01
Best close-to-town pick
Dry Creek Trail at Dry Creek Regional Park
North Modesto • Shaded Creekside Greenway • Best For Easy Everyday Mileage
A paved-and-dirt path that follows Dry Creek through mature trees, open lawns, and small side trails right in the heart of Modesto.
If you want a quick stretch of the legs without committing to a big drive, the Dry Creek Trail is the easiest choice from Cowan. The path runs for several miles with plenty of access points, so you can turn it into anything from a 30‑minute walk to a longer training run. Expect joggers, dog walkers, and families, plus enough side paths down to the water to keep kids interested.
02
Best riverside escape
Caswell Memorial State Park
South Of Ripon Along The Stanislaus River • Dense River Woodland With Sandy Beaches • Best For Families And Shade
Short, sandy trails loop through rare riparian forest and lead to quiet beaches on the Stanislaus River.
Caswell feels noticeably cooler and wilder than the surrounding valley orchards, thanks to its thick gallery forest and shaded paths. The main trails are mostly flat and easy to follow, with plenty of spots to stop by the river for a picnic or a toe-dip when flows allow. It’s an especially good pick on hot days or when you’re introducing kids to hiking without a lot of climbing.
03
Best day-trip hike
Knights Ferry Recreation Area – Stanislaus River Parks
Foothills East Of Oakdale • Historic Riverside Trails With Bridge Views • Best For Scenery And Variety
Foothill trails wind above the Stanislaus River, with views of the covered bridge, rocky rapids, and spring wildflowers.
Starting from the historic Knights Ferry covered bridge, you can follow well-used paths along the river and up into the low bluffs for broader views. Depending on how far you go, it’s easy to tailor this to a mellow riverside stroll or a more calorie-burning out‑and‑back. Go in spring for green hills and flowers, or in fall for lower crowds and softer light over the water.
04
Best in-town river option
Tuolumne River Regional Park & Gateway
Along The Tuolumne River In Modesto • Urban River Corridor With Multi-Use Path • Best For Walk-And-Ride Outings
A developing string of parks and pathways along the Tuolumne River offers a mix of paved trail, dirt spurs, and picnic spots close to Modesto neighborhoods.
This corridor lets you follow the Tuolumne without getting far from services, making it a practical choice for casual walks or bike-and-hike loops. Sections near the Gateway complex and Legion Park tend to feel the most scenic, with river overlooks and more developed paths. It’s a solid option when you want moving water and greenery without the time commitment of a full day away.
05
Best for birdwatching
San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge – Pelican Nature Trail
West Of Modesto Near Vernalis • Open Refuge Trails And Wetlands • Best For Quiet Wildlife Walks
A gently graded loop and spur trails cross levees and wetlands, offering wide views, seasonal ponds, and frequent bird sightings.
This refuge trades shade for sky, with broad horizons, agricultural backdrop, and restored habitat that draws in everything from sandhill cranes in season to hawks and waterfowl. The Pelican Nature Trail is mostly flat and exposed, so bring sun protection and expect more solitude than on in-town paths. It’s ideal when you’re in the mood for a slower-paced walk with binoculars rather than a workout hike.