Adventure 008, Hike 011 - Tom MacMicheal Trail

Capture California, the Game-2012

Adventure: 008 – Hike 011, Tom MacMicheal Trail

Team: Thing One, Thing Two

Date:  June 10, 2012

Location: Woodward Park, Fresno

Hike Info:

Trail: Tom MacMicheal Trail

Distance: 3.75 miles

Duration: 1:08

Elevation Rise: 187'

Description:
We get started in the late evening, around 7:45pm. During the summer, mornings or evenings are the only sane time to do this trail. And there much reward in doing this trail. While short, you get to walk through the flood plain of the San Joaquin River, as well as seeing a great view of the area from its bluffs.



The trail starts in the Northwest portion of Woodward Park. In 1968, Ralph Woodward bequeathed the land for a regional park and bird sanctuary. Since that time, it has grown into its role as a means for people to be outdoors—from a large amphitheater where Shakespeare plays are produced for free to a place to watch birds to BMX courses. It is along the BMX course where the first part of the trail follows. It is nicely separated, allowing for good watching to the bikes. Before descending into the San Joaquin River flood plain, you get this good view of the plain and where we will be walking.

The trail starts the upper part of its lollipop loop. It heads towards the river, which is very accessible. Majestic oaks grow beside it. All along the trail wildlife emerge at dusk. From rabbits to mice to ground hogs to swallows to great egrets. This is a wonderful time to walk this trail.



See Falcon's book, Best Easy Day hikes: Fresno by Tracy Salcedo-Chourre, on page 10