Bay Nature

Created by Ann Sieck

• Bikes
• Birding
• Disabled Access

• Bay and Estuary

• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Picnic Area
• Accessible Restrooms
• Accessible Trail
• Benches
• Bike Friendly
• Birding
• Car (Drive up)
• Dirt
• Dogs Allowed On-leash
• Drinking Water
• Gravel
• Hiking
• Loop
• Off Street Biking
• Out and Back
• Parking
• Paved
• Picnic Tables
• Primary Park Entrance
• Restrooms
• San Francisco Bay Trail
• Scenic Overlook
• Trail Hiking
• Trail Running
• Visitor Center
• Walking

Overview

On Newark Slough Trail you can hike or bike five miles on level bare levees, and with a little luck spot one of the less common bird species that hang out here, but while the salt ponds of this preserve are evidently just what migratory birds are looking for, taken as scenery they’re a bit understated, and if you aren’t a marathon biker or a serious and knowledgeable birder you might prefer a short stroll on and around the grassy knob by the Visitor Center.

Park south of Marsh Road and either take the Tidelands Trail loop past the Park Headquarters to the hilltop overlook, or avoid that modest climb by proceeding out and back, following Newark Slough along the low hillside and around to another channel on the east side of the preserve. Either way there are good opportunities to see wildlife. Mammals, insects and reptiles as well as birds! And plants, too, come to think of it. Even a few trees, though not very big ones.

Tidelands Trail is linked to Newark Slough Trail by wooden bridges at two places, so it’s easy to venture out across the salt ponds as far as you care to go. Also, I like the little detour down to the Learning Center Pavilion, where you’ll find two more interesting bridges.

Details: Contrary to the map, Newark Slough Trail appears to be entirely wheelchair accessible, whereas, though it is possible for some, the Tidelands Trail over the hilltop is much too steep and rough to be so described. If you have a disabled placard, you are permitted to drive to a parking space near the top of the hill; also there’s disabled parking in both lots below. The visitor center and its toilets are designated accessible, as is a toilet near the Learning Center. Dogs are permitted only on Tidelands Trail.