Outdoor Adventures For the Family: The Trails Of The East Bay

East Bay Trails

Cost: Free
Information: www.traillink.com

IRON HORSE REGIONAL TRAIL — The paved trail has grown
into a 23 mile path between Concord and San Ramon with a link into Dublin.
The trail runs from the north end of Monument Boulevard at Mohr Lane, east to
Interstate 680, in Concord through Walnut Creek to just south of Village
Green Park in San Ramon. It will eventually extend from Suisun Bay to
Pleasanton and has been nominated as a Community Millennium Trail under the
U.S. Millennium Trails program. A smooth shaded trail suitable for walkers,
cyclists, skaters and strollers. It is also wheelchair accessible.
Difficulty: easy to moderate in small chunks; hard if taken as a whole.

CONTRA COSTA CANAL TRAIL — One of the most popular trails in the Park District system, this multi-use, whole-access trail (accessible to persons in wheelchairs) is a paved pathway suitable for bikers, runners and equestrians. Created through a cooperative effort of the Contra Costa Water District, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Park District, this trail provides a safe off-road corridor connecting Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Concord. View a map here.

BLACK DIAMOND MINES REGIONAL PRESERVE RAILROAD BED TRAIL, Antioch — This easy one mile long rail trail on Mount Diablo leads to many historic sites within the preserve. Suitable for walking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Accessible year round but may be muddy during the rainy season. Enter from the Park Entrance Station parking lot on the East side of Somersville Road.

LAFAYETTE/MORAGA REGIONAL TRAIL — A 7.65 mile paved trail converted from the Sacramento Northern Rail line. This 20-year old trail goes along Las Trampas Creek and parallels St. Mary's Road. Suitable for walkers, equestrians, and cyclists. Runs from Olympic Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette to Moraga. The trail can be used year round.

OHLONE GREENWAY, Berkeley — A 3.75-mile paved trail converted from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railway. Suitable for walkers, strollers and skaters. It is also wheelchair accessible. The trail runs under elevated BART tracks from Conlon and Key Streets in El Cerrito to Virginia and Acton Streets in Berkeley.

SHEPHERD CANYON TRAIL, Oakland — An easy 3-mile paved trail converted from the Sacramento Northern Rail Line. The tree-lined trail is gently sloping and generally follows Shepherd Canyon Road. Suitable for walkers and cyclists. It is also wheelchair accessible. Begins in Montclair Village behind McCaulou's Department Store on Medau Place and ends at Paso Robles Drive, Oakland. Useable year round.

BICYCLE TRAILS COUNCIL OF THE EAST BAY — The council sponsors trail work days, Youth Bike Adventure Rides, and Group Rides as well as Mountain Bike Basics classes which cover training and handling skills. Information can be found at BTCEB.org. Events include:

• "Weekly Wednesday Ride at Lake Chabot,'' Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. A 13- to 20-mile ride exploring the trails around Lake Chabot, with 1,500 to 2,000 feet of climbing. Meet at 6:15 p.m. in the parking lot across from the public safety offices at Lake Chabot in Castro Valley. Reservations requested. Tel. (510) 727-0613.
• "Weekly Wednesday 'Outer' East Bay Ride,'' Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. Ride some of the outer East Bay parks each week, such as Wild Cat Canyon, Briones, Mount Diablo, Tilden and Joaquin Miller-Redwood. Meeting place and ride location vary. Reservations required. Tel. (510) 888-9757.

What are your favorite trails for family hiking and biking? Share your ideas in the comments below.