Albany Hill Park is aptly named, as it's just one big hill, or one big rock off of I-80!! You can drive to the top and follow the trails or stairs back down. Or you can start at the bottom and work your way to the top. On the way up one trail, I saw a cross and a swing, and plenty of dog walkers. There are some good views at the top looking through the trees. When I was here, I felt like I was at a super small version of Golden Gate Park. Albany is a really small city, just driving through you can pass through it and you might not know it, but when you see this big rock, you'll know you're definitely in Albany!! Very nice park, seems like the highlight of this little city to me!! read more

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Turkey sighting. I usually see them out around San Pablo Ave., near the Albany city services area -- Police, Fire, City Hall. It was nice to see one out in nature and not doing the casual street stroll. Apple maps showed me two different routes to destinations of this name, depended on the day. One was up Taft, the other was to a path near Ranch 99. Well, the Ranch 99 route starts with a long walk that includes a long stair climb. On the bright side, there's your warm up. Downside really only if you have someone already there waiting for you. Live and learn. Enjoy the outdoors and a good walk. read more

** The following review reflects my walking experience prior to the shelter-in-place order currently in effect. ** Ever notice that big rock off 880 as you pass Albany? It's covered in a thick of trees with what looks like condo buildings built into it. It doesn't look like it belongs there but probably due to some prehistoric volcanic activity, well, there you go. It made me don my guitar and sing out loud as I walked up Taft Avenue... "I am a rock I am an island... I've built walls A fortress deep and mighty That none may penetrate I have no need of friendship, friendship causes pain It's laughter and it's loving I disdain I am a rock I am an island..." OK, I don't know how to sing much less know how to strum, but hey, weren't Simon & Garfunkel great? This park? Not quite though it's getting there because there was a lot of construction and cement pouring going on when I made it to the summit. It's a small space with one walkway and a sloping hill, primarily for dog walkers. Like Mount Davidson across the bay, there's a cross, not as imposing but I'm guessing Christmas lights make their way around it during the holidays. Oddly there was no clear view of the bay despite its prominent position unless presumably you walk down to 99 Ranch Market. But I can't because I am a rock. I am an island. RELATED: Lost in Albany? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3ebRKbk read more

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A walking entrance to a lower level of Albany Hill Park was conveniently located at the end of my street when I lived in Albany (2016 to 2019). I would sometimes go on walks and it was very nice to have a more wilderness-like area I could easily walk to and get some nature therapy in if I needed. Higher up in the park, there are views looking out over the houses/businesses in the area and the bay. Depending on the day, weather can be windy/breezy, which I found very nice on some of the hotter days in conjunction with staying in the shade. read more

the swing has been removed.. the eucalyptusy grove is a little wonder and a landmark off of the 80 Frwy. Came onto the trail via Washington, against its east side. Staircase that leads you up through houses with great views, and into the wooded dirt trail. not steep, easy walk along the sunset hours. We did it and came back down , just in time for hot pho inside the Asian mall against the west side of this park. Unique and fun, low-key.. which is, btw, my middle name. read more

Nice hike. Not very challenging, but if you want a quick walk this is perfect. Really nice views at sunset and benches towards the top of the hill. Lots of monarch butterflies, they were beautiful! For those who are wondering, the swing is no longer there. read more

Albany Hill Park - Hiking Near Me - Albany, California

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Albany Hill is the signature geological feature for Albany. Otherwise, if it wasn't for Albany Hill or Golden Gate Fields, Albany would be an unknown blip on I-80 between Richmond/El Cerrito and Berkeley. Even then, it's amazing how many of my Bay Area friends don't know where Albany is located. We are after all, only about 1.5 miles square in size. And when I'm some out-of-town trip, I just tell folks that I live in a place where Berkeley radicals come to die (and seek good schools). The top of Albany Hill Park is a nice little place to hang out, relax, and sometimes more..... The view of SF and the Bay shore, combined with a gorgeous sunset can also be stunning. There's a small parking area available and if you wander around enough, you'll discover Catherine's Walk on one side and a path down to the Pierce Street Condos on the other. There's also a nice little park (Greenway) down the hill on the El Cerrito side next to the creek. I too like the smell of eucalyptus and in the right season the Monarch butterflies. read more

If you're in the mood to chase your partner around in a frisky manner, hoping to get some nature-nooky, this park is apparently a popular place to do it. At least if you're a butterfly. For the rest of us, it's not really ideal for that purpose--most of the park was either way too exposed or way too steep for playtime, unless you're really into that kind of thing. At the very top is a good spot for a picnic, however, and that was a nice find. With benches, a rope swing (see picture), and wildflowers. you could create a date right out of a Picasso painting. As a place to just take a little urban hike and enjoy the sun, the park is nice. Most of the access come from the 3 roads that wind up the hill and dead-end at different elevations, each with expensive, earthquake-taunting homes along the sides. As I climbed the hill from the base, I felt mocked for my efforts each time I crossed one--"All this work and I could have just DRIVEN up here!" Except for the very top, the trails are narrow, moderately steep, and not heavily maintained. As with most parks, alcohol and anything involving the word "fire" are prohibited. (ie. Campfires, fireworks, firearms, firewater...) The base of the hill on the north side abuts the residential neighborhood and boasts a small family- and picnic-friendly park, complete with a play structure (see pictures). It's right along the creek and the city has posted interpretive nature signs along the path describing the riverine ecosystem and the history of stream management in the area. TRIVIA: Dammit, I got scooped! Jessica M. stole my trivia about the city of El Cerrito being named for this hill. read more

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Albany Hill is a great find, especially if you live nearby. used this trail to walk with my furry friend (on leash) while trying to catch some views of monarch butterflies. its a decent hike considering how its hilly there. you get a view of the bay, albany, and i-80 at the top of the hill. there are a couple benches for you to take it the view, some are covered by trees though. read more

It's not the greatest park in the world: it's small and not exceptionally beautiful. But, it's still nice to have. There are some good trails to climb that give you a good workout (especially if you are pushing an all-terrain stroller, which I wouldn't recommend, haha). There are some pretty nice views of the bay and the Oakland hills from up top, it goes up higher than you would think. I'm sure it's good for dog owners who live nearby, but as the new sign says: Please pick up your dog's poop! read more

Albany Hill Park - The new, but somehow tattered, sign. - Hiking Near Me - Albany, California

Moving to El Cerrito, I hoarded all sorts of fun-facts about the town to lessen the pain of the fact that I was moving to the burbs. One of these facts is that "El Cerrito" translates to "the little hill," which is Albany Hill. Fun! And it took me almost a full year to climb up there and have a look around, because I'm lazy. But so are alla y'all because I'm the first to review it. How can this be? I know other people have been up here- I mean, there is a light-up cross! People go here, I'm telling you. Officially, this park is neat. There are 2 rope swings from which you can risk life and limb (har har) if you are so inclined. There are several benches that face into eucalyptus groves. Better benches have a view of the bay or alternately of the jam packed residential valley that is Albany/El Cerrito. Looovely. For such a small park, I was pretty well convinced that I was indeed out in nature. And the world needs more of that. Poison Oak = 3 lobed leaves. Make sure you know that before you clamber around out here, because I saw some. And who needs that? read more

In a sea of houses, apartment complexes, and freeways, one almost doesn't notice Albany Hill (although the prominent geological feature of Albany and the name-sake of El Cerrito). When I see it, I just think how odd the geography is (a hill in the middle of nowhere) and how precarious some people are to build their houses on this hill. Several roads and paths lead to the top of hill, which is covered in non-native eucalyptus trees and oak trees. The park has a few benches and a play area but most notably offers beautiful views of Berkeley and San Francisco (as well as poison oak). In a calm residential area, it was a pleasant place to take a walk with a friend. Trivia: Explosives were manufactured on Albany Hill until 1905 when there was a massive accidental explosion of nitroglycerin. This is still evident today by a large dip in the tree line that highlights the crater carved into the north flank of the hill (according to Wikipedia). read more

This mound of enchanted emerald forest has intrigued me for some time now, but only recently have I discovered the network of trails through its almost primeval-looking forests. A part of me halfway expected to discover an enclave of arboreal Elvin abodes tucked away in some corner forgotten to the modern world. (Legolas, where art thou?) There is a lovely Greenway Park if you are at the base of the hill on the North side. It is clean, quiet (surprisingly no highway traffic noise) and the path on the North side of the creek is paved with colorful bits of recycled crushed glass set into cement. There is what appears to be something between a seasonal decorative pond and overflow flood control feature. Lined at the edges with rounded rocks embedded in cement with a smooth concrete bottom it was completely dry in July. Were it any larger, it would be a temptation for skate-boarders. A fun play structure for kids can be found here. (See Photos of both above) Today I tried to explore the upper realms of this most enticing hill. I made it to the 3 main entry points and here is what I found: PROS: Lots of beautifully shaded areas, and no traffic noise from the highway if you are on the East side. Amazing panoramic views of the Bay, Downtown Oakland and the Hills of El Cerrito/ Albany/ Kensington/ Berkeley. Great diversity of plant and animal life in a small area. I even saw tiny fish in the small stream! CONS: Unless you live on the hill with your own driveway or car-port, PARKING at all but the lowest waterway walk and the official Park at the top of the hill is tricky. Unkempt, treacherously STEEP trails, and the fallen Eucalyptus leaves and seeds on packed bare dirt and gnarled exposed roots make for a slippery slope in even the driest conditions. Unless you were born with cloven hooves, hard-core hiking boots with cleats and poles are strongly recommended if you don't want to end up on your booty, or worse! POISON OAK GALORE in the upper trails. Though July most of it had prematurely turned the brilliant red of autumn and was very easy to spot - and it was EVERYWHERE in the mid- to upper parts of the hill. Huge swaths of nothing but Poison Oak lined entire sections of the narrow trails. Being in short sleeves and open-sided shoes, I dared not venture into it. The Waterway Park at the base of the North end of the hill is well-maintained and relatively free of Poison Oak, but Park Services needs to tidy up the trails and keep this stuff in check on the rest of the Hill. It is truly out of control in places and has made large sections of the park inaccessible and unusable. A "roll in the hay" or anything else involving not paying 100% attention to your surroundings here is out of the question. It would be a roll into a body rash from hell. High marks for an oasis of green, but loses a few points for the out-of-control Poison Oak and unkempt trails. Location is superb. I have yet to actually check out the "official" Albany Hill Park at the very top. Just drove up there to have a peek, but could see only a sign and a trail through the trees. Rumor has it there are a couple of benches up there, but it was getting late and it was time to head back home. Another time... read more

I was cruising around Albany this morning and thought, "what's at the top of this darned hill?" Wouldn't you know it -- a park! I had a nice solid fifteen minute walk around. The park was decently maintained. My dog ran around off-leash, which was nice. The views of the hills and the bay are mostly obstructed by the eucalyptus trees. The park was really deserted. I saw one person on a beautiful Sunday morning. I think this would be the place I'd come to smoke cigarettes after school let out, if I were cool. Not sure I'd be back. There are plenty of better places in the East Bay, but there's nothing really off about this one. read more

There is a closure due to construction so you have to find different paths to run to make your running workout worth doing.

Dogs ok off leash. Dog loved the park. Bring your own water for your dog and poop bags. STEEEEP climb depending on which path you take. There are a few. We must have taken the one with the highest difficulty level going up. Moderate decline on the way down the hill. Tire swing at the top along with a white cross that lights up. Had fun swinging on the tire swing. Probably made for kids cause I got my leg stuck trying to get out. lol Nice local place for a short hike amid the city. Free parking along the street and in a private lot if you drive up to the top. Wear long pants or don't mind getting scratches on your legs. Some areas have overgrown plants coming onto the paths. read more

Albany Hill (Park) is basically just a place for a short walk/hike. Some good views when not hidden behind eucalyptus trees. Construction has been whittling away at the Hill for decades now... all those condos and apartments hanging on the eastern side of the hill really ruined a fine view. Trivia: there are some native american acorn grinding holes in a flat rocky area on the east side of the hill. read more

Of course I discover the hiking trails on this hill right before I move. I've only been living in the area for nearly a decade. I've been here many times before, going straight up to the top by walking 'round the residential street that almost circles the top. Lately, we've been taking the known and unknown trails. It's a bit slippery and steep on the east side. And the trails on the north side are so hidden that I'm just too old to explore with any regularity. I have always seen the area kids hike their way down from the north side into the creek going into the 99 Ranch parking lot. The top is peaceful and offers a nice view of the Bay. Several benches here. Some weird cross. Never tried the swing. I wish they would get rid of the eucalyptus trees. I realize many residents love the way these trees provide privacy and wind breaks and whatever. But they are highly flammable. On hot, windy days, I can't help but think about the '91 fire that hit Oakland and how they were spread by these trees. read more

I wouldn't really call it a park. It's a fairly short hike but if you just need to get outside for a little bit, it works. You do get a pretty good view of El Cerrito and Albany while on the other side, you have the 80 Frwy. The swing was either taken down or was broken, which was unfortunate. The hike is fairly easy and not too steep. You'll most likely see a few dog walkers and some people taking in the view on the few available benches. read more

There's nothing much I like more than the sharp smell of eucalyptus on a crisp, sunny day. After a loaded game of destination roulette we ended up at this shady spot. Fantastic vistas of the housed hills on the east and the bay through the trees on the west. A sunset to die for! Not to be missed are the rope swings. A nice jump-off from a nearby bench is a good jolt of exhilaration. A must if you're in the 'hood. read more

I've just explored this hill in the past couple of days. At the very top is a tree enclosed park but if you make a left at the last intersection before getting there you'll be amazed to find patches of open views of the entire Bay including San Fran and the Golden Gate bridge. Nice place to visit if you haven't yet, not so much on the gas. read more

This is an oasis in Albany. Navis D this park was saved from developers by concerned and energetic citizens after much effort. Without them it would likely be condos or houses like the ones next to it . It is sad that you disparage it without learning more. It's steep hills make for a good workout - hiking or walking -- especially if you do a loop going down the streets at the top. I have never had concerns re: safety. I regularly see people hiking, walking their dog etc. The woodiness is what makes it attractive. Apparently, they have an Easter morning service if you are interested. read more

Great place... There was a swing so I got on it..lots of fun. The hike...was vigorous, got a really great work out this day. Think I will be coming here more regular it has the best views. : ) read more

I grew up in Albany in the early 50's and have lived in Washington State for more than 40 years. We lived across the street from Vista School. At that time Albany Hill was nothing like I read as described here. There was only one dirt road that went to the top. I remember seeing deer and red-tail hawks. On the bay side where those big condo's are now located was an old native shell mound site. As kid's we dug up lots of old shells. The Albany PD used the back part of this portion of the hill for shooting practice. We used to dig out the slugs after the cops left. I hope that what's left of this gem in a sea of humanity remains intact..Good thing the Albany dump is gone...it sure stank! read more

Its a hill near the freeway. A large open space good for dog walking.

pretty tight place to get high and you used to have a rope swing until the fascists cut it down.......bastards.