Think getting outdoors means intensive hikes way up in the mountains? In Fresno County, some of the area's best trails are just minutes from the city limits and easy/moderate in difficulty. These trails are great as the weather in our area gets cooler, with plenty of fresh air and scenic views. If you're flying in or road-tripping through (or even a local looking for new hiking spots), we'll walk you through everything you need to know so you're set for one of these fall and winter hikes.
Lewis. S Eaton Trail - Woodward Park
Distance: 8.9 miles long in total starting inside Woodward Park, feel free to stay on or leave the trail at any time.
Level of difficulty: Very easy to moderate (mostly flat, paved)
Best for: Great for visitors wanting a scenic, low‑stress walk.
Located right in Fresno, this paved trail winds along the scenic bluffs of the San Joaquin River at Woodward Park making it an easy, convenient escape into nature without ever leaving the city. Start inside Woodward Park and choose as much distance as you like with plenty of parking and public restrooms available on site. While weekends can get busy with walkers, the wide trail comfortably accommodates strollers, bikes, rollerbladers, and leashed pets, so everyone has room to roam. If you’re heading out during Fresno County’s in-between fall weather, be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen—those crisp mornings can quickly turn into sunny afternoons!
Dry Creek Trail - Clovis
Distance: 5.2-mile-long flat paved trail throughout neighborhoods in Clovis
Level of difficulty: Very easy, mostly flat and paved.
Best for: Native wildlife spotting, such as owls and hawks. See the fall foliage change on the tree lined walkway, and wanting a peaceful break from a long drive to get a fresh breath of air.
Located in Clovis and easily accessible, this trail offers a shady, paved paths to enjoy fall and winter weather. There's two ways to start this trail: Start at Dry Creek Park, to visit the Clovis Botanical Garden, a free, self-guided garden showcasing drought-tolerant plants native to California’s Central Valley. After exploring the garden, you can hop onto the trail and continue your walk. The second option is to start directly where the main trailhead begins in north Fresno. At the trail head, there are restrooms and parking spaces available and not too busy on the weekends. This route offers a more direct entry point and plenty of space to stretch your legs to walk, jog, or bike your way through the trail. Take a break on any of the benches and enjoy the chilly weather in the mornings or early evenings.
Sugar Pine Trail
Distance: 7.6 miles long, start and stop your walk whenever feels best for you
Level of difficulty: Very easy, flat and paved
Best for: Wanting an easy-going trail to enjoy the weather and people watching on the weekends
This trail is in northern Fresno and connects to the Old Town Clovis Trail. Begin your walk right across from the Row at Heritage Grove shopping center. Enjoy the shopping center with a stop at Ampersand Ice Cream or Enzo's Table for a free olive oil tasting or snacks for your trek! There are pedestrian and bike tunnels but be cautious crossing roads on a few sections of the walk, including getting to the Row at Heritage Grove from the trailhead.
Pincushion Mountain Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
Level of difficulty: moderate to hard depending on your hiking experience and endurance
Best for: More serious hikers and visitors that want a good work out in the morning or enjoy a good exercise to work for a beautiful sunset.
This locally loved trail gives you just enough distance from the city to feel like you’ve escaped into the mountains without having to travel far. To get to the trail, head toward Friant, CA and turn left onto Sky Harbor Road. Follow the road until you reach the Finegold Day Use parking lot ($10 per vehicle and restrooms available) or find free public parking just outside the gate. Once on the trail, you'll immediately start a steady incline for about the first third of the hike. When you reach the trail fork, you can choose between two options: stay left for a longer, less steep climb with sweeping foothill views, or veer right for a more intense incline that gets you to the summit quicker. With sweeping views of Millerton Lake and the San Joaquin River, it’s a go-to for locals looking for a quick morning workout or a rewarding sunset hike. Once you reach the summit, take a moment to soak in the panoramic views and appreciate just how far you’ve climbed.
San Joaquin River Gorge
Distance: 2-miles from parking lot to bridge, 6-8-mile-long loop option available
Level of difficulty: Moderate -- expect some gradual inclines and rocky terrain
Best for: Visitors seeking a half-day hike without crowds than city trails and a slight challenge
The San Joaquin River Gorge Trail is a go-to if you're looking for a scenic foothill hike. Located near Auberry, CA, this 2-mile moderate hike offers panoramic views of the San Joaquin River and surrounding rolling hills, making this spot better enjoyed during the fall and spring season due to less shaded areas on the trail. You’ll find the main trailhead at the Ya‑Gub‑Weh‑Tuh campground area off Smalley Rd. A 2‑mile round trip to the bridge makes this an easy outing; longer loop options up to 6‑8 miles available. Day use passes are $5 per vehicle.
Want to discover even more hiking and walking trails in Fresno County? Download our free Visit Fresno County app! It’s got our calendar of events and a full list of local trails. You’ll also get access to downloadable routes and driving directions available on your device to help you plan your adventure stress-free. Download the app today
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