Maple Hill Trails is a 213-acre network of multi-use trails in Big Bear City, donated by RCK Properties in 2018 to the Bear Valley USD Education Foundation. Developed in collaboration with Big Bear Trails and the Southern California Mountains Foundation, the system offers more than 10 miles of singletrack organized around four primary loops — from easy family-friendly strolls to intermediate mountain-bike-worthy terrain.

Dogs are welcome on all Maple Hill trails. Keep your dog on a leash or under strict voice control at all times, and pack out all pet waste — there are no waste stations on the trails. This is private land with public access granted in good faith, so staying on marked paths and leaving no trace matters here.

The Baldwin Loop runs about 2 miles and is the most popular route for dog walkers, rolling gently through oak woodland with approximately 200 feet of elevation gain. If your dog handles more technical terrain, the School Loop stretches 3.2 miles at intermediate difficulty with steeper pitches and rocky sections. The Sawmill Pebble Meadow Loop offers the biggest challenge in the system at roughly 550 feet of gain. Trail elevations range from about 6,770 to 6,950 feet.

Three trailheads provide access: Shore Drive near its intersection with Big Bear Blvd (Highway 38), north of Big Bear High School off Big Bear Blvd via Maple Lane, and near Baldwin Lane Elementary School to the west. Parking is available on-street at all three locations — just don’t block the gate to the Peery Reservoir at the Baldwin Lane entrance. Trail maps are posted at each access point.

There are no restrooms or water on the trails, so bring plenty for both you and your pup. Summer afternoons get hot and exposed — early morning visits work best. You’ll share the trails with mountain bikers and equestrians; yield to horses by stepping to the downhill side and greeting them so they recognize you as non-threatening. No motorized vehicles, overnight camping, or open flames are permitted.