the City of North English so that residents could use it for nature, recreation and educational purposes. For several years, Jim Lockridge and members of Pride in North English (P.I.N.E.) worked hard and did what they could through several years to keep the trail clean and open. Few residents even knew the trail existed. A survey team consisting of Sherry and Lynn Moffit embarked from the trailhead off Boland Avenue on February 21, 2024, to reconnoiter the trail, plant flags and mark trees to be removed with spray paint. The trail was rough to navigate, with many downed trees, branches and litter covering the pass. On February 24, 2024, community members turned out in force with chain saws, trash bags, rakes, carts and wagons and began the process of clean-up. Additional clean-ups occurred through the spring of 2024. A new, bold entrance sign was installed in March 2024. Interest in using the trail grew quickly. English Valleys students further improved portions of the trail during Community Service days. Landscaping was planned and completed at the entrance. Three new park benches were donated and placed along the trail. In the spring of 2024 and again in 2025, grants were applied for major trail improvements, including a new pedestrian bridge, shelter, park benches, trail guide and history signs. The EVHS General Construction Class, led by Marty Baker, constructed a shelter in the lower park near the trail end in November 2025. And a finished concrete pad completed in July 2026 as an Eagle Scout project, Isaac Frazier, Troop 227. All amazing projects and likewise an amazing turnout by so many members of the community over the past two years! Here's just a few of the memories. - Dave J.
