Montclair Railroad Trail

I wish I knew this earlier. It’s a nice walk for about 3 miles round trip. If you’re up for an easy walk for a short distance, it’s perfect. I walked to the Montclair shopping area for haircut and lunch and then walked back. The only thing is there is no parking at the end of the path, so you need to find something on side streets in the residential area.

Sunday, at the Montclair Farmer’s Market, after noshing on some fine chicken curry, I remembered the words of a friend, of her enjoyment culled from hiking with her husband upon the trails and byways of the Oakland Hills. And, with my last bite of said curry, the remembrance that just a few blocks away, the was beginning for the Montclair Railroad Trail. And that on this sunny and slightly hazy Sunday, that I could, and should, of it for the first time partake.
It’s really more a path than a trail. 1.4 miles total in unlooping length, my starting point was at the very end of Medau Place. So innocuous, its entrance is, I approached and retreated from it 3x thinking my GPS was off. (Tip: walk uphill on Medau, on the left, past the parking lot of McCaulou’s. Keep walking. Trust me. Where at first you thought would be nothing, you’ll see an asphalt incline that leads up to the trail.)
A li’l history: from 1928, the Shepherd Canyon railroad ran from Sacramento and Chico, ferrying daily commuters to the SF area via their last last in Montclair. But with the rising popularity of the automobile in the ‘50s, the SN Railway ended its service, leaving only the ‘hood of Montclair and the sylvian footprint, that is this railroad trail, as evidence for its existence.
Walking for the first time upon this trail (really, more a path) was, for lack of better phrasing, a *mostly* pastoral treat. Cuz, for solitude and contemplation, it’s hardly a perfect walk. To one side, often the car engines surge on a highway far below; and, on the other side from above, one’s inspection is filled with the sightings of houses of the well and well-​ish off. Electrical towers shadow much of one’s journey. And, then, there are the other people who are also hiking. Many with dogs, which, despite the many posted signs, are off leash. And, then, the other people, whose children were, without any chiding signage, on leashes.
Beyond these distractions (or maybe they’re an essential ingredient to the recipe of enjoyment here?) –the Montclair RR trail is a lovely, historic, and easily accessible diversion — one that’s right in Oakland. Bask in the mid-​afternoon sloped sunlight filtered through autumn leaves; observe in absolute silence that bluejay perched eight feet away; or, make friends with that outgoing Setter who scampers up from his owner to sniff and greet you. It’s an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history, to embrace a sense of community and collectiveness, and to, curiously simultaneously, languish in solitude while thinking about things that you don’t understand.

A nice ride coming down from the hills. At one point I was confused because the bike route sign had an arrow pointing right saying «Mountain Blvd» but it was one of the steepest bike route hills I’ve seen. I started going up Paso Robles, made it a couple blocks, and realized, there’s no way this is a bike route. I pulled out my trusty EBBC map and saw that you’re actually supposed to veer right into this road marked «private drive», and then the trail continues. Bad signage! Otherwise it’s a very nice trail with interpretative displays too.

I wanted to let Unilocalers interested in the Montclair Railroad Trail know about the Friends of Montclair RR Trail Web site. It has lots of information on the trail including: trail history, multiple access points, maps, volunteer membership and online donation opportunities.
Friends of Montclair RR Trail, a non-​profit community volunteer organization, is working hard to maintain and perserve this lovely tree lined trail, a City of Oakland linear park. We welcome volunteers and have a trail work day the 3^rd Saturday of every month.
Two easy entrances to the trail:
1. Behind the Montclair Village Parking Garage, 6235 La Salle Ave, Oakland, CA 94 611
2. Paso Robles Dr. at Bishops Court (off Shepherd Canyon Rd).
Fun walk for all ages.

I had to rectify the low score for this trail. It’s a fabulous little secret spot! True, it’s not a big ol’ hike, or a park, but it’s a wonderful trail. I think it’s more like a bit over a mile, which makes it about 2 ½ miles there and back. A nice morning walk through a surprising urban forest (okay, kind of surprising, and only kind of urban; it is Montclair), and an hour of crazy fun for the dog.

To correct the listing of this trail. The Shepherd Canyon Trail or the above name Montclair Railroad Trail truly starts next to the buildings at 1900 Mountain Blvd above the retaining walls. Those retaining walls were actually once the train bridge. 1900 Mountain Blvd is across the street from the Montclair Park tennis courts.
The better entrance to the trail is behind the Montclair Village Parking garage which is located adjacent to Alain Pinel Realtors at the top of La Salle Ave at 6211 La Salle.
The trail is now paved the entire length up to the end of the trail at the intersection of Saroni Dr and Shepherd Canyon Rd. This point is actually where the train went underground into the tunnel.
Up until about 1985 the trail stopped at the corner of Shepherd Canyon and Paso Robles. But Mel Copland a local Broker-​Realtor and builder built and paved the path improving the accessibility to the trail for more residents of Shepherd Canyon Rd. Mel Copland actually built homes along the trail and has video of the inside of the rail tunnel prior to it be filled in. Mel Copland grew up playing in Montclair as a child and remembers when the trains still came through the Village.
Mel Copland donated the path to the City of Oakland along with a lot on Paso Robles for a Green Belt. The City is now responsible for the paths maintenance.
The Trail is about 1.5 miles one way. There is a slight incline going up to Shepherd Canyon but it isn’t a strenuous walk at all.
The trail is primarily used by neighborhood residents to go back and forth from Montclair Village. The trail is bike friendly and great for your children and pets.

Discovered this hidden gem recently. I use Shepard Canyon frequently. Remembering that Sacramento Northern RR used the canyon and tunnel on East end of canyon to access Contra Costa County, was curious to know where tracks once were. Not difficult to find out! Nice hike, especially when one is aware of the history behind the creation of what is now a hiking trail.

It’s more of a short neighborhood path than a park. The path is flat, wide and paved with asphalt with ample room on the side to run in the dirt if you prefer. It takes you through a tree lined area in the hills above Montclair Village which used to be part of the main line of the Sacramento Northern Railroad. The railroad tracks are gone but there are a few signs that describe the history of the area.
There are a few benches along the way but no other amenities. If you look below, you’ll see cars driving by. Look above and you’ll see homes. It’s about 0.75 miles. The homes in the area are quite nice — you might want to walk/​jog around the neighborhood and up the hill.
Dogs are allowed and the path seems popular with dog walkers and cyclists.