Hiking in Pleasant Hill, California

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About The Trail

 

This multi-use, full-access trail (accessible to people in wheelchairs) is one of the most common trails in the Park District system and is a paved path suitable for bikers, runners, and horse riders. Created by the Contra Costa Water District, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Park District via a joint effort, this trail provides a secure off-road corridor that links Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Concord.

 

Meandering along the Contra Costa River, the trail intercepts several local parks in Pleasant Hill (Las Juntas Park), Walnut Creek (Larkey Park, Heather Farm Park), and Concord (Lime Ridge), following a horseshoe-shaped path through central Contra Costa County. It also offers essential connections, including the California State Riding and Hiking Trail, Briones-to-Mt, to a variety of regional trails. Diablo Trail, and the Iron Horse Trail, and when it is done at Martinez, it will connect with the Delta De Anza Trail.

 

This trail is an integral element in county non-vehicular transportation with connections to schools, commercial areas, and public transportation (BART, County Connection), and also offers major recreation opportunities in central Contra Costa County. The Canal Trail offers a fun leisure experience and transportation opportunity, from urban access to rural open space.

 

Contra Costa Canal

In the 1930s, the Bureau of Reclamation began construction of the canal in order to provide local crops with irrigation water. Delayed by World War II, some 20 years later, work was finished. The Contra Costa Water District manages the canal.

 

The water from the Sacramento / San Joaquin Delta near Rock Slough is pumped into the canal. The water flows to Martinez, where it is processed for that city and many other cities to become the water source. For this reason, swimming and fishing are not allowed in the canal.

 

Responsible Trail-Use Rules

 

Multi-Use Trail

 

Secure multiple use of this and other trails of multiple use needs the cooperation of all. Any user of the trail is asked to show common courtesy. For horses and hikers, BICYCLES YIELD. YIELD HIKERS to the horses. Except when passing, remain to the right of the trail. NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES, wheelchairs excluded, are allowed on the trail.

 

Violations of any of the following may result in citation.

 

All Trail Users

 

Be safe, considerate and mindful of your effect on the trail and other users of the trail.

For the protection of everyone, hold to the right. Proceed around blind curves with one single file.

 

Headphones are not recommended for your wellbeing.

 

For bicyclists under the age of 18 years, safety helmets are required by law and are highly recommended for all bicyclists and horse riders.

 

Where posted, and under complete verbal supervision elsewhere, dogs must be on leash. Clean up after your dog, please.

 

Bicycles

 

Bicycles are not permitted, either walked, ridden or carried, on trails marked "No Bicycles."

 

Bicycles must not be ridden at a pace that is dangerous or greater than the speed limit indicated. Be mindful of how other trail users view you.

On Park District trails, bells are necessary on bicycles.

To pedestrians, bicycles still yield. SLOW DOWN prior to passing, ring the bell and establish verbal communication.

 

Call out, ring a bell and STOP when approaching equestrians, whether or not you are seen. Ask for guidance on how to safely move.

 

SLOW DOWN, call out, ring the bell and travel single file on blind curves.

 

Pedestrians

 

When approached by others, keep to the right. 

To equestrians, always yield. 

Before changing direction, look behind and on both sides.

 

When meeting other trail users, keep your horse on the right or secure. 

Just talk. Let other users on the trail know how to safely move your horse. 

On paved trails, please clean up after your horse.

s include mixed forests and oak forests.