California’s Central Valley stretches more than 400 miles through the heart of the state, and its flat terrain and extensive paved trail systems make it one of the most accessible regions for visitors with mobility challenges. From the shaded riverfront paths of Sacramento to the giant sequoia groves near Porterville, we’ve compiled a guide to ADA accessible trails where dogs are welcome. For trails across all regions of the state, see our statewide guide to ADA accessible trails.
Under the ADA, service dogs are allowed on all public trails — including those that otherwise prohibit pets. But many of the trails below welcome all leashed dogs, making them ideal outings for anyone traveling with a four-legged companion. Here are our picks for the Central Valley’s best accessible, dog-friendly trails.
American River Parkway (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail), Sacramento
The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail is the crown jewel of Sacramento’s trail system and one of the finest accessible paths in the entire Central Valley. This fully paved, 32-mile multi-use trail follows the American River from Discovery Park at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers all the way east to Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake. The asphalt surface is typically at least 10 feet wide with a mostly gentle grade of 5 percent or less, making it navigable for wheelchairs, power chairs, and strollers. Accessible parking with van-accessible spaces and striped access aisles is available at multiple trailheads, including the Nimbus Road lot near the eastern end. Dogs must be on leash along the entire parkway. Mile markers, trailside maps, water fountains, and ADA-compliant restrooms are spaced along the route. We recommend starting at Discovery Park or the American River Parkway access points near Rancho Cordova, where shade from riparian oaks keeps summer temperatures manageable.
Gateway Oaks Trail, Natomas (Sacramento)
The Gateway Oaks Trail is a 3.5-mile out-and-back paved path in the Natomas neighborhood of Sacramento, running from Natomas Oaks Park north to Peregrine Park along a quiet creek corridor. The trail is fully paved and entirely flat, making it one of the most consistently accessible routes in the Sacramento area. Accessible parking spots are available at the trailhead, and the smooth surface accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices without difficulty. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout, and a convenient detour leads to Manuel J. Barandas Park, a fully fenced off-leash dog park where pups can stretch their legs. The trail passes through suburban greenbelts with mature oaks providing welcome shade — a real asset during the Central Valley’s warm months. It’s an excellent option for a shorter, low-effort walk that still feels like a genuine nature escape.
Sutter’s Landing Regional Park, Sacramento
Sutter’s Landing Park offers 163 acres of riverfront parkland along the American River in midtown Sacramento, with paved paths that connect directly to the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail. The park’s internal walkways are smooth and accessible, providing river views and shaded stretches beneath mature trees. For dogs, the park is a standout: it features a dedicated 2.5-acre off-leash dog area with separate zones for large and small dogs, plus drinking fountains to keep pets hydrated. The park also includes dog-friendly river beach areas where pups can cool off on hot days. Accessible parking is available in the park’s lot, and the flat terrain makes navigation straightforward for wheelchair and mobility device users. We like Sutter’s Landing as a starting point for an accessible riverside walk — head east on the paved trail for as long as energy allows, then return to the dog park for off-leash play.
Lower Bidwell Park, Chico
Chico’s Bidwell Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country at 3,670 acres, and its Lower Park section features paved, ADA-accessible paths shaded by a thick canopy of sycamores and valley oaks. The flat, wide trails follow Big Chico Creek through a lush riparian corridor that stays noticeably cooler than the surrounding valley floor — a significant advantage during Central Valley summers. Dogs are allowed throughout the park; in Lower Park, they can even be off leash between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. (leashes required at all other times). Note that dogs are not permitted in the One-Mile or Five-Mile swimming areas. The paved loop in Lower Park meets ADA standards and is smooth enough for wheelchairs and strollers. With picnic areas, restrooms, and ample accessible parking, Lower Bidwell Park makes a worthy detour for anyone traveling through the northern Central Valley.
Virginia Corridor Trail, Modesto
The Virginia Corridor Trail follows the route of the old Tidewater Southern Railway through Modesto, stretching 4.2 miles from Needham Avenue to Bangs Avenue. The trail is fully paved and wheelchair accessible, with a smooth, well-maintained surface ideal for walking, cycling, and rolling. Picnic areas, shade structures, barbecue stations, and community gardens line the route, and the trail is well-lit for evening walks. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout. The corridor passes through established Modesto neighborhoods, making it an accessible urban greenway where we can enjoy a peaceful stroll without venturing far from town. It’s a particularly good option during the cooler morning hours, when the paved surface hasn’t yet absorbed the valley heat.
Oak Grove Regional Park, Stockton
Oak Grove Regional Park in Stockton is a 180-acre park set in a beautiful ancient oak woodland along the Calaveras River. The park’s Yokuts Trail is a quarter-mile, ADA-accessible paved loop that winds beneath towering valley oaks — it’s level, smooth, and designed specifically for visitors using wheelchairs and mobility devices. Dogs on leash are welcome in the park, and the shaded canopy of centuries-old oaks keeps the trail comfortable even when Stockton’s temperatures climb. Beyond the accessible trail, the park offers fishing, disc golf, playgrounds, and paddleboats on summer weekends. It’s a manageable, low-key outing that works well for visitors who want an accessible nature experience without a long drive from central Stockton.
Packwood Creek Trail, Visalia
Visalia’s Packwood Creek Trail is a 3.3-mile paved out-and-back path that follows Packwood Creek from Perry Family Park southward. The trail surface is smooth paved sidewalk, typically at least five feet wide, and the parking lot at the South County Center Drive trailhead includes four van-accessible spaces with striped access aisles. The gentle, level grade makes the trail navigable for wheelchairs, power chairs, and strollers. Dogs are welcome on leash. The route passes through suburban Visalia with landscaped greenbelts and creek views, offering a quiet, accessible walk in the southern San Joaquin Valley. We recommend visiting in the morning during warmer months — Visalia regularly sees triple-digit highs from June through September, and the trail offers limited shade in some stretches.
Kern River Parkway Trail, Bakersfield
The Kern River Parkway Trail is a 30-mile paved path following the Kern River through Bakersfield, making it one of the longest continuous accessible trails in the Central Valley. The asphalt surface is typically at least eight feet wide with a gentle grade of 5 percent or less, and accessible parking with van-accessible spaces is available at the South Enos Lane trailhead on the western end. Dogs are welcome on leash along the parkway. The trail passes through riverside parks, over bridges, and past wetland areas that attract migrating birds — it’s a surprisingly scenic corridor through an otherwise urban landscape. Given Bakersfield’s extreme summer heat (average highs above 100 degrees from June through August), we strongly recommend early morning outings and carrying extra water for both handler and dog. The stretch near Beach Park is a popular starting point with accessible restrooms and ample parking.
Trail of 100 Giants, Sequoia National Forest
For a truly unforgettable accessible trail experience, the Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest is hard to beat. This 1.3-mile paved loop winds through a grove of ancient giant sequoias, some more than 2,000 years old and over 200 feet tall, including the Proclamation Tree where President Clinton signed a national monument designation. The entire trail is wheelchair accessible, with paved asphalt surfacing, edge barriers, and a wooden bridge with railings. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located at the south end of the trail. Dogs are welcome on leash — a rarity among sequoia groves, since the nearby national parks prohibit dogs on trails. The trailhead sits at approximately 6,400 feet elevation in the southern Sierra, which means cooler temperatures than the valley floor even in midsummer. The trail is open from approximately May through November, and a $12 parking fee applies. We recommend this trail as a day trip from Bakersfield or Visalia for anyone who wants to experience giant sequoias on an accessible, dog-friendly path.
Know your rights on the trail
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are permitted in all public spaces, including trails, parks, and beaches — even where pet dogs are prohibited. California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act and Disabled Persons Act extend these protections further. A service dog must be under the handler’s control (leash, harness, or voice command) and housebroken. Businesses and park staff may ask only two questions: (1) is this a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what task has the dog been trained to perform. They may not ask about the handler’s disability, require documentation, or charge extra fees.
Planning your accessible trail visit
The Central Valley’s climate demands careful planning for any outdoor outing, especially for visitors with mobility challenges. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees from Bakersfield to Sacramento, and the flat valley floor offers little natural shade outside of established parks. The best seasons for accessible trail visits are spring (March through May), fall (September through November), and winter, when daytime highs are mild and the valley’s famous tule fog hasn’t yet settled in. Even during cooler months, we recommend starting early in the morning to take advantage of the lowest temperatures and lightest trail traffic.
Hydration is critical for both handlers and dogs. Carry more water than expected — paved surfaces absorb and radiate heat, which can make air temperatures feel even warmer at ground level. Test the pavement with the back of your hand before walking your dog; if it’s too hot to hold for five seconds, it’s too hot for paw pads. Booties or paw wax can help protect sensitive feet. The Central Valley’s air quality can also be a factor, particularly during summer and early fall when ozone levels rise and agricultural dust is present. Check the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s daily forecasts before heading out, and consider rescheduling if air quality is rated unhealthy for sensitive groups.
