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With the classic Napa Valley blue sky overhead and fresh, clean air blanketing our rural lands, what better way is there to get some exercise during your vacation (or recreation for locals) than walking or hiking. From a casual stroll through our historic downtowns to a vigorous hike through vineyards and hills, there is a special place, route or trail for everyone to enjoy. Some places are even pooch-friendly! For sure, wear comfortable shoes and stack up on fresh drinking water.
Info/Resources | Local
Parks & Trails | Lake Berryessa District
| State Parks
Walking/Hiking Information & Resources
Alston Park
An open space city park. Alston offers 157 aces of rolling hills and 3
miles of meandering hiking trails. OK to bring your dog - on a leash -
please! No entrance fee. |
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Kennedy Park
Highway 221 near the Napa Valley College south of Imola St. in Napa. |
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Napa Valley Ecological Reserve
Yountville Crossroad beween Town of Yountville and Silverado Trail. |
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Oat Hill Mine Road and Palisades
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Skyline Wilderness Park
West Imola Ave about one mile east of Soscol Ave (Highway 221). Located just a short distance from downtown Napa, Skyline is 850 acres of wilderness with over 25 miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails, some of which are not for the out-of-shape. Some trails offer views of San Francisco, on clear days, of course. |
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Westwood Hills Park
Browns Valley Road about 2 miles west of Highway 29 (First St exit).
Don't let only 3 miles of trails hold you back, as this is a great
place to spend a few hours on a relaxing hike through a heavily wooded
area in west Napa. Even a few cattle may keep you company on your
journey. Climb to the top of the park for a fabulous view of the city
and the vast vineyards to the north. The Carolyn Parr Nature Museum is
located nearby, open all year on weekends, and Tuesday through Sunday
during the summer. No entrance fees. |
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Lake Berryessa District
Lake Berryessa is less than 45 minutes from the Napa Valley in the eastern part of Napa County. Prior to 1957, the lake was Monticello Valley and the town of Monticello. When Monticello Dam was completed, the lake started filling. Today it is one of the largest manmade lakes in California, 25 miles long, 3 miles wide and 275 feet deep at its deepest point, with 168 miles of shoreline.
The area outside Napa Valley is the most rural and wild part of Napa County. It contains public lands at Lake Berryessa and northward along Knoxville Road into Lake County. Trails vary from easy lakeside strolls to rough climbs with spectacular views. Hiking opportunities are described at these websites:
California State Parks in Napa County
Bale Grist Mill Historical State Park
The park is the site of a water-powered grist mill that was built in 1846. It was once the center of social activity as Napa Valley settlers gathered to have their corn and wheat ground into meal or flour. The owner of the mill was Dr. Edward Turner Bale.He received the property in a land grant from the Mexican government and lived near the site until his death in 1849. The mill remained in use until the early 1900s. |
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Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Five miles north of St Helena and 4 miles south of Calistoga on Highway 29. Located in the heart of the beautiful Napa Valley wine country, the Park offers camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking trails that go through stands of coastal redwoods as well as forests of Douglas-fir, tanoak, and madrone. |
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Las Posadas State Forest Angwin
From Silverado Trail go East on Dear Park Road until it turns into Howell Mountain Road. Go right on Cold Springs Road and at the split veer left onto Las Posadas Road. Continue to gated dirt road on the left. |
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Napa-Sonoma Marshes and Wildlife Area
Over 13000 acres of saltwater ponds, tidal marshes and wetlands. Just north of San Pablo Bay. This area is made up of levees and sloughs. Many waterfowl species and shorebirds, including the California clapper rail, can be found here. Most of the area is accessible by boat only. This area is regularly used by hunters and fisherman, as well as bird watchers, photographers, bicyclists, and hikers. |
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Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
Seven miles north of Calistoga on Highway 29. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is the place where the famous author of Treasure Island and Kidnapped spent his honeymoon in 1880. Although nothing remains of Stevenson’s cabin, the site is identified on the trail to the summit. |
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