Kennedy Grove is a picnic park more than a hiking destination. It sits at the base of San Pablo Dam on San Pablo Dam Road in El Sobrante. The East Bay Regional Park District describes its tall eucalyptus as "whispering" and says the grove makes a calm setting for company picnics and family reunions.
Railroad history
The 222-acre park was once part of the 17,754-acre Rancho San Pablo, which Francisco Castro took over in 1823. It later became the Clancy Ranch. A narrow-gauge railroad from Oakland to Orinda ran through the area. In 1886 the California and Nevada Railroad had scheduled stops at Frenchman's Curve and Laurel Glen, and today's picnic sites are named for those stops. The eucalyptus trees were planted in 1910. The park was dedicated on Oct. 22, 1967, and named for President John F. Kennedy.
What's there
A central lawn has room for Frisbee, football and informal softball, though hardball is not allowed. There are volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground and an open-air amphitheater. A paved loop of about 0.3 mile circles the lawn. Fern Cottage, a reservable indoor-outdoor venue, holds 60 seated guests. First-come picnic sites are spread through the park, and larger groups can reserve.
Trails and birds
The Laurel Loop Trail, about half a mile, is fairly level. The Kennedy Creek Trail climbs to the Black Oak Loop Trail, where hillside benches look out over San Pablo Reservoir. Wikipedia notes that a segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail starts here and runs along the reservoir's west shore, and that section requires an East Bay Municipal Utility District trail permit. Hawks are almost always overhead, and some hikers have reported golden and bald eagles near the reservoir.
Hours and fees
From November through February, the park is open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Parking fees apply only April through September, at $5 per vehicle on weekends and holidays. The kiosk takes cash, cards and tap to pay.