Fahrens Creek Trail

The Fahrens Creek Trail is a paved multi use path running creekside between several city park areas through Merced.

This path is great for those of all ability levels, as the generally flat path is wide, scenic, and passes by parking lots and several access points from different neighborhoods. The trail weaves beneath trees and along slow flowing Fahrens Creek. At different points, ducks and geese bathe in the creek waters, as eucalyptus trees sway in the breeze. Hikers may also spot wildlife such as egrets along the waterway.

The trail's southern endpoint is in Fahrens Park, where it intersects with the Rascal Trail, another paved multi-use path that heads in an east-west course through the city. The Fahrens Creek Trail tends to follow the edges of several neighborhoods, however it tends to be separated from these areas by a fence, giving the path a protected feeling.

At any given moment, one might find themselves sharing the trail with runners, dog walkers, parents with children or pushing strollers, and bicyclists. City parks the lie along the trail route tend to have bathrooms, drinking fountains, benches and parking areas, so there is not a set beginning or endpoint to the path.

Currently, the trail's north end is at the dead end of West Cardella Road, however as Merced sees increased residential development in the future, the trail will likely continue to be extended as public green space increases along the new homes.

The trail and city parks parking areas are subject to hours, generally open from 6am to 9pm during March-October, and closing at 7pm November-February.