Exploring the Ins and Outs of the Newark Slough Trail
The Newark Slough Trail in Newark, CA happens to be a 6 1/2 mile long, lightly trafficked loop trail that is ideal for people of varying skill levels, with some attractive wild vegetation growing in some areas. Hikers, cyclists, and joggers will find a number of things happening in this region at different times of the year. This particular slough provides a nice loop on the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge.
If you’re going to visit the trail, be sure to bring your binoculars with you, as it happens to be a popular stopover for migrating birds. The route, which is a loop by nature, has an elevation of 118 feet. Some of the activities that can be done here include trail running, walking, mountain biking, bird watching, and hiking.
Why Visit The Newark Slough Trail?
As mentioned above, the trail is an dirt covered loop that extends to San Francisco Bay. It then starts to run west, passing Marshalls Road, all the way to Dumbarton Bridge on Highway 84. Once at the highway, it starts to curve east (backward) heading towards the nearby shore. The Newark Slough Trail does not have much traffic and is an ideal place to visit for a person who would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It does not have much vegetation and is more of a plain, due to the lack of green vegetation or shade trees. If you look at it from a map, you could be deceived by the presence of green vegetation which, in real life, is not available. Most of the region is covered by a marsh during high tides or open water. As is the case with many other bayside trails, you may find the walk to be a bit tiring or less fun during windy days.
The best time to go for a walk or to ride your bicycle will be during the early afternoon when there is a slight breeze blowing. As you start walking or cycling around the trail, you will soon come to the realization that it provides some amazing views of the Dumbarton Bridge.
Wildlife Present
The fact that this trail is located close to a water body means that you will see some exciting views of different types of birds. Many birds make a stop here while they are migrating. It may, therefore, be a good idea to carry your binoculars to get a good view of these birds during your walk. It takes a total of two hours to walk the entire trail from start to finish.
But if you are not in a rush, you can always walk on the smaller loop located nearby, also known as the Tidelands Loop Trail. Here, you are likely to come across different kinds of doves nesting on the fence posts that are placed there to mark the trail.
Conclusion
The wildlife around the Newark Slough Trail is diverse and comprises of brown jobs, ground squirrels, egrets, brownish shorebirds, seagulls, dragonflies, and falcons. It is a nice area to go for an evening walk with your kids or to take them for cycling, as you take in the different types of wildlife that are out there. Be sure to carry your camera as well, to capture nice snapshots of these beautiful animals and views of the bay.