The following directions are minimal and should not be attempted without a map unless you are familiar with the trails. The time given for each hike is average. Strong hikers will complete the route in less time. Over-the-ankle walking boots are advised when on fire roads. Walk on the right hand side of the road and watch out for cyclists.
Middle Peak Fire Road - Lakeview - Miller - Old Railroad Grade - Tavern Pump - Fern Creek.
Distance: 2.2 miles.
Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
This is a rigorous hike with rocky footing on several trails. Walk down the parking area road and turn right at the gated Middle Peak Fire road about 50 yards beyond where the road levels. Follow the grade uphill for less than 1/2 mile and then turn right at the signed Lakeview Trail. At Ridgecrest Blvd. cross the road and take the signed Miller trail to Old Railroad Grade. Turn left and follow the Grade for about 1/4 mile and take the signed Tavern Pump Trail on the right. Follow the trail to the Tavern Pump House. Turn left on the Fern Creek Trail for a steep climb to the back parking area.
Old Railroad Grade - Fern Creek.
Distance: 3.5 miles.
Time: 2 hours.
Walk down the parking area road and turn left through the gate on the Old Railroad Grade about 50 yards beyond where the road levels. Follow the grade to West Point Inn. You might rest here and perhaps enjoy a lemonade. Continue on the Old Railroad Grade to the left. In approximately 1 mile, turn left on the signed Fern Creek Trail. The trail is rocky and steep most of the way. In late April and May note wild Azalea blooming near the Tavern Pump House. Fern Creek Trail crosses the ingress vehicular road near the top. Cross the road and continue to the parking area.
Eldridge Grade - Northside, International - Lakeview - Middle Peak Fire Road
Distance: 6.0 miles.
Time: 3 hours.
Walk down the parking area road and turn right at the gated Eldridge Grade, located where the road levels. Follow the Grade for 1 .3 miles and turn left at the signed Northside Trail. This trail is level and offers excellent views to the north as you proceed through alternating open and woodland areas. The woodland areas include several stands of stately redwoods. After 1 .7 miles on this trail, (nearly 1 hour) watch for International Trail entering from your left in a fairly open area. Take this trail which climbs steeply to Ridgecrest Blvd. Turn left on Ridgecrest Blvd, walk 30 yards, then left on Lakeview trail. Turn left again on Middle Peak Fire Road which then joins Ridgecrest Blvd just below the East Peak exit road and parking area.
Old Railroad Grade - Rock Spring - Cataract - Benstein - Laurel Dell Fire Road - Northside - International - Lakeview - Middle Peak Fire Road
Distance: 7.0 miles.
Time: 4 hours.
Walk down the parking area road and turn left through the gate on the Old Railroad Grade about 50 yards beyond where the road levels. Continue down the grade for nearly 1.5 miles to West Point inn. You may wish to rest here and enjoy a lemonade. Then take Rock Spring Trail which begins to the west and slightly north of the Inn. This trail is level and offers excellent views to the south. After 1.7 miles, you will enter the Mountain Theater, a beautiful facility that has provided great entertainment since 1913. Water and restroom facilities are available on the lower level of the theater.
Continue along the upper tier and down the paved road to Ridgecrest Blvd. Cross Ridgecrest Blvd and follow the trail just north of the trees for a short distance and turn right on the Cataract Trail. Very shortly you will turn right again on the signed Benstein Trail. The Benstein Trail ends at the Laurel Dell Fire Road. Cross the Fire Road and follow the trail through a small grove of trees. You are at Portrero Camp. Follow the trail through the meadow being careful not to go down the Kent Trail. You will arrive at Rifle Camp where there are picnic tables on the edge of a fire road.
Turn right at Rifle Camp to the signed Northside Trail and follow it for slightly more than 1/2 mile. You will pass several open areas with good views to the north. Watch for the signed International Trail on your right. It will be a steep climb and somewhat rocky at the beginning. Turn left on Ridgecrest Blvd. and left again after 30 yards up the Lakeview Trail. Turn left again at Middle Peak Fire Road. You will enter Ridgecrest Blvd. again just short of the exit road and parking area.