CRAVING a
peaceful mountain picnic this summer? You could drive some 40 miles, one-way,
to South Fork in Ogden Valley; or more than 70 miles, one-way, to Logan Canyon;
or you could travel just a few miles across Layton to an often overlooked haven
– the Fernwood Picnic area.
Located at
200 North Fernwood Park Road (3350 East), this recreational asset of the U.S.
Forest Service is just south of the “Layton Castle” on the mountainside.
Following a $500,000 renovation a decade ago, back in 2005, Fernwood is better
than ever. With continued free usage (unlike picnic areas in South Fork, or
Logan Canyon), Fernwood features
four
individual usage picnic sites, plus one group picnic area. There are also two
restrooms and two water fountains.
The picnic
areas, often un-crowded, include concrete pads. All of the road system through
Fernwood is asphalt and there is room for horse
trailer
parking too. These days, Fernwood is also an extremely popular trailhead,
accessing the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. On any given morning, a dozen
vehicles might be parked in its upper parking lot, highlighting the trailhead
usage.
Fernwood
first opened in 1959. It was built in an area that was originally known as
“Fernwood Flats,” according to the Davis County Clipper of May 15, 1959.
“We feel
that the beautifully wooden area has a great potential for picnic grounds and
other recreational possibilities, that it deserves a more descriptive name,”
Aldin O. Hayward, Davis County Recreation Committee Chairman. A naming contest
was held, but in the end, the original historic title of Fernwood won out.
A great overlook, especially at Sunset time, in Fernwood.
Fernwood was
developed in three phases. A blacktop road was constructed to the site. Picnic
grounds were leveled. A total of 16 picnic units, separated by 100 feet in
between, were the hallmark of the mountain retreat. By 1960, attendance at the park had far
exceeded expectations. By 1970, a $1 entrance fee was charged because of the
heavy usage.
Although
camp fires were originally allowed there, for the past decade no fires –
including those from
charcoal
grills are permitted – because of the fire danger to surrounding homes.
(Propane grill use is allowed, however.)
Sitting at
an elevation of 5,218 feet above sea level, a viewpoint at Fernwood offers a
commanding view of the Layton City area. In fact, at the south end of its lower
parking lot, Fernwood has a special overlook, with two benches, that offers
great views of the Layton area below.
The main parking lot at Fernwood.
About 12
years ago, Fernwood’s renovations were more than recreational. They included a
fire hydrant installation at the Fernwood Gate, a
helicopter
landing area; and a staging area for search and rescue, as well as to aid in
fighting forest fires. Indeed, Fernwood is so designed
as to add a
firebreak buffer from the foothills to the homes nearby and below.
-To access
Fernwood, turn off Highway 89 to the east by taking Valley View Drive. (There’s
a direct link and traffic signal across from the
Cherry Lane
and Highway 89 intersection to Valley View Drive.) Travel north on Valley View
Drive and watch for Fernwood Drive and turn
east. Follow
that road, climbing sharply, until you reach an intersection and go right
(south). The road directly feeds into Fernwood, which is normally open 7 a.m.
to 10 p.m.
NOTE: You also drive by the so-called "Layton Castle," a huge castle-like home, just before reaching the Fernwood gate.
-What do
visitors think of Fernwood? According to the Fernwood Recreation Site page on
Facebook:
-“My happy place... been coming here 15 years,” Michelle Liskey
stated.
-“It’s beautiful up there,” Andrea Morgan stated.
-“5 star - Biking...hiking ...campouts...just beautiful land to hang out,”
Ed Giovannoni stated.
-“Enjoyed an impromptu hike at a new trail up by
the castle,” Travis K. Hawkes stated.
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