Lewis S. Eaton and Tom MacMichael Senior Trail Loop

The full loop is approximately 10.3 km (6.4 miles) long and typically takes around 2 hours and 38 minutes to hike. The shorter Tom MacMichael Senior Loop is about 5.6 km (3.5 miles) and can be completed in roughly 1 hour and 12 minutes.

The trail is generally considered moderate, though much of it is accessible and relatively flat. The Lewis S. Eaton Trail is primarily paved with wide dirt shoulders, while the Tom MacMichael Senior Trail is a singletrack path. You may encounter some gentle hills, with the steepest incline often at the beginning. It's a multi-use path suitable for hikers, runners, cyclists, and horseback riders.

Parking is available at Woodward Park. Please note that a vehicular entrance fee may apply there. Alternatively, free parking can be found at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies.

While the trails themselves do not require permits, if you choose to park within Woodward Park, a vehicular entrance fee may be applicable. There are no specific hiking permits needed for the trail sections.

You'll enjoy picturesque views of the San Joaquin River Parkway and the distant Sierra Nevada mountains. The Lewis S. Eaton Trail runs along a bluff overlooking the San Joaquin River, and within Woodward Park, you'll find cool forests of California Redwoods and Lodgepole Pines. The Tom MacMichael Senior Trail meanders down to the riverbanks, passing between pastures.

The natural surroundings provide opportunities for wildlife observation. Hikers have reported sightings of foxes, red-tail hawks, egrets, ducks, and geese. Keep an eye out for Mexican Elderberry bushes along the Tom MacMichael Senior Trail, which host the endangered Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and ensure you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness and respect other users and wildlife.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking. Summers can be hot in Fresno, so early mornings or late afternoons are recommended during those months. Winters are generally mild, making it a good option for a cooler weather outing.

Yes, the Lewis S. Eaton Trail portion, being primarily paved, is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The Tom MacMichael Senior Trail, being a singletrack, might be less suitable for all-terrain strollers or wheelchairs.

Yes, the route is a significant part of the San Joaquin River Parkway trail network. It incorporates sections of the Lewis S. Eaton Bike Trail and the Tom MacMichael Senior Trail.

The trail passes through Woodward Park, which offers various facilities. While there are no specific amenities directly on the trail itself, you can find restrooms and other services within the park.