3 Best Hiking Trails in Visalia, CA

“Kaweah Oaks Preserve is a 322-acre sanctuary near Exeter, protecting one of the last valley oak riparian woodlands left in the San Joaquin Valley. Walking its trails offers a rare glimpse of what the valley looked like before development reshaped it over a century ago: towering oaks, native plants, and a woodland alive with birds and wildlife. Four self-guided nature trails wind through the preserve, each a chance to spot a grey fox, a great horned owl, or a Nuttall's woodpecker along the way. The trails are relatively flat but unpaved and uneven, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Kaweah Oaks Preserve is open year-round, dawn to dusk, with parking, public restrooms, picnic tables, and trail guides available on-site. It's stewarded by Sequoia Riverlands Trust, a nonprofit land trust protecting more than 53,000 acres across California's Central Valley and southern Sierra Nevada, and Kaweah Oaks stands as its flagship preserve. The preserve is open every day from sunrise to sunset.”

“St. Johns River Trail is a perfect destination to have a relaxed time with friends and family. This is a 10.1-km out-and-back trail, with an elevation gain of 9 metres. This route is generally considered an easy route, and it takes an average of 1 hour and 49 minutes to complete the entire trail. The trail is a popular place for a diverse range of recreational opportunities such as walking, birding, road biking, and running. St. Johns River Trail also features numerous facilities like Kid-friendly hikes, Wheelchair accessible entrances, and a spacious parking lot for the convenience of the visitors. The trsilhead allows dogs in leash areas.”

“Sequoia & Kings Canyon has a combined area of 1,353 square miles that is managed under a consolidated management structure. This natural area spans an impressive 1,353 square miles and is located 33 minutes from Visalia, CA. The trail also provides numerous campgrounds and cabins, offering comfortable accommodation options for guests. In addition to the stunning flora, this area is home to various wildlife. Over 200 bird species can be observed, including the gregarious slender salamander, western toad, western spadefoot toad, rainbow trout, coyote, Mexican free-tailed bat, rubber boa, common kingsnake, and many more fascinating creatures that contribute to the park's biodiversity. Sequoia & Kings Canyon also have designated areas for pets.”