Blue Heron Trail

Blue Heron Trail are a group of trails that loop around wetlands in the Stone Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The total length of all three trails put together is about 1 mile in length. Lost Coyote Loop (0.23) miles. Discovery Loop (0.30) miles. Dragonfly Loop (0.16) mile.The trails can be accessed only when the Stone Lake National Wildlife Refuge is open and is free to the public. The automatic gates open daily from 6:30 am-5:00pm. On site is the refuge offices where staff and volunteers are eager to answer any questions you may have. The visitors parking area is big enough to accommodate cars as well as school buses. There is even an restroom located next to the parking lot.The trail itself is concrete and is wheelchair accessible. Along the trails are a total of 8 environment educational panels describing all the different species of wildlife , native plants that you may encounter, plus you will come across a pedestrian bridge and an amphitheater.There are so many things which are prohibited here so please check their website for additional information.Each season brings new and different species of wildlife to the refuge. This is a wonderful place for the whole family to come and to enjoy year round. Whether your into wildlife observation/walking /hiking the trails or photography. Opps ! I almost forgot to mention to bring your binoculars and bug repellent! Enjoy !

This is the most peaceful and adorable trail I have ever been on. It is not treacherous at all, and is basically just taking a walk in a scenic location. I loved hearing all the birds rustling around and seeing them take flight and dive. There is an amphitheatre, a natural playground, and lots of signs explaining the location and natural habitats. It's a great place to bring children. It is a pretty small trail. I think a person can finish it in under 15 minutes if they wanted to. We were here for at least 30 minutes enjoying the view and taking everything in. I love how the sidewalks have these footprints leading off into the brushes. These little details really add to this trail.Finding this place is very easy. It is just off the highway and there is plenty of free parking. There is also a restroom as well.

So thrilled to have an even more local wildlife walk, 1 exit north of the Cosumnes River Preserve. Sure it's tiny and you'll walk the whole outside perimeter in 15 minutes, but it's brimming with birds like Red-winged blackbird. Saw a Killdeer moving it's insanely roadrunner fast legs in the bird feeder section.For anybody who gets nervous heading into nature, the insect life is as benign as it gets... maybe there's just so many birds keeping them in check.The pavement is nicely maintained. The educational placards are very colorful with fascinating info that draws even the most reading-averse kids in.. and are the only things that provide shade.What a relaxing stroll right off the freeway, yet feels remote in the tall grasses of the wetland refuge.

Firstly, trail is a bit of an overstatement; it's more of a community park(with a loop and architectural piece). Signs were educational but seemed outdated and could use some cleaning. Restrooms were available but I did not check the condition of them.My low rating is for the fact that the place wasn't welcoming. Moments after arriving I notice there was a police car slowly watching me as I walked the trail(At the time I was the only one there).There wasn't a single official in sight to ask questions or get information from; I hope in a serious incident, if the authorities are needed guest should be informed for their safety.