Heather Farm & Lake – Iron Horse Trail junction loop from North Gate
Heather Farm & Lake – Iron Horse Trail junction loop from North Gate
4.9
(1694)
8,869
riders
Heather Farm & Lake – Iron Horse Trail junction loop from North Gate
01:11
20.1km
70m
Cycling
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: June 3, 2026
Tips
Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route
After 3.40 km for 64 m
After 16.5 km for 64 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
4.53 km
Ygnacio Canal Trail / Savannah Trail Junction
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
4.85 km
Contra Costa Canal / Ygnacio Canal Trail junction
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
8.77 km
Heather Farm & Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
10.2 km
Walden Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
10.5 km
Iron Horse Trail junction
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
20.1 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
19.4 km
575 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
15.1 km
4.49 km
473 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Sunday 28 June
29°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an easy, accessible touring cycling route that offers a pleasant escape without demanding too much effort, the Heather Farm & Lake – Iron Horse Trail junction loop from North Gate is an excellent choice. This 12.5-mile (20.1 km) touring cycling route is rated easy, with a minimal 237 feet (72 metres) of elevation gain, and can be completed in just 1 hour and 11 minutes. It's perfect for a relaxed ride, whether you're with family or just want a quick, enjoyable spin.
What to expect on Heather Farm & Lake – Iron Horse Trail junction loop from North Gate
This loop primarily uses the well-maintained, paved surfaces of the Iron Horse Regional Trail, which follows a historic railroad right-of-way. You'll cycle through a mix of urban and suburban scenery, interspersed with green spaces, marshy creeks, and open grasslands. Keep an eye out for colorful flower beds and public artwork along the Iron Horse Trail, and enjoy the tranquil views around Heather Farm Park, with its two lakes and landscaped gardens. On clear days, you might even catch glimpses of Mount Diablo in the distance, providing a scenic backdrop to your ride. The minimal elevation gain makes this route suitable for cyclists of all fitness levels.
Planning your visit
The Iron Horse Trail boasts exceptional connectivity, linking to several Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stations, making it highly accessible even without a car. Heather Farm Park serves as a community hub, offering playgrounds and picnic areas, which makes it an ideal starting or ending point for families. The trail is designed for safety, featuring pedestrian-only bridges over busy roads and a generous 20-foot width to accommodate multiple users comfortably. While no specific seasonal warnings are noted, the paved nature of the trail makes it enjoyable year-round.
Trail details
- Distance: 12.5 miles (20.1 km)
- Elevation gain: 237 feet (72 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 11 minutes
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