With fall in full swing and winter brewing close behind, now is the perfect time to get outside with your pup and enjoy the lovely falling leaves. With so many good options, finding a hiking trail near East Bay that perfectly matches you and your adventurous pup’s needs can be overwhelming. No worries, we’ve compiled a list of six trails ranging across all levels of difficulty that are sure to bring you and Fido together for a lovely evening.
Stream Trail
This 3.9-mile loop takes about an hour and forty-five minutes to complete and is great for those who may want to do other activities than just hiking. If your dog has an adventurous streak, they’ll love looking for birds or running alongside your bike! If you’re just into a hike or a jog, your pup will enjoy the social area, as this trail is fairly popular. As an additional plus, if you love Stream Trail’s fall views, you can try the trail again during any season. It’s open year-round!
Stream Trail charges no entry fee, and dogs must always stay on their leash.
Strawberry Canyon Fire Trails
The Fire Trails in Strawberry Canyon are definitely for more seasoned hikers. This 7.4-mile out-and-back takes about three hours to complete. What’s great about this trail is that even if you are not a professional hiker, you can still enjoy this lovely trail. Because it is a down and back, you can choose how far you will take the trail, and it will be easier to turn around and head back. This trail is open year-round and highly popular.
This trail is free, and dogs can be off-leash in designated areas.
Sequoia Bayview Trail
This next trail is another out-and-back. Sequoia Bayview Trail is 4.1 miles and takes a little under an hour and a half to complete. It is considered a more accessible trail and can be used at any time of the year. This trail is another popular choice for many activities like biking with your dog, birdwatching, and hiking.
This is a free trail, and dogs must be leashed.
Peak and Dry Creek Trail Loop
Peak and Dry Creek Trail Loop is a quick 2.2-mile loop-style trail that only takes about an hour to complete. This is another popular trail. However, there are fewer active times of the day. If you’re looking for a more secluded walk, this trail might be best for you in the morning or evening.
A parking fee is required to use this trail. Dogs may be off-leash in designated areas.
Goldenrod Trail
Goldenrod Trail is a perfect hike for those who want some peace and quiet with their furry friends. This 3.8-mile out-and-back should take about an hour and forty-five minutes, with lovely views from the nearby Lake Chabot. Even though this is a shorter trail than some of the others on our list, there is no doubt that your dog will get plenty of exercise and enjoy the elevation increases as you continue.
Your dog can be off-leash for parts of this trail, and there is no entry fee.
East Avenue and Ward Creek Trail Loop
Our last pick is another relatively popular hiking trail. East Avenue and Ward Creek Trail Loop cover about 3.6 miles and start and end in the same area! This route is on the challenging side, so be aware of steep inclines and rocky terrain before you choose to try this hike. It should only take about an hour and a half to finish, but you may choose to stay for longer when you see how beautiful this trail truly is.
This trail is free, and your dog must stay on a leash.
Now that you’ve got your shortlist of trails, it’s time to grab your hiking gear and head out! Whether you and your pup are seasoned explorers or just looking for a relaxed stroll, these East Bay trails promise a blend of nature’s beauty and bonding time. So grab your adventurous sidekick and make the most of the beautiful fall season.