Find the top rated birding trails in Merced, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
_225008_st.jpg)
_155432_st.jpg)
_21180_st.jpg)
I just discovered this trail. Great nature ride on ebike. Safe, smooth, pavement. Not too long and too short.
I’ve found great pit stops, the Dragon tea house, Pho place, Mexican restaurant and O’briens awesome sandwiches. Still more to explore. Oh The yogurt Mill… yum.
This trail is a beauty. Wide and smoothly paved, the trail is winds through a series of gentle rollers, offering vistas that are surprisingly expansive. My wife and I parked at the River Center which is at the northern end of the trail (be aware that the River Center gate closes in the late afternoon). The path goes by Woodward Park, an expansive and beautiful park that deserves a visit. We rode the trail to its southern end, which is at a shopping mall. If you're willing to brave a one block street ride, you can then pick up the Clovis Old Town Trail, which would let you add 5.9 miles (one way) to your trip. This path is very well maintained, family safe, had light to moderate foot traffic on the Friday afternoon that we rode it. You won't be disappointed!
Update: This trail now extends all the way to the intersection of Yosemite Blvd and Lake Rd. The importance of this is that it directly connects with the Lake Road dedicated bike path that takes you all the way to UC Merced and Lake Yosemite on a paved (asphalt) and safe route.
The Rascal Creek (most locals have dropped the "Black" in the title) Bike Path is most definitely worth a ride. A good starting point is Rahilly Park. Heading west(ish), the trail winds along a riparian route, much of which is a well preserved greenbelt. Street crossings (two) are low traffic, while underpasses bypass all the busy intersections (G, M, and R Sts). There are playgrounds (e.g. after R St.) and a disc golf course along the way. The path is well maintained, foot traffic is generally light, and the environment is family safe. Some caution when descending into the underpasses is warranted, especially under G St., as it can occasionally be partially obstructed by loitering humans and/or trash.
Heading the opposite direction from Rahilly Park, the path is bounded by some very pleasant gardening. When you reach McKee turn left, cross at the crosswalk just beyond the very visible fire station, and you'll be back on a bike path that now leads to the Yosemite Blvd/Lake Rd intersection. Though this is the end of the Rascal Creek path, if you do cross the intersection, you'll be able to take a pleasant ride with a mild grade on a paved bike path out to UC Merced, and a bit further on, to Lake Yosemite (great place for a picnic, which also has bathrooms). This would add approx. five miles (round trip) to your ride. Goat heads abound on the bike path at Lake Yosemite, and I recommend using the roadway in the park instead. Enjoy!
Great ride for young children on their own. Keep an eye out for homeless, garbage, and the smell. Beyond that, it's a great ride. Though needs a little greenery.
Great family trail! Stopped and had lunch at O’Brien store very close to the trail.
Nice trail thru town...perfect for all ages...
Yes as described previously, after 5 miles the road is reduced to-a single track, or foot trail. The River is irresistible in its beauty, worth the trip. The old Railroad bed has experienced many Rock slides over the lay 70 years with no Matinence preformed. You will walk your bike plenty. It’s a great hiking trail.
I have been riding the trail for almost 4 years. It used to be my go to to get conditioning on my bike. I have put on over 4,000 miles since 2017, 3,000 on this trail. I love it. Most everyone is great, however, there is a major issue with people not picking up after their pets. The city provides doggie bags, it’s beyond me why people aren’t more respectful of this beautiful trail.
Took the bikes out for the first time with the wife on her first ride and we decided to ride just around the house and slowly worked her towards the trail and she loved it and did the entire ride and worked our way back home nearly 10 miles on her first ride!! Beautiful riding with great sites.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
