As part of the East Bay Regional Park District which is one of the most dog-friendly park districts in California, dogs must be on a leash where posted and under full verbal control elsewhere, and there is a lot of elsewhere!
One of the most popular trails in the Park District system, Contra Costa Canal Trail is a multi-use, whole-access trail (accessible to wheelchair users) and is a paved pathway suitable for bikers, runners and equestrians. The path was created through a cooperative effort of the Contra Costa Water District, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Park District, this trail provides a safe off-road corridor connecting Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Concord.
Meandering along the Contra Costa Canal, following a horseshoe-shaped path through central Contra Costa County, the trail intercepts a number of local parks in Pleasant Hill (Las Juntas Park), Walnut Creek (Larkey Park, Heather Farm Park), and Concord (Lime Ridge).
The Contra Costa Canal Trail also makes important connections to a number of regional trails, including the California State Riding and Hiking Trail, Briones-to-Mt. Diablo Trail, and the Iron Horse Trail, and will connect with the Delta De Anza Trail when it is completed to Martinez.
- Parking: Lots of parking near the trail, with even more parking back down the road at Heather Farms Park.
- Fee: None
- Water: available at the trailhead, but best to bring your own water.
- Best time of year for this hike: Year-round, the path is paved.
- Distance: 4.9 miles
- Degree of difficulty: Easy, mostly flat with some hills.
