When I was a resident of the Bay Area (up until mid-2001), I took full advantage any chance I got…read moreto go mountain biking, hiking, and enjoy all the picturesque views that the Bay had to offer. This takes me to the one and only "Bay Bridge Trail", one of the most anticipated trails to open in the 21st century. And I have got to say that this is something I highly recommend everyone should try at least once. The trail that I am focusing and reviewing on here is a 2.2 mile span that starts in Oakland and eventually ends at Yerba Buena Island. As many people are wondering, where exactly is the easiest place to park? The answer to that is there are various access points to get here. Some of the closest that I recommend are Shellmound St. in Emeryville which is across the street from IKEA. I do not advise parking at IKEA since parking enforcement may ticket your vehicle. A few other access points are Burma Road Trailhead as well as the Eastbound Bay Bridge Toll Plaza which is accessible via-AC Transit. As far as the trail itself, the foot wide path stretches to a reasonable 15.5 feet wide going each direction; one for bicyclists and an outside lane designated for pedestrians. This path also has fairly decent hours on the East Span of the Bay Bridge as it is open daily from 6:00am to 9:00pm. Dogs are permitted; however they do not allow skateboards, scooters, or rollerblades. This trail also has a maximum speed enforcement of 15 mph. Since this is totally free, I would have to say that this is one of the best places you could go for your workout. Keep in mind that the trail does run parallel to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and it can get very noisy due to how close you are to the traffic. My advise is if you bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, this will eliminate a considerable amount of noise. Furthermore, it is extremely windy (no matter what time of year it is) so make sure to bring a windbreaker and an extra layer since this area can get very foggy and cold. The panoramic views of the Bridge and the skyscrapers of San Francisco from a distance are absolutely beautiful and surreal; especially on a clear sunny day. Once going up the steeper incline (by bike), make sure you take your time and use the lowest possible gear. Since I have a mountain bike, this was a task all in itself. But I have got to say, this was well worth it in every way possible. My rating for the "Bay Bridge Trail", a unanimous five stars.

To see a beautiful view of the new span of the Bay Bridge, take this trail. Talk a stroll. Take…read moreyour bike and go to Treasure Island and have lunch. I don't know why it took me so long to come but glad I did! It was a nice clear weather late Sunday morning but it was a little windy and to be expected. There was no fog in site! though and we were lucky today. We parked at the Bay Bridge Parking lot where there is about 50 slots and a nice clean bathroom. It's well marked so it's easy to find. We can late about 10am and there is only about 7 cars so not to worry about not having a parking space. There is a small incline going up towards Treasure Island but can be difficult if you are biking against the wind. It was easy going back but make sure to keep your speed to 15 mph and watch out for people walking. Pass by the Observation Pier to chill and see more views of Treasure Island and SF views. Definitely a must bookmark and come for some exercise! [84th R]

Heron Bay Nature Trail is one of my favorite local trails for a morning/sunset walk. There's…read moreconveniently parking at the entrance roundabout of the Heron Bay neighborhood. There's only 3 spaces + 1 handicapped space but I've usually had good luck and have found parking. If not, you can also park in the neighborhood right outside Heron Bay or at the Food Net plaza. You'll just have to walk a bit farther. There's two sides to the trail: one that goes towards the San Leandro Marina and the other that goes towards the Hayward Shoreline. The San Leandro Marina side tends to be the most popular as it ends at the park and you can continue your walk around the water and park. From Heron Bay, it's about 1.5-2 miles to the park. The terrain is all flat and paved. There are a lot of people who use this trail so sometimes you may have to step aside into the gravel for other walkers, runners, bikers, etc. This trail is right along the water which is always really beautiful. But know that it also gets windy sometimes. I recommend wearing a hood, hat, or beanie. There's also no shade so plan to wear sunglasses and sunscreen on a sunny day. A lot of people take their dogs walking here as there's a dog park at the end as well. Most folks have their dogs on leashes but there are some who let their dogs roam. If you have an anxious dog who isn't great around other dogs, I'd recommend either skipping the Marina side of this trail or just being very aware. There's lots of regulars on this trail (me included) so if you walk here enough, you'll start to see the same folks. Everyone's always greeting each other with a hello or good morning - a great start to each day/evening!

I to run and walk this trail. Great views of the peninsula and San Francisco. Always a nice place…read moreto visit.

I used to only use this park for walks because it's a great place to just put in your headphones…read moreand walk the trails. But lately, I've been riding my new ebike out at the park. Lots of people do. There are also some great fishing spots at MLK. If I had a dog, it would be perfect for dog walking. It's just all around a nice place to be, alone, with a partner or with kids. Plenty of free parking. I wish they would unlock the restrooms more often.

Is it normal for California to put trail cams at the entrance to the park? I was unaware…read more Interesting Not cool

Alameda bay farm island bay trail walking path…read more Very near OAK airport perfect for watching jets - its fun but not sure if breathing in lots of jet exhaust is doctor recommended. The walk is more pleasant and easier on the eyes than some stuffy gym on a treadmill. A bit of nature and water is welcomed. The way seemingly every square inch of land is being built on makes the open space of the bat more appreciated.

Also known as the Bay Farm Island Loop Trail or Shoreline Park…read more.. Quality/Quantity - Today we did the "Fairy Door Hunt", see pictures. I have to be honest, one of the BIGGEST things I miss about Alameda! Hidden beautiful trails, well not going to be hidden for long if I keep Yelping, lol. My stress reliever (not that I have stress...). I really enjoy the bay and lagoon walks; they are so beautiful, relaxing, people friendly, etc. Families all around, people fishing on the bay, etc. Pedestrian and bike friendly! Paved and unpaved (for mountain bikes). Bathrooms every half mile or so - Nothing to rave about, but at least it is clean. Picnic tables, BBQ grills, benches, etc. Some reservations may be needed/required; see ARPD website ($55/hour, 3 hour minimum). Special ferry to SF on weekdays. Nearby lagoons, parks, play structures, etc. Atmosphere - Beautiful views of The Bay, lagoons, and SF. Service - Self-service. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Thank you for this beautiful park and trail since 1978.

The Bay Trail, which runs all over the Bay, is always a good choice!!…read more This stretch through Oakland, in the Jack London Square area, runs right next to the water. It will take you as far north to Emeryville, Berkeley, and beyond. Gets windy here in the evening, but on clear days you can get some nice views. I had a nice, after dinner stroll here!!

Um. This is why I moved to the Bay Area. For me, this trail exemplifies why we pay those high rent…read moreprices and work those stressful jobs. To enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. Wow, I'm gettin' real corny, eh?! The Bay Trail is 500 Miles - 47 Cities - 9 Counties long and encompasses the North, East & South Bays and SF proper. Whether you bike, walk, skate or just sit, do expect beautiful views of the Bay. I didn't realize the extent of it myself until I clicked on the website and I'll be damned, this trail is LEGIT. I myself have done from about San Leandro/Alameda thru to Emeryville and man, oh man what a great bike ride. Are some parts a bit sketchy, closed and/or unmarked? Yep, (that Emeryville area is a bit wonky), but you can pick up a free map (and a t-shirt) at any of the parks offices and really follow along to get you back en route. A few more bonuses: along the route you can find some public bathrooms and water fountains (SCORE), and there are a TON of picnic benches in some parts. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yep, Yelp app to find some sammies and boom - picnic! The trail does go through multiple parks (at least on the East Bay side) where parking is available, just an FYI. Exercise, beautiful views and landscapes while enjoying the world outside is how I like to spend my free time. If you do as well, go ahead peep their website and I'll see ya on the trail!

Love this as a short hike! It starts in Lot E of Merritt College. Pretty tucked away (this is the…read moreback parking lot). Parking is $2 for the whole day if you don't have a student pass. Dogs are allowed off leash. +1 just for that! My dog loves this trail! It's not extremely long and does have some fairly steep inclines. The middle of the trail is covered by trees, so on a sunny day you have some protection. There's also a stream that runs along part of the trail that I've seen some dogs splashing around it. Not a crowded trail. Good if you want some peace and quiet and a nice view.

Great hidden trail that is part of the East Bay Parks system. I take my dog here, sans leash This…read moreis a great alternative to the crowded scene at nearby Redwood Park where hikers, dog walkers and bike riders sometimes fight it out for trail supremacy. Perhaps this place is a hidden gem because it's a little hard to find. Take Keller up the hill heading east, pass Skyline Pizza and a little shopping center off to your right then make the first left on Campus Drive. Make your first right into Shadow Woods condo complex and head left or all the way to the back of the condo complex and you will find the trail parking lot. It's about 2 miles of moderate up hill and connects to the Merritt College campus. A creek runs along the trail the whole way. Dogs love it because they can run around and take cooling dips when they want. Even on weekend it does not get that crowded.

We just went last month again and went different direction---we all LOVED it! Great parking lot…read more Water views, horses, birds, ground critters, trails thru meadows, woods, by river, by reservoir, by creek, behind peaceful subdivision w beautiful backyard gardens, tons of dragonflies when we went this time! Love seeing these pics of my kiddo growing up on the same trailhead.

The Upper San Leandro Reservoir was created in 1926 by impounding the San Leandro Creek. The dam…read moreget most of its water from the Mokelumne Aqueduct that brings water from the Sierra Nevada's. The original earthen dam was deemed seismically unsound and a new dam was build just past it in 1977. The water is distributed to local communities by the East Bay Municipal Utility District. There is an extensive public trail system that surrounds the lake, but no fishing or boating is allowed.

A great trail on the west side of Lake Chabot!!!…read more I'm lucky I live a quick drive away from here. This is one of my go to trails when I want to get a quick mid week hike in and I don't have a lot of time. I access this trail through Chabot Park, this trail is to the left. It's all dirt, small rolling hills until you get to the camp grounds. This trail doesn't always run right next to Lake Chabot, lots of curving in and out from the lake and back with small inclines and declines along the way. This trail is mostly used by walkers and bike riders, and it's a good way to just get away from it all, at least for a little while, or as long as you feel like it!!

MY PHOTOGRAPHS. (1) View to the south, of a deep canyon. At the top of my photo, you can see the…read moreBay-O-Vista neighborhood in San Leandro. (2) Later on, you pass a little peninsula of land, where people sometimes go fishing. Here and there by the water's edge there are thick patches of tall reeds. (3) Further along on Bass Cove Trail, there is a transition in the trail, where long branches from thousands of trees cover the entire trail, like a tunnel. (4) Gulch that is covered with arching trees, where the tree are covered with bright green moss. (5) Further along on Bass Cove Trail, you will encounter a second trail sign at a fork in the trail. The sign indicates the direction to Bass Cove, and the direction of Goldenrod Trail. I am posing in this photo. (6) Close up photo of one of the thousands of trees covered with bright green moss. (7) View of a beautiful little bay, located at the western edge of Lake Chabot. As you can see from this photograph, Bass Cove Trail is now about 200 feet above the Lake Chabot. (8) Photograph of several ducks. The ducks are swimming at the northern-most part of Bass Cove. BASS COVE TRAIL. The most direct access to Bass Cove Trail is by starting at the parking lot at the end of Estudillo Ave. The initial part of the hike is uphill and, once beyond the dam, it remains mostly level, where you are taking a clockwise route around Lake Chabot. Early in your hike, you will encounter a chain linked fence at the right side of the trail. Just beyond this fence is a very steep hill (almost a cliff) where a canyon resides at the bottom of the cliff. The view of the trees growing near the bottom of this canyon is beautiful. Dramatic photographs can be taken from the top of the very steep hill. Further along Bass Cove Trail, hikers will encounter a beach that has thick clusters of reeds. On occasion, one or two fishermen practice their fishing hobby near these reeds. A tiny restroom is at the edge of Bass Cove Trail, next to this beach. DISTINCTIVE STYLE OF BASS COVE TRAIL. From the beach with reeds, all the way to the northern-most area of Bass Cove, the trail consists of about 20 loops that loop inland and away from the lake, and about 20 loops that loop towards the lake. The trail loops inland where there is a gulch (the gulch is like a notch in the mountain, and the trail takes you through this notch). The trail loops towards the lake, wherever a narrow hill extends from the mountain to the west. This extending hill is sort of like an arm reaching out from the mountain to the west (here, the trail allows you to skirt this arm, and to walk around the extending arm). When hiking northwards, the gulches to your left provide opportunities for taking photographs of moss-covered trees and bushy clusters of ferns. To the right side of the trail, which is filled with gnarly-looking trees, some of them covered with electric-green moss. Because the brightly-lit waters of Lake Chabot are in back of the gnarly trees, the outlines of the gnarly trees are easier to see. DUCKS. My 300 millimeter telephoto lens enabled me to take several photographs of the ducks that make their home at the northern-most area of Bass Cove. This northern-most area had another cluster of reeds. Once at this northern-most area, hikers have the choice of continuing their clockwise hike around Lake Chabot, or continuing in the northwards direction on a straight trail (not a loop trail) that follows along Grass Valley Creek. HUMOR WHILE HIKING. Near the end of my return hike, I noticed two women walking uphill towards me, and one of them was wearing a long coat with an unusual color. I paused in my walk and said, "Can you tell me the color of your coat? I know that it is not pink or scarlet." Then, the woman with the brightly colored coat answered, "It is fuchsia ! ! !" Within a blink of an eye, I replied, "Oh, I was so CONFUCHED ! ! !" The two ladies responded with a cascade of merry laughs. Then, I continued my walk, and I was glad that their response had made my day.