Maybe your knees aren’t quite up for the steep hills anymore. Maybe you’ve just retired and want a daily walk that doesn’t require a car. Or maybe you’re thinking about where to live next and you love the idea of stepping out your door onto a trail.
If any of that sounds like you, let me introduce you to one of my favorite things about living in Walnut Creek: the Iron Horse Regional Trail.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The Iron Horse Regional Trail is a paved, relatively flat, multi-use trail that runs through Central Contra Costa County, from Concord through Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Alamo and Danville to San Ramon. It follows an old Southern Pacific Railroad route, is maintained by the East Bay Regional Park District, and is wheelchair accessible. In Walnut Creek, Civic Park downtown is an easy place to hop on.
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A Railroad That Became a Trail
The trail follows the Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way established in 1891 and abandoned in 1978. Local residents pushed to turn the corridor into a paved trail starting in the 1980s, and today it connects neighborhoods, downtowns, schools and BART stations across Contra Costa County.
Why It's Perfect for This Stage of Life
It’s paved and gentle. No loose rocks or steep climbs. The East Bay Regional Park District describes it as relatively flat, with some mild rolling hills.
It’s accessible. The trail is wheelchair accessible, which makes it a lovely option for walks with an older parent or a friend using a walker.
It goes somewhere. You can walk to coffee, ride your bike to downtown Danville or Alamo, or simply enjoy the creek and the trees.
Where to Hop On in Walnut Creek
Civic Park downtown is a great starting point, with parking, restrooms and restaurants nearby.
Near Heather Farm, paths connect the park to the trail, and the Contra Costa Canal Trail crosses the Iron Horse in Walnut Creek, so you can link up longer loops.
South Walnut Creek, the trail crosses under I-680 near Rudgear Road and continues toward Alamo.
STILL READING?
Selling a home near the trail? My free Prep Your Home to Sell guide helps you highlight the lifestyle features buyers care about most.
What Living Near the Trail Means for Homeowners
Buyers who are rightsizing or retiring often ask how walkable a neighborhood is before they ask about the kitchen. Being close to the Iron Horse Trail answers that question beautifully.
If you’re selling, we make it part of your home’s story: how many minutes to the trail, where it leads, and what a weekday morning walk looks like. Photos and a simple map in the listing can make a real difference.
If you’re buying, it’s worth spending a morning on the trail near a home you like. You’ll learn a lot about the neighborhood that you can’t see from the street.
A Few Trail Tips
The trail is shared with bikes, so walkers keep right and listen for bells.
Bring water in summer; parts of the trail have little shade.
Use a map app or the free regional trail map to plan where to turn around.
“Carrie is an amazing realtor to partner with. She really takes the time to listen to and understand her customers unique needs while also having a solid grasp of the overall east bay territory. As a result, she is well equipped to make appropriate recommendations and is able to educate with ease. In addition she has solidly built relationships with amazing lenders and escrow staff. Carrie understands the end-to-end home buying/ selling market and competitive options inside and out. She is a consummate yet flexible professional and you won’t regret working with her. Thanks to Carrie I am in a townhouse that I am proud to call home!
Ease of reaching staff
Very easy”
Final Thoughts
A good trail changes how you live. It turns errands into walks and quiet mornings into the best part of the day.
If you’re dreaming about more of that, the Iron Horse Trail is a wonderful place to start.
With you in every chapter, Carrie
Carrie LaShell
Realtor, eXp Realty • DRE #02149436
I'm not here to sell houses. I guide, advise, and simplify, so Walnut Creek and East Bay homeowners can move through life's biggest transitions with a lot more clarity and a lot less stress.
925-478-0084
FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS
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The Iron Horse Regional Trail runs from Concord through Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Alamo and Danville to San Ramon.
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Yes. The entire trail is paved, relatively flat and wheelchair accessible.
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Civic Park downtown is a popular access point. Paths near Heather Farm also connect to the trail.
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Yes. The trail continues south from Walnut Creek through Alamo and into downtown Danville
Wherever you are in your next chapter
Thinking about selling? Request a no-pressure home valuation and see what your home could make possible.
Worried about Mom or Dad? Ask for my free Is Mom or Dad Still Safe at Home? checklist.
Ready to downsize or rightsize? Grab my free Downsizing Guide, or let’s book a coffee conversation.
Request a home valuation or call:
925-478-0084
Some of the best parts of a next chapter are right outside your door.
Carrie LaShell
East Bay Realtor | eXp Realty
Carrie LaShell is a Walnut Creek Realtor with eXp Realty who helps people navigate the life transition inside a move: rightsizing, retirement, caring for aging parents, loss, relocation and all the new beginnings in between. She believes the best real estate decisions are made when people feel supported, informed and genuinely cared for.
925-478-0084 | carrielashell.com
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