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Silicon Valley Hikes

© Sharael Feist

Silicon Valley is known to be the center of the high-tech world. But while many techie geeks are tip-tapping away at there computers, nature lovers are enjoying the many hiking paths close by. So hit the trail before the winter rain hits. Below are just a few spots worth checking out:

Huddart Park: This 973- acre park in Woodside is very family friendly and offers picnic areas, as well as camp sites. The wooded hiking trails are very peaceful and scenic. Some of the trails are stictly for hiking, which means you don't have to share the road with bikers or equestrians. It can get crowded on the weekends. The park opens daily at 8:00 a.m. The closing time varies by time of year. For more info, visit "http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/departm...".

Water Dog Lake Park:
With seven miles of trails, this isn't a large park, but for those looking for some challenging terrain, there are plenty of steep trails to get you huffin' and puffin'. There are a limited number of fire roads as well. This park is located in the city of Belmont. Dogs are welcome. For more information visit the following Web site: "http://mtb.live.com/rides/WaterDog.html".

El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve:
Better known as Skeggs (named after Skeggs Point where the parking lot is located), watch out for mountain bikers barreling down the path at this spot. The 2,821-acre area winds through redwoods and offers various vistas worth stopping to take a look at. For more information visit the following Web site: "http://www.openspace.org/preserves/el_co...".

Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve:
Off Edgewood Road in Redwood City, this park offers beautiful vistas and cool, wooded forests. With 467 acres, hikers have several paths to choose from. Although the trails are marked, it can be easy to get lost. . The park opens daily at 8:00 a.m. The closing time varies by time of year. Keep your eyes open for colorful pheasants and deer that roam the area. For more information, visit: "http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/departm...".

Sawyer Camp Trail: This paved trail hugs the Crystal Springs Reservoir and offers breathtaking views of the water and woods. It can be a bit crowded and it mostly in the direct sunlight. While there are many colorful birds to look at and you are almost always guaranteed to spot some deer grazing, but also keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. There are benches located along the trail in case you need to take a break. Park opens daily at sunrise and closes at sunset.