For paved hiking and biking, the Lafayette to Moraga and the Concord to Dublin corridors have some of the best trails in the region, thanks to many rails-to-trails conversion projects. These wide, shared, multi-use paved trails are popular for bikers, hikers, runners, and equestrians. These trails have plenty of shade, benches, parks along the way, and scenic charm. Class II e-bikes are allowed with a 15 mph speed limit. Bikers are asked to call out “on your left” when passing others on the trail. 

A 6,000+ acre regional park with rolling, grassy hills, and secluded, shady canyons, Briones also has gorgeous wildflower displays in season. Park District naturalists often lead walks to view the park’s natural and historical features. Briones is an ideal park for hiking, running, and horseback riding over the park’s scenic trails; picnicking, birdwatching, and similar activities; and informal recreation such as kite flying, dog walking, photography, and nature study. 

A fun and zippy 13.5-mile paved trail meandering along the Contra Costa Canal, the Canal Trail follows a horseshoe-shaped path that intercepts several local parks in Pleasant Hill (Las Juntas Park), Walnut Creek (Larkey Park, Heather Farm Park), and Concord (Lime Ridge). 

This 32-mile paved trail connects two counties and 12 cities from Concord to Dublin. It runs through quiet residential neighborhoods, lively business and commercial districts, and shady greenbelts. The stretch from Alamo to Danville is charming, with easy access to downtowns and plenty of food choices.

This 8-mile trail offers gentle ups and downs but mostly paved surfaces with many intersections and staging areas where you can pick up the trail throughout its entire length. Look for a scenic bridge, plenty of rolling hills, and a small waterfall. Drinking water and restrooms are available at Moraga Commons in Moraga and Lafayette Community Center on St. Mary's Road.

A favorite with residents throughout the region, this all-year day-use area is ideal for hiking, jogging, fishing, boating, and picnicking. Visitors using bicycles, roller skates, rollerblades, and scooters are allowed on the paved Lakeside Trail on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Sunday mornings until noon. The children’s playground is near the East Lawn and includes a “tot-lot” designed for children aged 2 to 5. Dogs are allowed and must be kept on a leash.

Towering over the East Bay, Mt. Diablo can always be seen in its natural beauty throughout the year. This monument of community offers various activities, from hiking and climbing the trails of Rock City to staying overnight at the family campgrounds to simply admiring the view of the entire Bay Area. While primarily underground during the year, the gentle nocturnal tarantulas emerge from their underground homes on the mountain in September and October to the delight of some visitors (not all!).

This 6.5-mile out-and-back trail is for the more experienced hiker. It is a moderately challenging route and takes around four hours to complete. It's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring!