The west end of this trail was recently extended to reach Highway 63. Visitors can park in the Riverway Sports Park and walk to the trail head.

There is a Park and Ride lot just before W Manning Avenue crosses the railroad tracks. The west end of the trail is about a quarter mile west of here. There is a gazebo where you can look down onto the Kings River. The trail is paved with asphalt. The west half of the trail has benches along the way and has small street lights. There are several places where the trail crosses local streets. Many of these have lights in the pavement to warn the car traffic that someone is in the crosswalk. Most of these trail intersections also have roundabouts to slow trail-users and expedite movement at these crossings.

The west half of the trail (from the college to the east edge of town) has benches and lights. The east half does not have benches or lights. Also, some tree roots are pushing up the pavement. There are distance markers (every tenth of a mile) painted on the trail measured from west to east. There is a restroom located near the midpoint of the trail. There is nice landscaping along the trail. This a great trail for a short ride.

Nice walk

The westerly segment of the trail near the industrial area is not maintained. It is covered with twigs and dirt that has been washed over the trail by rain storms. The areas of the trail near residential areas are maintained probably as a golf cart path. One golfer came toward me in his electric golf cart and took the entire width of the trail. He would not yield to me.

Trail now extends from Henderson Ave. to the Heritage Center across Olive Ave. past the South County Justice Center. Now with two drinking fountains and a new bench. Always enjoy including it in my jogging routes. Well paved.

I forgot to mention in my previous review that there is civilization on the other side of the roadway. Besides the golf course, there are shopping areas, including a STARBUCK's (approximately near the midpoint of the trail)! So if you want a break from your ride or walk, cross over to the south side of the road.

If I hadn't checked this website, I would never had known that this trail existed. There are no signs anywhere marking this trail. There are no designated parking areas at the trailheads. The only sign is at what would be considered the western trailhead and it only says "Bike Lane - End". Its a level, smooth, old trail that runs parallel to a set of railroad tracks. There are no water faucets or restroom facilities and very few benches. I would not recommend this trail during the summertime since there are few trees for shade. The trees that do exist are small and old. They're mostly located in the middle third of the trail. Both ends of the trail have very few trees. There is no other landscaping. The western third of the trail is susceptible to flooding during the rainy season. There are areas where construction was required and damaged the trail. These areas were poorly patched. Very few people were encountered during my ride out to the west (less than 10). On my ride back to the car, I encountered about 15.
Even with all of these negative commments, I would recommend it during cool weather. It is an easy, level ride. (I rode a Trikke, a 3 wheel human powered vehicle). It needs some signs so that people would know that it exists.

Bike ride going West bound . Started on East end.
Parking at gas station on Mooney blvd and Prosperity is very good. Beware there is private parking posted to the South of gas station. Stock up on goodies at the gas station if needed.

Travel a 1/8 Mile East on Prospertity to Trail entrance. I was delighted to much shade and nice settings. The trees are mature and provide plenty of coverage. Plenty of watering fountains and benches to enjoy the views.

The Mooney blvd crossing off the trail does not provide any crosswalk assistance. Use proper crosswalks when available. The trail crosses a few residental streets but do provide crosswalk markings. On a bike take extra caution, some of the cross walk areas have blind spots. I did spot a few Tulare police around the trail areas so do follow all signals and signs that are posted. Also beware of pedastrians and horses on the trail.

The trail is in excellent condition and provides plenty of space for different activities. Numerous Parks are located with in minutes off the trail. There is also some bussinesses and fastfood minutes off the trail. Fun trail for all ages.. Great Job Tulare and the old Santa Fe.

This one mile Rail Trail Parkway still has rails at one street crossing.
Excellent Trail for the Community. Noel Keller 3 Jun 10