This is an idyllic place to hike and picnic in Tilden. There is a lake (pond?) that has a swimming area, but I personally don't think it is especially clean for that. But there are lots of turtles and birds to watch. For picnics, there are tables and a large grassy expanse for laying down a spread and also playing frisbee. For a hike, the loop around the lake (pond?) is perfect for kids and adults who are able to climb rocks and scramble comfortably along a few narrow strips of the trail. There is a bridge and an area where kids like to explore the creek. There are other paths off the lake, but those do tend to have more mountain bikes. This is an especially nice park when we have our late summer weather in September and October. Plenty of parking. read more

Lake Care Recreational swimming reservoir located in Tilden Regional Park that was named after Spanish "explorer" Juan Bautista de Anza. The Good: *Free *Swimmable *There's a beach area** with actual sand *Fishing allowed (w/ CA fishing license [$62]) *±3/4-mile loop trail around the lake that has some gorgeous almost Hoh Rainforest-like vibes (IYKYK). *Restrooms** *Large paved lot The Meh: *Area has signs about a dangerous algae bloom in the water, so if you do go swimming, make sure not to intake too much water--and keep your pets away from it! *There's also signs telling you how to prepare any fish you catch here. The Ugly: *As the signs state "Rough Trail," and boy howdy is it rough. Especially when it's wet, as some of the trails around the backside were ultra thick, slippery mud which had us fighting for our lives! Bring a hiking pole(s) or a hiking stick to help with steadying yourself. Conclusion: Cool spot with a trepidatious hike that's for a good payoff. Gird your loins and just do it! **area was under construction when we visited in Dec '24, but we're assuming it'll be done by summer? read more

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After our lunch at Chez Panisse, I wanted to find a short hike in the area. Lake Anza fit the bill. We realized later that we had been there before years ago but never actually did the full Lake Anza Trail. We rectified that. The day we hiked the trail was a beautiful day (New Year's Eve) but talk about muddy!! I think the trail would have been a lot easier to hike if it hadn't been so mud and not so slippery. However, it was super fun. Quite the adventure! You have to climb over rocks and shit. The trail is only .7 miles but with all of the climbing and clambering over rocks, you get your heart rate going. There is also a bridge and a waterfall so it's a nice bonus. Definitely a fun hike for kids. (Maybe not for toddlers though.) The parking lot was mostly empty when we were thing. Also, the sign was warning about dangerous algae so don't bring your dog and let them drink the water. We didn't see any restrooms at the lake (there was construction going on by the beach) but there is a restroom right before you going to the entrance for the lake. Nice flushable bathrooms with soap and paper towels. read more

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I have been going here since i was 8yrs old. My school took us here for a field trip and my school at that time was Emerson Elementary. And when i go visit the nature area i sometimes will wlk over and see the lake. read more

Lake Anza - MY FACE AND SLOT MACHINES. - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Amazing place for students to attend a field trip/bbq day. Since the pandemic, the grills were removed but we brought our own. Lake is great, with lifeguards. The entire park has plenty of other activities, including a merry-go-round. read more

Lake Anza is truly a hidden gem! The location is stunningly beautiful and impeccably clean. The way the sun filters through the giant trees creates the most breathtaking ambiance, perfect for a relaxing day out. We had a lovely picnic on the open green grass, and the weather couldn't have been better--mid 70's, just right for snuggling up with a loved one or enjoying time with family. Despite visiting on a Sunday afternoon, the area wasn't crowded at all, which made the experience even more enjoyable. A major plus is the free parking, which is always a bonus! One tip: If you want to park close to the lake, make sure to search for "Lake Anza Parking Lot" in your GPS. Otherwise, you might end up walking a few miles if you're not familiar with the area. The bathrooms are located close to the parking lot and is easily accessible. Also very clean! There is also options to bbq but from the area we were sitting in, we couldn't see where those were placed on the property. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful and picturesque day outdoors! read more

Lake Anza - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I have swam in Lake Anza for years. I go around 4 so the crowds are gone. I am a strong swimmer so, don't tell anyone but when the life guard I swim under the ropes and out into the middle of the lake. My God, its beautiful. read more

Crowded. Water kinda yucky. Not my favorite place to hangout. Parking is inconvenient. read more

Lake Anza - Beach - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Lake Anza is one of those great Bay Area places no one talks about!! It's a man made lake with a man made beach, with mountains of sand. It's sectioned off for the swimmers near the beach. In the summer, I've seen it pretty crowded here. This place is probably best described as a swimming hole!! When I came here the beach was closed. The walk around is just under 1.5 miles. Just make sure you wear shoes you don't mind getting a little muddy, and also be prepared to use your hands to get up and over a few big rocks in some places if you stay right next to the lake. But I think their are alternate trails in some places. This place is located in Tilden Regional Park. People also come here to hang out, picnic, and kick back, because it definitely has a far away feel here!! I definitely would suggest the walk around the lake, it's well worth it!!! read more

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Beautiful lake and park in the Tilden Regional park. Lots of big trees, good parking off Wildcat Canyon road. You will find picnic tables under the trees and decent restrooms at the Island picnic ground area. The hiking trail begins right there too. The hike difficulty is varied. Mostly level but with lots of uneven and in many places narrow paths along the perimeterof the lake. Not a hike for unstable walkers. read more

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It seems like for the past several years, the lake has been closed due to an algae bloom or the winter cold season. I think for a few months during the summer is when it reopens as long as the algae issue doesn't persist. The lake is kind of big and has quite a view. You can actually walk around the outer edge of the lake but you need to be careful as there are loose rocks, uneven dirt trail, tree roots sticking out from the ground and among other things. Just watch your step or it's better to turn around and not walk the trail and be safe. I've seen people fishing at the lake but have never seen anyone catch anything. I think you need to be over 16 and have a license to fish here. Common fishes in the lake are bass, bluegill and sunfish. There's a rare payphone sighting near the entrance. It actually has a dial tone when you pick it up. It might be something to show your kids what life was like before smartphones. read more

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Such a fun spot! The algae is going crazy right now on the lake so no one is swimming or jumping in. The perimeter is nice to hike around and you have to climb around a little bit just to circle the perimeter of the lake. It's definitely not easy to walk around if you aren't wearing the right shoes because you can trip very easily here. Other than that, it's beautiful, the nature is lovely, and it's shady and never too hot. Highly recommend Lake Anza! read more

Lake Anza - beautiful lake! - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Lake Anza inside Tilden Park offers a place to relax, picnic, fish, and hike. If you pay the fee ($3.50/pp adult), you can access the beach and swimming area which has lifeguards. Otherwise, if you hang around the perimeter of the lake or go on a hiking trail, its all free! We just came here to check out the lake and chose to do the shortest hike - the Lake Anza Trail which goes around the lake. Its just 0.7 miles but the trails are not smooth at all - you'll have to navigate through rocks, hardened tree roots, a few stairs, and even through a super-narrow path which requires you to hang into the rock wall to avoid getting your feet wet. For a longer hike, its better to branch off to the Wildcat Gorge Trail or Selby Loop Trail. PROS * One of the few swimmable lakes in the Bay Area, with lifeguards and changing rooms * The lake offers fishing and relaxation - folks can fish, set up a hammock and snuggle, read a book, etc. * Huge and free parking lot. CONS * Would be nice if they had better signage showing distances of various hiking trails. * No cell service * Restrooms seemed really smelly - did not use. read more

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Second time here, it's the same lake but every time you will meet something different which the beauty of exploring. read more

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This is what they called back in the olden days a swimming hole. It's a man-made, freshwater lake that's been around since the Great Depression, and despite having been a Berkeley resident for years, I'm embarrassed to admit I had never been here much less the pleasant little beach they set up here for the warmer months. In fact, the beach was not my motivation for finally coming here. I was getting a bit bored of going to Inspiration Point for easy hiking and made a last-minute detour into the woods to find an expansive parking lot and see if there was a trail around the lake. There is - although it doesn't appear to be used much except by the most intrepid dog owners. I gave it a try and the terrain turned out to be a bit more rugged than I would have expected. It made me wonder if the trail condition was a subtle sign to discourage foot traffic, though it didn't stop me from jumping over a couple of streams and clinging to a boulder to avoid a maritime incident requiring an adolescent lifeguard to save me. It was worth the effort since it was only 1.4 miles long, a full loop that took no more than an hour. It was a relative cinch, though I still ended up at Inspiration Point to get the rest of my FitBit steps in. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here are the places around the Bay Area where I have trod: bit.ly/2OsCCsK read more

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SO BEAUTIFUL. Had such a nice afternoon walking along the trail around the lake. Unfortunately, as of today, the lake is unsafe to swim in (algae) but it was still nice to walk around, hang out on the rocks or sit at the benches along the way. For the most part the path is pretty flat. It's all dirt. Some areas have lots of rocks and tree roots but it's not bad. Some parts get narrow though. I'm not sure if it even was a mile around the whole lake. The sandy beach/ picnic table area was closed off still too. Parking was free and not a problem at all today. By the parking lot right above the lake/path entrance is a pretty good sized grassy area that people were having picnics on or playing with dogs. Saw some people fishing today too. read more

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Very beautiful lake and hiking trails, great for adventurous people, friends and family!! read more

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Wonderful environment, give water quality, no litter /trash on trails , and most people were very courteous

Lake Anza is great for a moderate level difficulty hike, and yes, I say that instead of easy if you are taking your family with young children and maybe older folks (like granny). Most parts around the lake have uneven terrain with tricky footing for people who are used to other hikes labeled as easy. Just know what to expect, and it's totally fun. There's rock scrambling at two parts and there are many roots to walk over at some parts. Other parts are quite close to the lake, so go slowly with little ones to prevent them falling into the toxic algae-filled water. ...which brings me to a few cons. You still can't swim in the lake, and dogs should not drink from it (toxic algae, yep!). There's no cell phone service, or spotty service at best. It might be nice if on the EBRPD website there were an indication of which (if any) cell phone service providers work well in the area. I'm guessing none, based on the comparisons I've made between mine and others'. It's not that I promote phone addiction in the wilderness; just a safety matter, since many people who come here aren't looking for that complete a removal from civilization. Signs indicating miles could be useful when venturing away from the lake down Wildcat Gorge Trail, up Selby Trail, etc. Too bad they've been doing construction in the parking lot area and part of the trail for about a year now, which includes closed restrooms. Hopefully, they'll be done soon! You can still hike, just not with the convenience of restrooms with nice flushable toilets, sinks, soap and water nearby. Wildlife that we've seen include deer, banana slugs (no joke!), little black snakes, and an otter (no joke!). I was in disbelief when I saw the otter, but it's true, and there's a video of Tilden Park's otter on the internet. It's a wonderful and short wilderness adventure if you know what to expect, and not far from city life, so the location is convenient. Overall great place to take the family or go on your own for a peaceful time. I've gone there just for a lunch break, then back to work on a weekday! read more

The lake water right now (in the winter) looks really cloudy and kind of muddy. The trail around the lake is very tranquil and definitely for beginners. You can access this trail by the road which is great if you have a car. In the summer you can swim at the beach but in the winter the beach is closed of course. Also there's great rocks along the shore for sitting! read more

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Reason #4968740 why I love living in the Bay Area: Lake Anza. I came here on a weekday in late August with two adult friends and one baby friend (seven months, but he's already an adept water creature). We arrived just after 11:00 to an almost empty parking lot and had the place mostly to ourselves. We set up camp with a Sport-Brella, some blankets and plenty of infused water to keep us hydrated. Then we spent most of the rest of the time hanging in the water, catching up. It was glorious (and so refreshing in the 85F+ degree heat)! We'd planned on lunching elsewhere, and my baby friend had an early afternoon nap time, but if that were not the case I could have easily spent the whole afternoon here alternating between the beach and the water. What's more, Lake Anza is within a 30 minute drive of the City (and more like 15 if you're coming from Oakland)! NOTES - Come here during the week, late in the summer, when most kids have gone back to school and you'll have the lake almost to yourself - The life guards here take their jobs seriously (if you bring little kids, keep 'em close to you!) - Beach access fees: $3.50 age 16-61; $2.50 age 1-15; $2.50 seniors 62+ or disabled; FREE under 1 year - If you're squeamish about water quality, they test it frequently and post the results on the Lake website read more

Can't believe I didn't know about this cute, tucked away little swimming area. There is both sand and grass, and the temperature of the water is cool but refreshing on a hot day. It was possible to take an Uber there and back, and the entrance fee was only $3.50 for adults. I'd definitely go back to catch some rays or take a dip and want to check out the nearby trails next time. read more

WOW, what a truly majestic place. I've lived my whole life int he Bay Area and yesterday was the first time I was able to find this place (kinda tricky to find) and I am so happy I did. There is lots to do here for example: Hike around the lake w/ your dog and there are areas of the lake where your pooch can actually get in. Keep in mind dogs aren't allowed in the gated beach area. Also, you have to pay to enter the beach area, but I don't think it is expensive, couple dollars maybe. I did even go in and I still had a blast. You can also lay out on the grass or just stroll along the beautiful greenery while enjoying the tranquility surrounding you. If you haven't already gone here get up and go!! read more

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Came here on a sunny afternoon to hike around the lake! No swimming for me...the water didn't look too welcoming. Nonetheless, my friends and I ventured around the lake and tried looking for trails. Tilden is just an enchanting place in general, and the lake is a great place to cool off and have a nice picnic. I enjoyed our noontime stroll and plan to explore Tilden more. The hike wasn't as strenuous as I would have liked it to be but still got a work out in! The road taking you up to this area is also extremely winding. Fun to drive and such a scenic route. read more

Lake Anza - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Lake Anza is right in the heart of Tilden Park. The drive on our way here was very scenic. Trees hovering over the road, mountain views if not, in some areas better view of the East Bay. You can't get any closer to nature than this. You could even hear birds and other animal noises in the woods The Lake has a designated swimming area, has sand where you could lay in the sun and get some tan. There are also trails that go on a loop around the lake, if you want to get really close to the water you could take the lower ground trail, the upper is more of a rough trail also has trails that branch out and would take you into the woods and even water falls. You may want to bring your own snacks and drinks because the food stand they have is not always open, it was closed when we came here on a weekday. Might just be open on weekend. This place also has a decent size parking place right before you enter the lake. read more

Lake Anza - That's a quack right there! Did you see it? - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The pictures speak for themselves! Lake Anza is such a beautiful and fun lake to walk around. Plus, the air is fresh, the people there are happy and courteous and there were many happy dogs scrambling around including one amazing Pomeranian. There are some parts that require some minor rock scrambling. It's not too difficult but not baby stroller, wheelchair or elderly people friendly. read more

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This is one of those places that makes me feel immeasurably lucky to live where I do. Gorgeous sun. Clean, woodsy air. Chill people. My happy dogs. read more

Lake Anza - Placid. - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Did you know that they have a waterfall here? It's off to the side when you trek down the Wildcat Gorge trail, to the left. I like Lake Anza around this time of the year. The mallard ducks are pairing up and nestling all around the lake. It's pretty fun watching them quack and swim and dive and flirt. You can swim within the crayon shaped buoys, but the guard will readily throw a hissy fit if he catches you making a break for the rocks on the other side of the lake. When you get to the other side of the lake, right next to those rocks where you're *not* allowed to dive there is this pretty awesome-looking tree. It welcomes you to sit on its branches with tattoos wrapping all around. While I am not a big fan of marking trees I did find some joy in seeing my name prehistorically etched on this one. Lake Anza is one of those places you visit often because it's kind of like home. read more

Lake Anza - Doesn't this remind you of Tarzan? or Fern Gully? - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The beach is still closed (because of covid, I assume) but the trail and the parking are free! We went with two 3 year olds. From the parking lot, we went left and the trail seemed like it was going to be fairly easy and paved. We kept following the path around the lake clockwise and it involved climbing over boulders. The kiddos loved all the climbing, but started to get pooped out. I had to carry mine over the most uneven parts, which were toward the end of the trail. It would have been better to start by going around the back of the building, and travel counter-clockwise around the lake. That way the hardest part would have been first. read more

Lake Anza - An easy bit of the trail around the lake - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

I love this place (: I came here with my ex multiple times whenever it was super hot at home. Being here has the same feeling of being at an ocean beach except you don't have to drive super far. It's so relaxing to just put a beach towel or blanket on the sand, lay down, watch the people around you play around, have a picnic, read a book, listen to music, etc. The view is beautiful and it's just a great place to spend a sunny day at. We always failed at actually staying in the water since it was always freezing but it was nice to go into once in awhile to cool down. There's a concession stand but it's kinda pricey so I suggest bringing your own food and having a picnic (: It's also much more fun that way. I can't wait to come back when the weather is better! :D read more

Lake Anza - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Ventured here today for the first time with my man and my pup. Pretty (albeit winding drive) down to the lake area, just past Brazil room & carousel. Plenty of parking today. The lake wasn't super crowded, as it's becoming off-season, but there were still people sunbathing and swimming. Looks like a pretty awesome spot for summer days! We hiked the trail around the entirety of the lake, and it is FOR SURE uneven/rocky but nothing too tough to handle. Peaceful, clean and beautiful- i'd come back for sure! read more

Lake Anza - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

The trail around Lake Anza is dog friendly and very peaceful. I recommend walking it or bringing a tennis ball, blanket and some drinks and hang out while your dog swims and plays. The beach club is NOT dog friendly. It's beautiful and a great spot to cool off in the Summer. read more

Lake Anza - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The lake is absolutely lovely. On peak days the parking is full so we hiked n an unusual way... Waited in line for seamingly forever (again peak time) but the lake was a lovely treat for a cool swim on a hot day. Notably you will want to bring your own goodies- the nearby concession stand literally ran out of everything that day. Defin a lovely local oasis tho. read more

Lake Anza - Hottest day on record 9/2/17 - Lakes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Came here for a picnic by the water and possibly a swim but the lake itself is closed for swimming or any contact with the water due to contamination of the water. We ended up picnicing on a picnic table near by. There are restrooms, grills and trash cans and plenty of parking. Many areas for eating or hiking and pretty view along the way. All in all a nice place to spend the day in the nature. read more

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A Southern Californian will miss the beaches when they relocate up to the Bay Area but there is a way around that and Berkeley's Lake Anza is one of the solutions. The sandy beach is open to the sun and sheltered from the wind so you can enjoy sunbathing. The water is swimmable although--to me-- on the cold side. It is safe for kids here as the swim area is roped off and there are lifeguards right there. The county does water testing during the summer months and occasionally the swimming area will be closed. This past September, Lake Anza was shut down due to the presence of toxic algae, according to the East Bay Regional Park District. Toxic algae is not something to mess with so I am glad that Lake Anza is watched so carefully. Always check the website ebparks.org. to make sure the water is okay before you head up into the Berkeley Hills. Lake Anza is near the Tilden Park Merry Go Round. I went with my friend who lives in the area and knows her way around. It can be a little tricky finding the Lake. Use Wildcat Canyon Road to enter Tilden Park and then turn left on Central Park Drive. Go right on Lake Anza Road to the parking lot. Had to deduct 1 YELP STAR because the bees just would not leave me alone. It might have had to do with the coconut suntan lotion I was using but those bees were bugging me. read more

The lake is great but if you don't want a side of racism with your swim, I wouldn't go here. I had an encounter with a life guard that was very unpleasant. (Mind you that I had just stepped into the water for all of a minute before this happened) Soon another life guard stepped in and tried to justify the other life guards comments towards me. Finally another swimmer in the lake who witnessed everything came and told their supervisor about everything that he just saw/heard and got them to apologize and admit their wrong doings. This is definitely something that should not happen when you are just trying to spend a nice day with you family at a lake. Although I don't think the life guards know the severity of their words, I hope that in the future they learn that racism is not, and will never be tolerated. read more

This is a fun safe spot to take young children to. We've never had any issues there at all.

Remember those 80s movies depicting kids at summer camp diving off the lake pier and onto The Blob? That's what Lake Anza reminds me of. Just close your eyes and think of any movie that takes place on a lake with the wilderness closing in and that's the feeling you'll get at Lake Anza. How I came to find it? After a grueling and treacherous uphill battle with Claremont Ave, I finally made it to Grizzly Peak. Legs shaking, sun drained but spirit soaring, I found my way down to the lake. And what did my little eye see? Kids fishing tadpoles with nets, dogs chasing down ducks, couples cajoling under the shady trees, and off in the distance, my mud-covered roommate lounging in the low-rent section of the lake while Giles (my dog) humped first a German Shepard, then a Boarder Collie, and finally the air. While there's the clean and family friendly side to the lake (see reviews for "Lake Anza Beach"), the other side, just across from the paying visitors, is littered with muddy pups and their selfless owners. They're free to swim in this part, and rest assured, they will. Quite a beautiful and memorable way to spend a summer afternoon. Picturesque even. read more

So it must be said that I LOVE Lake Anza. Only in the Bay can you find a place as beautiful as Lake Anza within 15 minutes of downtown. There's a nice sandy beach "family" area with a roped off swimming area, lifeguards, and a snack shop. It costs $3.50 per adult so it's a pretty great deal. I prefer to walk around the Lake and hang out on the sunny rocks opposite the beach. Pack a picnic, some drinks, and some music and you are set. Everyone is happy and nice, there lots of friendly dogs running about, and the water is always beautiful and makes for a great swim. It's the perfect romantic summer date spot too! Given how much I love Lake Anza, you can only imagine how bummed I was when my motorcycle keys slowly slid off a rock and were swallowed by its depths, leaving me in quite a pickle with no spare. Fast forward 45 minutes of diving around with no luck and I was pretty sure my boots were made for walking. But, the AMAZING lifeguards saved my life (metaphorically) and my feet (literally). After realizing that we were desperately searching for keys and not just swimming in the unauthorized part of the lake, they actually came over with fins and goggles and offered to help look. Lifeguard Kyle dove down, and lo and behold, comes up with my keys on the first try! It should have been a movie. Then we found a cool old lobster trap. I left the Lake relaxed, with my keys, and a renewed faith in karma. Maybe a nice little tan too. These guys are seriously great lifeguards. They know what they are doing, they do it well, and they are friendly & helpful (and handsome I might add) while doing it. Almost made me wish I were straight. Almost. I will be back again and again, although next time with a set of spare keys! read more

I went on a short hike around Lake Anza with my family last weekend, and this is truly a gem, not too out of your way if you're a local. Set right inside Tilden Park, we trekked on the Anza trail which led us all around the lake, below it, and even above the lake off trail. Plenty of climbing trees for the little ones and love that your dog can go off leash in the undeveloped areas only. They must be on leash near walkways, bathrooms, and any community sections. (There are signs all around to guide you.) I absolutely love the trails--they skim several streams and water play areas for dogs and kids alike. I saw a bunch of lovely couples taking strolls as well. The lake is huge and has a recreational area/beach area. A few bridges will greet you as you head further around the trail. There's some steep areas, but don't fret, if my kids could do it, so can you. I can't wait to revisit this charming little place. Bonus--you can go to the Little Farm or Carousel and play there after your hike. The animals will be so thrilled. Just don't forget your lettuce and celery. read more