Accessible Pathway: Yes (paved pathway, compacted earth & gravel)
Mileage: 0.25 mile inner loop, 0.50 mile outer loop
As you drive to Kennedy Grove from the cities of the Bay Area, you can quickly forget that you are in a major metropolitan area. San Pablo Dam Road winds along the Eastern slope of the Berkeley Hills, blocking views of downtown skylines. Instead, you are treated to views of tree-covered hills that dip down to form the shore of San Pablo Reservoir. Once you reach the Northern end of the reservoir, make the turn into the park.
The park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors during the summer. It has reservable picnic areas, horseshoe pits, playground and large lawn area. As you look out upon the smiling faces in the grove, you'll notice a paved pathway wandering through the grove. The paved pathway makes its way past Frenchman's Curve, Nevada Flats, and Olinda Station. These colorfully named picnic areas are named for historic railroad stops along the nearby California and Nevada Railroad.
The path circles the lawn, passing below eucalyptus trees that have stood for more than 100 years. These tall trees provide great shade in the summertime for those enjoying the lawn. As you pass under the trees near the Nevada Flats, you'll notice a compacted earth and gravel pathway leading out past the picnic areas and into the chaparral - the Laurel Loop Trail.
The Laurel Loop Trail forms part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, though in this section it's not very ridge-like. The trail quickly splits from the ridge trail section, making a hard right, hugging the bottom of the hill as it offers glimpses of the lawn through the trees. A quarter of a mile later, the trail again comes to a junction and again you head right. As you emerge from the chaparral, you'll find yourself once again in the picnic area surrounding the great lawn.
In addition to the cool shade afforded by the eucalyptus, in the springtime this small park, dedicated in 1967 to the late President John F. Kennedy, can bloom with wildflowers. More than 40 types of wildflowers can be found within the park, from the whites of California Buckeye, to the orange of Sticky Monkey Flower, to the deep purple of the Miniature Dove Lupine.
No matter the season you visit the park, you're sure to enjoy your day in Kennedy Grove.
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