01
Best overall pick
Isabella Peak Lookout Trail
Above Lake Isabella Near Wofford Heights • Steady Summit Hike With Big-Lake Panoramas • Go-To Climb For First-Time Visitors
A moderate climb to a rocky summit with some of the most wide-open views of Lake Isabella and the surrounding ranges.
From Potomac Park, this is the classic “see it all” hike, with a well-defined trail that winds through chaparral and pines before popping you out on a boulder-studded summit. The climb is enough to feel like an accomplishment without being technical, and the payoff is a 360-degree view over the lake, Kern River valley, and Greenhorn Mountains. Go early on hot days and bring a camera—the light over the water is the real draw here.
02
Best riverfront route
Whiskey Flat Trail
Kern River Corridor From Kernville • Historic Riverside Trail Through High Desert • Best For All-Day Explorers
A long, rolling path that traces the Kern River upstream from Kernville, mixing river views with old mining history.
Starting in downtown Kernville, this trail follows the old route between the historic townsite of Whiskey Flat and modern Kernville, hugging the river for much of the way. You can turn around whenever you like, making it easy to tailor the distance to your group. Expect open, sun-exposed stretches, scatterings of wildflowers in spring, and frequent chances to duck down to the water for a break when flows are safe.
03
Shadiest summer option
Unal Trail
Greenhorn Summit Near Alta Sierra • Loop Through Mixed Conifer Forest • Best For Families And Casual Hikers
A mellow forest loop at higher elevation that offers cooler temperatures and easy footing on hot valley days.
About a 40-minute drive up into the Greenhorn Mountains, Unal Trail trades lake views for tall pines, filtered light, and soft forest duff underfoot. The loop has a bit of gentle climbing but nothing dramatic, making it a comfortable choice for newer hikers or kids. It’s an especially good pick in midsummer when Potomac Park and the lakeshore trails are baking and you want shade and cooler air.
04
Best creekside escape
Mill Creek Trail
South Of Lake Isabella Near Havilah • Creek Canyon Path With Varied Terrain • Underrated Local Favorite
A scenic trail that follows Mill Creek into a rugged canyon, mixing oak woodlands, rock outcrops, and seasonal water.
This route feels a bit wilder than the lakefront paths, with sections that dip close to the creek and others that traverse above the canyon on narrower singletrack. You’ll see a mix of oaks, brush, and exposed rock, along with good birdlife and, in a wet year, plenty of small cascades. It’s not as busy as the Kernville-area hikes, so it’s a nice choice when you want more solitude without a long drive from Potomac Park.
05
Most memorable day trip
Trail of 100 Giants
Giant Sequoia National Monument • Easy Paved Loop Among Giant Sequoias • Best For A Relaxed Scenic Outing
A gentle loop that threads through a grove of massive sequoias, delivering big scenery for minimal effort.
An hour-plus drive from Potomac Park, this trail is worth planning as a half-day outing when you want a change from lake and desert landscapes. The mostly flat, partially paved path winds between towering sequoias, with plenty of benches and side nooks where you can linger and look up. It’s an easy walk for almost any ability level, which makes it a great option if your group includes non-hikers who still want a classic Sierra experience.