Address: 37.790371, -122.144096 (End of Parkridge Drive off of Skyline Blvd)
Parking: Free street parking available in the neighborhood at the address above. Please be respectful of the residents.
Hours: 8 A.M. to 10 P.M.
Type: Hike (moderate, 5 miles)
Regulations: Dogs allowed off leash if under voice control
Best time to visit: Anytime except a hot day, as this trail has minimal shade

Click here for a trail map courtesy of EBRPD

Description: This hike is located in the Oakland Hills and although it does not actually circle the lake, it is still a beautiful hike overlooking the canyon. It does not have much traffic and is a peaceful hike. You start at a cul-de-sac and take a gently downward sloping trail straight ahead. Take the split for MacDonald trail to your right. You will come to bench overlooking the canyon, and then the trail begins to slope downhill. At the split, take Grass Valley Trail and then Ranch Trail. You will eventually reach a parking lot on Skyline Blvd. From here, you can loop back by taking Horseshoe trail and then retracing your steps back to MacDonald trail. The hike back has some moderately steep hills and is a great workout.

From the trailhead, the MacDonald trail to your left will take you to the Big Bear Staging Area. For a longer hike, you can take the MacDonald trail to your right and hike all the way to the lake. 

You can also checkout Brittleleaf Trail for a secluded, perfectly placed bench overlooking the canyon. From the trailhead, take the MacDonald Trail to your right and then the Brittleleaf trail to your left. This dead-ends at about 0.5 miles, at the bench.

This park has trashcans and doggy clean-up bags at the trailhead. There are no restrooms or running water, so bring water.