Few people can say that they enjoy pleasantly warm weather in autumn like those of us here in the Bay Area. It's usually during this time when you see people venturing outdoors and enjoying our "Indian Summer." Hiking during this season is typically less crowded, making for a serene hike, with the kids’ excited squeals being the loudest sounds on the trail. There are many great places for exploring this time of year, with the following parks and trails having their own special reasons to draw the family.
Mitchell Canyon
Take the kids out to see the big spiders. In the fall, Mount Diablo is one of the top places to catch the tarantulas out and about during their mating season. Mitchell Canyon in Mount Diablo offers an easy hike from the staging area to Deer Flat and back. In the spring, this hike is popular for the wildflowers, and the autumn season is a great time to appreciate the oak savanna woodland and pine groves.
Sycamore Grove
Livermore’s Sycamore Grove is home to one of the largest sycamore groves in the state. The park makes for a leisurely autumn walk on flat terrain. Walk 2.5 miles from the main entrance to Veteran’s Park, an open space park on the other end where the little ones can run loose.
