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Print Friendly MapThe Goshen Avenue Trail follows both W. Goshen Avenue and an active San Joaquin Valley Railroad freight line between Goshen and Visalia, serving as a convenient connection between the two towns. Bordered by industrial uses and residential subdivisions, the surroundings have been enlivened with some tree planting. Recreation Park, home to the Visalia Rawhide of Minor League Baseball, lies at the eastern end of the trail.
There are no official parking areas for the Goshen Avenue Trail, but parking can be found on adjacent neighborhood streets. Be sure to obey any posted parking restrictions.
Location: Visalia, CA
Parking: Gravel lot in industrial area, west end of trail.
Trail Condition: Surface is fine and wide enough but not very appealing. Old and gray asphalt with a few old railroad track crossings at an angle…be careful crossing!
Signage: None.
Comments: The first 3 miles or so of the trail are in the industrial area of Visalia. The trail is between active track and busy Goshen Ave. Guessing the track is only occasional used, although a yard engine and a few cars did move along the track (in the industrial area) while we were on the trail. There are several intersection to cross, push button for crossing signal, at least these are spaced a good distance apart and didn’t feel like we were stopping every couple minutes for a cross road. The trail is mostly unappealing, straight and level. It is a rail-trail for sure. We encountered a single walker on the eastern end. This trail ok based trail condition, not pretty but not a bunch of cracks or roots, etc. Wouldn’t do this one again.
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.
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.
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