As Henry David Thoreau stated, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” Try out his suggestion while attempting to avoid the heat of a mid-summer day on this leisurely-paced trek with Docent Naturalists Ann McCarty, Catherine Crawford-Swent, and Marie Faust Evitt. This exploration is short but beautiful, highlighting this small preserve’s diverse habitats as you traverse oak woodlands, chaparral, and second-growth redwoods on the Schilling Lake and Bridle trails to Dennis Martin Creek and back. Bring a snack to enjoy in the shade of a redwood grove. (Note: Parking at this preserve is very limited, so please plan on carpooling if you are traveling with friends.)
Meet at the Thornewood Parking Area on La Honda Road. From I-280, take the Highway 84/Woodside Road exit. Follow Highway 84/Woodside Road through Woodside and then to a junction with Portola Road at 3.3. miles. Bear right to stay on Highway 84, now La Honda Road. At 4.9 miles from Highway 280, turn left at a brick wall marked 895-897; look for the Midpen sign just inside this gate. The small parking area is on the right about 500 feet from the entrance gate. Please do not drive beyond this lot toward the private residences.
Alternatively, from the junction of Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and Highway 84 in Sky Londa, take Highway 84/La Honda Road north 1.9 miles and turn right at the brick wall marked 895-897.