01
Best overall pick
Eastside Keswick Trails
Along Keswick Dam Road Above The Reservoir • Rugged Singletrack Network In River Canyon Foothills • Most Versatile Trail System
A web of narrow dirt trails tracing the east side of Keswick Reservoir with constant up-and-down and big views.
If you want classic Keswick terrain in one place, this network is it, with over 20 miles of interconnected singletrack. Shorter out-and-backs along the reservoir work well for casual hikers, while longer figure-eight loops link climbs, ridgeline views, and shaded stretches above the water. Surfaces are rocky and exposed in spots, so sturdy shoes, sun protection, and extra water are smart, especially in summer.
02
Best quick riverside escape
Fisherman's Trail
Below Keswick Dam Along The Sacramento River • Narrow Riverside Footpath • Go-To After-Work Stroll
A close-to-town path that hugs the riverbank under Keswick Dam, with cool breezes and canyon walls rising around you.
Starting just below the dam, this trail winds downstream on a dirt track with constant river access and plenty of spots to stop and watch the current. The grade is gentle but the tread can be uneven and narrow, giving it a more immersive, back-to-nature feel than the paved river trail across the canyon. It’s a great choice on hot days when you want shade, water, and a quick sense of escape without committing to a big climb.
03
Best scenic river walk
Sacramento River Trail: Keswick Dam to Shasta Dam
River Corridor Between Keswick Dam And Shasta Dam • Paved Multiuse Path Through A Steep River Canyon • Most Accessible Long Walk
A smooth, bike-and-foot-friendly path threading the Sacramento River canyon with bridges, tunnels, and dam views.
This stretch of the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail delivers big scenery with minimal navigation: follow the paved path as it contours above the water toward Shasta Dam. You get changing perspectives on the river, side canyons, rail-style tunnels, and glimpses of the reservoir as you climb. It’s popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, so expect company, but the wide tread and consistent grade make it ideal for mixed-ability groups.
04
Best rolling hill views
Mule Ridge and Swasey Trails
Foothills Southwest Of Keswick Near Swasey Drive • Oak-Studded Foothill Loop System • Best For Moderate Hill Workouts
A network of looping singletrack and old roads that rise into open hillsides with long views toward Keswick and the Trinity Alps.
These trails trade river canyon walls for wide-open foothills and classic blue-oak woodland, with routes that can be tailored to a quick 3-mile loop or a longer half-day ramble. Gradual climbs lead to ridgelines where you can spot Mt. Shasta on clear days and look back toward Keswick Reservoir. It’s a great shoulder-season area: wildflowers and green grass in spring, golden light and cooler temperatures in fall.
05
Best oak woodland loop
Cloverdale Loop Trail
West Of Redding Near Cloverdale Road And The River • Mixed Singletrack And Doubletrack Loop • Best For Mellow Half-Day Circuit
A rolling loop through oaks and open benches above the Sacramento River, with a quieter feel than the main river path.
Set a short drive from Keswick, this loop strings together gentle climbs, shady ravines, and open stretches with peeks at the river corridor below. The grade stays manageable, making it a good option for hikers who want some elevation without relentless climbing. It’s especially pleasant in spring and early summer, when the grass is green, the oaks cast deep shade, and you can often hike for stretches without seeing another group.