Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve — Attraction in Oakland

It's just a little down the hill from the Sibley volcanic entry and overall it's a lot easier navigate Trails system for me. I might change that if I were to bother to look at the maps that are provided but I usually Got There Before Sunrise so that I could get to the Overlook to take pictures and it was dark so I just dealt with it. I encountered numerous hummingbirds on the ridge overlooking the valley and got some truly epic photographs which I don't know whether I will add them here or not. All in all it smelled wonderful with the eucalyptus and other trees. There were a plethora of birds amongst the foliage they got very close. It's possible that there are cougars nearby because I heard a sound ice cream that reminded me of cougars and then I saw the sign that says that they are in fact around. There were several intersecting trails and I will say to remember that what you go down easily you will have to climb back on your way up LOL or somebody not in the greatest shape that might be a little strenuous but I also saw a very elderly gentleman who clearly had lung issues out there so if speed is an issue tenaciousness May suffice. All in all I absolutely love this park and visited it as much as I could while I was working out here. As an aside the views of Oakland and the Bay Area from the road on the way back down where spectacular as well. My phone is not able to do justice to The View. Parking is limited to about 10 cars in the parking lot the rest were parking on the road so if you want a spot for sure definitely get there early. There is a bathroom and it was open when I was there to be used just off of the parking lot. There's an upper and lower Trail I never did the lower Trail so I can't talk about that although it looked very Lush. The upper Trail was wonderful in every aspect though it might be difficult for somebody who doesn't have good...

Here is the sad thing. The site, the Huckleberry trail, was acquired by the East Bay Regional Park District, aka., the State of California by way of Eminent Domaim. In other words, they took it when it wasn't for sale. We had 12 acres in Canyon, CA. We NEVER wanted to sell, or to leave Canyon. They MADE us leave. And of course they could. We were a family of color. The park districts board was all white. They weren't going to let a black man own 12 lush acres of land. So, they took our land. They had thousands of acres before. They did not need our land, our family home, our peace of mind. They took it, anyway. Beware East Bay Regional Park District. They may offer nice places for you to picnic or hike, but these places are, too often, acquire by displacing entire families. They will take your family home without blinking. They will erase your history where you were born and raised. They will tear you from friends, your neighbors, your children's school, and tear your children away from their friends -- leaving you standing on the side of the road with no place to go. This is the...

Beautiful, perfect spot for a quick hike or walk. At just under 2 miles, it was the perfect length combined with elevation changes for the little pick me up you may need without too much exertion. The scenery is fantastic and full of Informative signs on plant species including the rare pallid manzanita. Definitely a nature lovers trail. Do be cautious and pay attention though to where you step as there are plenty of natural trip hazards along the way. The trail is also narrow so remember to be courteous with your fellow hikers. I enjoyed my time here and look forward to doing it again...