HomeCaliforniaBerkeley › Nimitz Trail South Trailhead

Nimitz Trail South Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 54 Google reviews · Running trail in Berkeley, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Nimitz Trail South Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

PavedScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADAFlat & fastHillyRestroomsTrailhead parking

Easy paved trail providing scenic views and benches.

What runners say about Nimitz Trail South Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (54 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“There are benches along the way which is nice, especially because they are usually facing some scenic views Perfect for a little family stroll.”

Very nice and peaceful place for a walk, run or a bike ride. The parking is usually very crowded, but cars tend to park along the road too. There's a public restroom too, no tap water though.

★★★★★ — Tomáš , Jan 2019

Nimitz way trail ➰ wildcat creek trail 10.26 miles/ 3hr47min( 3 people ) It is beautiful trail and also a little bit easy . Almost all the road is flat but it depends on the weather. It was heavy raining for last a few weeks in CA , so some of the road are wet, need to be careful when you hiking there .

★★★★☆ — Miley , Apr 2023

Green and pastoral in February, and paved for much of the way through. Perfect for bike rides, runs, or a hike in the muddy rain season! Stopped by Lawrence Hall of Science on the way back for some nice views of the city.

★★★★★ — Elise , Feb 2025

Beautiful trail. One between the nature. Weather is always good. Parking available near inspiration point and the trail starts from there. Restrooms available.

★★★★★ — Khushan , Jan 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 54 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 18 mentions

“There are benches along the way which is nice, especially because they are usually facing some scenic views Perfect for a little family stroll.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 6 mentions

“Green and pastoral in February, and paved for much of the way through.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“The only issue was that I went with my dog, I checked her when we finished our walk and she had a lot of tiny insects in her body.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“Stunning views of rolling hills and a blue reservoir, birds, bunnies, and lizards.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“The parking is usually very crowded, but cars tend to park along the road too.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 3 mentions

“Stroller friendly, nice view but expect lots of people and busy parking.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“It’s all relatively flat, but you will be exposed to the sun and wind so bring plenty of water.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“There's a public restroom too, no tap water though.”

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Plan your run at Nimitz Trail South Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.

Hours

Monday 5 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 5 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 5 AM–10 PM
Thursday 5 AM–10 PM
Friday 5 AM–10 PM
Saturday 5 AM–10 PM
Sunday 5 AM–10 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Nimitz Trail South Trailhead

750 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Berkeley, CA 94708

Get directions

Running trails near Berkeley

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.