Trails
Whether you are looking to ride your bike, walk, jog, ride your horse, or just escape into nature, there is a beautiful place to do all of these activities on the Parkway Trail Network. When complete, this system will consist of the Lewis S. Eaton Trail, a 22-mile paved path spanning the length of the Parkway, and a series of loop trails that provide public access into the heart of this conservation area.
Lost Lake Park Nature Trail
Difficulty: Easy Length: 1.1 miles
Estimated Time: 20 min
Wandering along the banks of the river, this trail takes you on a walk through the more natural areas of the park. Keep an eye out for impressive mortar stones near the river, used long ago by native Americans for grinding acorns.
Lost Lake Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle.
Hidden Homes Trail
Difficulty: Easy Length: 0.5 milesEstimated Time: 8 min
Whether enjoying clear views of the Sierra Nevada and the River Center, or the adventure of sifting through a misty fog, a trip around the Hidden Homes Nature Trail is a great way to connect with nature any time of the year. This 1/2 mile footpath features larger-than-life-sized animal homes created by local artists for visitors to climb in, on, and around to experience firsthand what other species must consider surviving.
The Hidden Homes Nature Trail is located immediately adjacent to the River Center and is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Thomas MacMichael Sr. Loop Trail
Difficulty: Easy Length: 1.5 miles Estimated Time: 30 min
This trail ventures off the Lewis S. Eaton Trail onto Jensen River Ranch below Woodward Park. The trail meanders down to the banks of the river and is accessible via the Lewis S. Eaton Trail on the north side of Woodward Park.
Views from the Hidden Homes Trail
Lewis S. Eaton Trail
Difficulty: Easy Length: 4 mileEstimated Time: 1 hour
The Lewis S. Eaton Trail is the mainstem trail of the parkway, and will eventually run from Friant Dam to Highway 99. Currently, six (6) miles of the trail are complete and provide a beautiful overlook of the river bottom. Access to the trail is provided in several ways:
Vehicles (including horse trailers): Trailhead parking is provided within Woodward Park for a day use fee. Parking is also available free of charge at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies on Old Friant Road.
Bikes: Access points along Friant Road are at the intersections of Audubon, Fort Washington, Champlain, and Copper.
Facilities: Drinking fountains are located at the River Overlook inside Woodward Park, and two miles north on the trail. Vault Restrooms are located at Woodward Park, and on the trail between Rice Road and Old Friant Road. Flush restrooms are located at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies.
Vehicles (including horse trailers): Trailhead parking is provided within Woodward Park for a day use fee. Parking is also available free of charge at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies on Old Friant Road.
Bikes: Access points along Friant Road are at the intersections of Audubon, Fort Washington, Champlain, and Copper.
Facilities: Drinking fountains are located at the River Overlook inside Woodward Park, and two miles north on the trail. Vault Restrooms are located at Woodward Park, and on the trail between Rice Road and Old Friant Road. Flush restrooms are located at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies.
Riverside Segment, Lewis S. Eaton Trail
Difficulty: Easy Length: 1 mile
Estimated Time: 15 min
This short segment of the Lewis S. Eaton Trail is accessible from the Riverside Golf Course Parking lot. The trail dives into the river bottom down a steep, paved pathway; at the end of the paved trail, visitors can wander down to a sandy beach at the river's edge. The next segment of this trail will link it with the neighborhood just east of the railroad crossing. This trail is not currently accessible to horses.